Understanding 3D Printing Filaments
The type of filament you choose affects not only the appearance of your print, but also its strength, flexibility, heat resistance and cost. Most filaments are sold on 1kg spools, and because relatively little material is needed for small objects, 3D printing can be surprisingly economical.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Typical spool price: £15–£25 per kg
Approximate cost to print a Rubik's Cube-sized object: £0.80–£1.50
PLA is the most popular filament for home users. It's made from renewable plant-based materials such as corn starch, prints easily and produces excellent results with minimal warping.
Best for:
- Decorative objects
- Toys
- Household organisers
- Prototypes
- Models and miniatures
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Typical spool price: £18–£30 per kg
Approximate cost to print a Rubik's Cube-sized object: £1.00–£1.80
PETG combines the ease of PLA with greater strength and durability. It's more resistant to moisture and impact, making it ideal for functional parts.
Best for:
- Plant pots
- Storage boxes
- Outdoor accessories
- Replacement household parts
- Water-resistant items
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Typical spool price: £25–£40 per kg
Approximate cost to print a Rubik's Cube-sized object: £1.50–£2.80
TPU is a flexible, rubber-like material that can bend and stretch without breaking. It's ideal for protective and wearable items.
Best for:
- Phone cases
- Gaskets
- Flexible hinges
- Protective covers
- Shoe accessories
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Typical spool price: £18–£30 per kg
Approximate cost to print a Rubik's Cube-sized object: £1.00–£1.80
ABS is a tough engineering plastic with excellent heat resistance. It requires an enclosed printer to reduce warping and is commonly used for functional products.
Best for:
-Tool holders
- Automotive parts
- Mechanical components
- Durable household items
- Toys
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
Typical spool price: £25–£40 per kg
Approximate cost to print a Rubik's Cube-sized object: £1.50–£2.80
ASA offers similar strength to ABS but with much better UV resistance, making it ideal for items that will be used outdoors.
Best for:
- Garden accessories
- Outdoor signs
- Bicycle components
- Weather-resistant enclosures
Nylon (Polyamide)
Typical spool price: £35–£60 per kg
Approximate cost to print a Rubik's Cube-sized object: £2.00–£4.00
Nylon is exceptionally strong, wear-resistant and slightly flexible. It is commonly used for moving parts and engineering applications but requires careful storage to keep moisture out.
Best for:
- Gears
- Bearings
- Mechanical parts
- Workshop tools
- High-strength functional prints
Carbon Fibre Reinforced Filaments
Typical spool price: £40–£80 per kg
Approximate cost to print a Rubik's Cube-sized object: £2.50–£5.50
These specialist filaments combine plastics such as PLA, PETG or Nylon with chopped carbon fibres, producing lightweight yet extremely rigid parts. They require a hardened steel nozzle because the fibres are abrasive.
Best for:
- Drone parts
- RC vehicles
- Robotics
- Engineering prototypes
- High-performance components
Is 3D Printing Expensive?
One of the biggest surprises for new owners is how inexpensive most prints are. Even a fairly large decorative object often costs less than £2 in filament, while smaller items such as hooks, clips, cable organisers or replacement knobs may only use 20–30p worth of material. Although the initial investment in a printer can range from a few hundred pounds to over £1,000, the ongoing material costs are remarkably low, making 3D printing a cost-effective hobby for creative makers and DIY enthusiasts.
