Looking for the best 3D printer filament brands to enhance your prints? This guide highlights the top five filament options in 2024, providing insights on each brand’s strengths, ideal use cases, and key pros and cons, helping you choose the right filament for your next project.
#1. Polymaker PolyMax PLA
Polymaker’s PolyMax PLA is a premium PLA that’s designed for strength and durability. It incorporates a unique formulation that improves the material’s toughness, making it ideal for functional parts that need to withstand moderate stress. This filament also offers excellent layer bonding, smooth surfaces, and is generally resistant to warping.
Pros:
- Stronger than standard PLA, ideal for functional prints
- Great layer bonding with a smooth, clean finish
Cons:
- More expensive than other PLA options
Best for:
Users needing tougher, more resilient PLA prints for functional applications.
#2. eSUN PLA+ (PLA PRO)
Known for its higher strength compared to regular PLA, eSUN PLA+ (or PLA PRO) is a popular choice for both hobbyists and professional users. This filament has a glossy finish, excellent layer adhesion, and is more resistant to cracking and impact than standard PLA. It requires a slightly higher extrusion temperature but results in durable, smooth prints.
Pros:
- Durable and resistant to cracking
- Shiny finish and vibrant color options
Cons:
- Requires a higher temperature to print
Best for:
Beginners who want more resilient prints for household items or parts with light mechanical needs.
#3. HATCHBOX PLA
HATCHBOX is one of the most popular PLA filaments due to its consistent quality, ease of use, and compatibility with many 3D printers. This filament offers minimal warping and good layer adhesion, making it a reliable choice for beginners and experienced users alike. HATCHBOX PLA comes in a wide range of colors and is generally affordable, with a diameter tolerance of ±0.03mm for precise printing.
Pros:
- Smooth printing experience with low warping
- Consistent quality across colors
- Affordable and widely available
Cons:
- Limited to PLA; other materials are less readily available from HATCHBOX
Best for:
Beginners looking for a reliable, all-purpose PLA filament for various projects.
#4. Overture PLA
Overture PLA offers an affordable, reliable PLA filament with a great color selection. It’s known for its low odor, bubble-free printing, and smooth feed, which minimizes print failures. It’s a favorite among users who need a wide range of colors and consistent performance at a lower cost. However, it can sometimes tangle, so using a filament guide is recommended.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly with many color options
- Odor-free, smooth feed
Cons:
- Can become brittle if stored improperly
- Prone to tangling without a filament guide
Best for:
Beginners who need an affordable, colorful PLA for a variety of projects without the need for high mechanical strength.
#5. MatterHackers Build Series PLA
MatterHackers Build Series PLA is designed for quality and consistency while keeping costs low. This PLA filament provides good layer adhesion, a glossy finish, and easy removal of supports. Though it’s not as strong as premium brands, it’s an excellent choice for general-purpose prints. However, it may produce some stringing if settings are not optimized.
Pros:
- Glossy finish with strong layer adhesion
- Affordable and reliable for everyday printing
Cons:
- Prone to stringing, requiring fine-tuning
Best for:
Users looking for a cost-effective filament with a solid finish for standard prints.