What types of filaments can be used in 3D printers?

ABS

It’s probably one of the most common of filaments.

It’s quite strong but the main issue is it’s hard to print. You need a heated bed and it tends to warp on larger prints. But that said it is very strong and durable. It is great for prototyping.

PLA

PLA, is becoming more common because it is easier to print.

But, strength wise it’s lacking quite a bit, it’s quite brittle and can warp at very low temperatures (like being left in the car for about 30 min). However, it is very easy to print and doesn’t warp while printing and you don’t need a heated bed.

PETG

It’s becoming more popular in 3D printing and rightly so.

PETG is used in a lot of common plastic objects and it’s pretty strong. Furthermore you don’t need a heated bed to print this. Although it is difficult to print you will get very very strong results.

Nylon

It’s amazingly strong and it has some interesting properties restarting colour.

Nylon is arguably the strongest on this list which can be printed on a regular printer. You will need an all metal hotend to print because it needs to be heated up to 240 degrees and a heated bed would help.

Polycarbonate

It’s strong but hard to print.

Polycarbonate is the strongest on this list but it’s extremely hard to print. First it needs to printed at a high temperature, second it doesn’t stick to anything and third it could absolutely destroy your nozzle.

Filament list from weakest to strongest

-PLA

-ABS

-PETG

-Nylon

-Polycarbonate

From easiest to print to hardest

-PLA

-PETG

-ABS

-Nylon

-Polycarbonate