Polymers and Modifiers

Polymer Types

Polymers are organized into three categories based on their properties, printing difficulty, and typical use cases.

Common Polymers

Widely available materials suitable for most hobbyist and professional applications.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

• Properties: Biodegradable, easy to print, rigid
• Print temp: 190-220°C
• Bed temp: 20-60°C
• Uses: Prototypes, decorative items, low-stress parts
• Notes: Lowest printing difficulty, minimal warping

PLA+

• Properties: Enhanced strength and temperature resistance vs. standard PLA
• Print temp: 200-230°C
• Bed temp: 40-60°C
• Uses: Functional parts requiring better durability than PLA
• Notes: Slightly more challenging than PLA

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

• Properties: Strong, durable, some flexibility, chemical resistant
• Print temp: 220-250°C
• Bed temp: 70-90°C
• Uses: Mechanical parts, containers, outdoor use
• Notes: Good all-around material, minimal odor

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Properties: Strong, heat resistant, can be acetone smoothed
• Print temp: 230-260°C
• Bed temp: 90-110°C
• Uses: Functional parts, automotive components, enclosures
• Notes: Requires enclosure, produces fumes, prone to warping

ABS+

• Properties: Improved layer adhesion and reduced warping vs. ABS
• Print temp: 230-260°C
• Bed temp: 90-110°C
• Uses: Same as ABS with better printability

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

• Properties: UV resistant, weather resistant, similar to ABS
• Print temp: 240-270°C
• Bed temp: 90-110°C
• Uses: Outdoor parts, automotive, UV-exposed applications
• Notes: Better UV resistance than ABS

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

• Properties: Flexible, elastic, abrasion resistant
• Print temp: 210-240°C
• Bed temp: 30-60°C
• Uses: Flexible parts, gaskets, phone cases, tires
• Notes: Print speed must be slower, direct drive recommended
• Hardness: See Shore hardness modifiers below

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

• Properties: Very flexible, rubber-like
• Print temp: 210-230°C
• Bed temp: 20-50°C
• Uses: Ultra-flexible parts, soft-touch surfaces

PEBA (Polyether Block Amide)

• Properties: Extremely flexible, chemical resistant
• Print temp: 210-230°C
• Bed temp: 20-40°C
• Uses: Athletic equipment, specialized flexible parts
• Notes: Brands like Ninjaflex

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

• Properties: Similar to ABS, dissolvable in limonene
• Print temp: 230-250°C
• Bed temp: 90-110°C
• Uses: Support material for ABS, parts requiring ABS properties

Cleaner

• Properties: Special filament for cleaning nozzles
• Uses: Purging between material changes, cleaning nozzle buildup
• Notes: Not for printing parts

Engineering Polymers

Advanced materials with specialized properties for demanding applications.

PA6 (Nylon 6)

• Properties: High strength, abrasion resistant, flexible
• Print temp: 230-260°C
• Bed temp: 70-90°C
• Uses: Gears, bearings, mechanical parts, hinges
• Notes: Very hygroscopic, requires dry storage and drying before use

PA12 (Nylon 12)

• Properties: Lower moisture absorption than PA6, good impact resistance
• Print temp: 240-270°C
• Bed temp: 70-90°C
• Uses: Living hinges, snap fits, durable parts

PA66 (Nylon 66)

• Properties: Higher temperature resistance than PA6
• Print temp: 250-280°C
• Bed temp: 80-100°C
• Uses: High-temperature mechanical parts

PC (Polycarbonate)

• Properties: Very strong, impact resistant, transparent options
• Print temp: 260-310°C
• Bed temp: 90-120°C
• Uses: Safety equipment, optical parts, high-impact applications
• Notes: Requires high-temp hotend, enclosure recommended

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)

• Properties: Chemical resistant, low moisture absorption
• Print temp: 240-270°C
• Bed temp: 70-90°C
• Uses: Automotive parts, electrical components

PP (Polypropylene)

• Properties: Chemical resistant, low friction, flexible
• Print temp: 220-250°C
• Bed temp: 80-100°C
• Uses: Living hinges, containers, chemical-resistant parts
• Notes: Very poor bed adhesion, requires special preparation

POM (Polyoxymethylene/Acetal)

• Properties: Low friction, high stiffness, good dimensional stability
• Print temp: 190-220°C
• Bed temp: 80-100°C
• Uses: Gears, bearings, precision mechanical parts

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

• Properties: Similar to PETG, recyclable
• Print temp: 220-250°C
• Bed temp: 70-90°C

PCTG (Polycyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

• Properties: Similar to PETG with better clarity and impact resistance
• Print temp: 220-260°C
• Bed temp: 70-90°C
• Uses: Transparent parts, medical applications

Industrial Polymers

High-performance materials for specialized industrial and aerospace applications.

PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)

• Properties: Extreme temperature resistance, chemical resistance, biocompatible
• Print temp: 360-400°C
• Bed temp: 120-150°C
• Uses: Aerospace, medical implants, extreme-environment parts
• Notes: Requires specialized high-temp printer

PEKK (Polyetherketoneketone)

• Properties: Similar to PEEK with better mechanical properties
• Print temp: 360-400°C
• Bed temp: 120-150°C
• Uses: Aerospace, automotive, oil and gas

PEI (Polyetherimide/Ultem)

• Properties: High strength, flame resistant, biocompatible
• Print temp: 340-380°C
• Bed temp: 120-150°C
• Uses: Aerospace, automotive, medical, flame-resistant parts

PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone)

• Properties: Impact resistant, chemical resistant, heat resistant
• Print temp: 340-380°C
• Bed temp: 120-150°C
• Uses: Medical devices, sterilizable parts, aerospace

PPA (Polyphthalamide)

• Properties: High heat resistance, chemical resistant
• Print temp: 290-320°C
• Bed temp: 100-130°C
• Uses: Automotive, under-hood applications

PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide)

• Properties: Excellent chemical resistance, high temp
• Print temp: 310-350°C
• Bed temp: 120-140°C
• Uses: Chemical processing, automotive, aerospace

PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)

• Properties: Exceptional chemical resistance, UV resistant
• Print temp: 360-380°C
• Bed temp: 100-120°C
• Uses: Chemical processing equipment, outdoor applications

PCL (Polycaprolactone)

• Properties: Biodegradable, low melting point
• Print temp: 90-120°C
• Bed temp: 20-40°C
• Uses: Medical, biodegradable applications

PAHT (Polyamide High Temperature)

• Properties: High temperature nylon variant
• Print temp: 260-290°C
• Bed temp: 80-110°C
• Uses: High-temp mechanical parts

PA12HT (Nylon 12 High Temperature)

• Properties: PA12 with enhanced heat resistance
• Print temp: 260-290°C
• Bed temp: 80-110°C

PA66HT (Nylon 66 High Temperature)

• Properties: PA66 with enhanced heat resistance
• Print temp: 270-300°C
• Bed temp: 90-120°C

Modifiers

Modifiers describe additional properties of filaments beyond the base polymer. Spool Buddy supports three categories.

Filler Modifiers

Materials added to the base polymer to change structural, thermal, or electrical properties.

Carbon Fiber (CF)

• Properties: Increased stiffness, reduced weight, improved layer adhesion
• Appearance: Matte black, visible fiber texture
• Notes: Abrasive (use hardened nozzle)
• Common combinations: PLA-CF, PETG-CF, PA-CF

Glass Fiber (GF)

• Properties: Increased strength and stiffness, heat resistance
• Appearance: Often translucent or has sheen
• Notes: Abrasive (use hardened nozzle)
• Common combinations: PA-GF, PP-GF

High Speed (HF)

• Properties: Formulated for faster print speeds
• Notes: Reduces print time without sacrificing quality
• Common combinations: PLA-HF, PETG-HF

High Temp (HT)

• Properties: Enhanced temperature resistance
• Notes: Better heat deflection temperature than base polymer
• Common combinations: PLA-HT, PETG-HT

Aramid Fiber (Kevlar)

• Properties: Extreme strength, impact resistance
• Appearance: Yellow fibers visible
• Notes: Very abrasive, specialized nozzle required

Other Fillers

• Basalt Fiber: Strength, heat resistance
• Wood: Natural wood appearance, lighter weight
• Bamboo: Similar to wood with eco-friendly properties
• Cork: Lightweight, texture
• Stone: Heavy, stone-like appearance
• Metal Fill (Copper, Bronze, Steel, Aluminum): Heavy, metallic appearance, can be polished
• Ceramic: Heat resistant properties
• Glass Beads: Improved surface finish, stiffness
• Magnetic: Magnetic properties
• Conductive: Electrical conductivity
• ESD: Electrostatic discharge protection
• Anti-Static: Reduces static buildup
• Foaming: Expands during printing, lightweight parts

Visual Modifiers

Affect the surface finish, appearance, and optical properties of prints.

Surface Finishes

Matte

• Properties: Non-reflective, smooth appearance
• Uses: Professional-looking parts, reduces visible layer lines
• Common: Very popular for functional parts

Basic

• Properties: Standard filament finish
• Notes: No special visual properties

Glossy

• Properties: Shiny, reflective surface
• Uses: Decorative parts, vases

Silk

• Properties: Metallic sheen, smooth surface
• Appearance: Shiny with subtle shimmer
• Uses: Decorative prints, artistic pieces
• Common combinations: Silk PLA in various colors

Opacity

Translucent

• Properties: Allows light to pass through diffusely
• Uses: Lamp shades, lithophanes, light diffusers

Transparent

• Properties: Clear, see-through
• Uses: Windows, lenses, display cases
• Notes: Can be polished for better clarity

Opaque

• Properties: Completely blocks light
• Notes: Standard for most filaments

Special Effects

Metallic

• Properties: Metal-like appearance
• Appearance: Shiny with metallic particles
• Notes: Different from metal-fill (lighter weight)

Pearl

• Properties: Pearlescent shimmer
• Appearance: Color-shifting sheen

Sparkle/Glitter

• Properties: Contains reflective particles
• Appearance: Sparkles when light hits it
• Notes: Can be slightly abrasive

Rainbow/Multicolor

• Properties: Color changes along filament length
• Appearance: Each print has different colors
• Notes: Color distribution is random

Marble

• Properties: Marbled color pattern
• Appearance: Swirled colors resembling marble stone

Galaxy

• Properties: Dark base with colorful speckles
• Appearance: Space/galaxy effect

Reactive Properties

Glow in the Dark

• Properties: Phosphorescent, glows after light exposure
• Appearance: Usually green or blue glow
• Notes: Abrasive, charge under bright light before use
• Duration: Glows for 15-60 minutes

UV Reactive

• Properties: Glows under UV/blacklight
• Appearance: Bright fluorescent under UV
• Uses: Party decorations, reactive art

Color Changing (Thermochromic)

• Properties: Changes color with temperature
• Appearance: Shifts between colors at specific temps
• Uses: Temperature indicators, interactive art

Fluorescent/Neon

• Properties: Extremely bright, vivid colors
• Appearance: Eye-catching bright colors
• Uses: Safety items, attention-grabbing parts

Multi-Color Effects

Dual Color (Duo)

• Properties: Two colors alternate along filament
• Appearance: Distinct color changes

Gradient

• Properties: Smooth color transition
• Appearance: Fades from one color to another

Hardness Modifiers (TPU/Flexible Materials)

Shore hardness indicates the flexibility of TPU and other flexible materials.

Shore A Scale (More Flexible)

60A

• Properties: Very soft, rubber-like
• Uses: Extreme flexibility applications
• Print difficulty: Hardest to print

70A

• Properties: Soft, flexible
• Uses: Flexible parts with good give

80A

• Properties: Medium flexibility
• Uses: General flexible parts

85A

• Properties: Medium-firm
• Uses: Balance of flexibility and structure

90A

• Properties: Firm but flexible
• Uses: General purpose TPU
• Print difficulty: Easier to print

95A

• Properties: Very firm, slight flex
• Uses: Parts needing minimal flex
• Print difficulty: Easiest TPU to print

98A

• Properties: Almost rigid
• Uses: Parts needing just a bit of give

Shore D Scale (More Rigid)

40D

• Properties: Hard plastic with tiny amount of flex
• Uses: Nearly rigid parts

55D

• Properties: Rigid plastic
• Uses: Rigid parts with slight impact absorption

64D

• Properties: Very hard
• Uses: Alternative to rigid plastics

Note: Higher numbers mean harder/more rigid. 95A is softer than 40D.

Selecting Materials

For Your Project

Consider:

1. Mechanical requirements: Strength, flexibility, impact resistance
2. Environmental conditions: Temperature, UV exposure, chemicals
3. Print complexity: Overhangs, supports, detail
4. Printer capabilities: Max hotend temp, enclosure, direct drive
5. Post-processing: Sanding, painting, acetone smoothing

For Your Printer

Match material requirements to your printer:

• Basic printers: PLA, PETG, TPU (if direct drive)
• Enclosed printers: Add ABS, ASA, Nylon
• High-temp printers: PC, high-temp nylon variants
• Industrial printers: PEEK, PEI, PPSU

For Your Environment

• High humidity: Use dry storage, prefer PLA, ABS over hygroscopic nylon
• Display/outdoor: Use ASA for UV resistance
• Functional parts: PETG, ABS, Nylon depending on strength needs
• Prototypes: PLA for speed and ease

Using in Spool Buddy

Selecting Polymer

When adding a filament, the polymer dropdown organizes materials by category (Common, Engineering, Industrial). This helps you:

• Find materials quickly
• Understand the complexity level
• Choose appropriate materials for your skill level

Adding Modifiers

Add modifiers that meaningfully affect your printing decisions:

• Structural modifiers (CF, GF): Affect print settings, require hardened nozzle
• Visual modifiers: Help you identify filaments, don't affect print settings
• Hardness: Critical for TPU flexibility and print settings

Auto-Generated Names

Spool Buddy uses your polymer and modifier selections to generate descriptive names:

• PLA-CF Matte Black - You know it's carbon fiber and needs a hardened nozzle
• TPU 95A Transparent - You know the hardness and appearance
• PETG Silk Galaxy - You know the visual properties

This makes identifying filaments fast and intuitive.