Approved Filament

Hey Will, first, thanks for asking. Asking is definitely being excellent.

3D Printer Filament Guidelines

Most standard filament is perfectly fine to use on the MakerFX printers, but some specialty materials can damage nozzles, require temperatures our printers aren't configured for, or produce fumes and odors that aren't appropriate for the space.

Generally OK

Prusa and Bambu printers

• PLA
• PLA+
• PETG
• Silk PLA
• Matte PLA
• Multicolor / coextruded PLA
• Sparkle or glitter-effect PLA that does not contain abrasive particles

Filaments such as Prusament Galaxy Black and Galaxy Silver/Gray have visible sparkle flecks but are designed for normal printing and do not require a hardened nozzle.

Many "metallic" or "metallic effect" filaments are also simply colored or formulated to look metallic and are fine to use.

Deltamaker

• PLA only
• Please do not use PETG or other materials on the Deltamaker.

Do NOT use on MakerFX printers

Abrasive / filled materials

• Carbon-fiber filament (CF)
• PLA-CF / PLA+CF
• PETG-CF
• PA-CF / Nylon-CF
• PC-CF
• Glass-fiber filament (GF)
• Glow-in-the-dark filament
• Wood-filled filament
• Hemp or other plant-fiber-filled filament
• Metal-filled filament containing actual metal particles
• Other abrasive or particle-filled specialty filaments

These materials can cause accelerated nozzle wear and may require hardened nozzles or other printer-specific hardware.

High-temperature, fume-producing, or engineering materials

• ABS
• ASA
• Nylon / PA
• PC (Polycarbonate)
• HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
• POM / Acetal
• PP (Polypropylene)
• Other engineering materials requiring specialized temperatures, ventilation, beds, chambers, or printer configurations

Even if a printer is technically capable of printing one of these materials, that does not mean it is approved for use at MakerFX.

Resin

SLA, MSLA, UV-curing resin, and related liquid printing resins should not be used in the 3D printing area. Resin printing requires different equipment, handling procedures, PPE, ventilation, and waste disposal.

The easy rule

If the spool is ordinary PLA or PETG, it's probably fine on the Prusa and Bambu printers.

If the label includes CF, GF, wood, metal, glow, nylon/PA, PC, ABS, ASA, or advertises unusual fillers/additives, please ask before using it.

Also ask before using filament that:

• Produces a noticeable or unusual odor
• Requires unusually high nozzle or bed temperatures
• Recommends a hardened nozzle
• Recommends an enclosed or heated chamber
• Contains fibers, powders, minerals, or other particles
• Has unusual additives or aromatics

If you find an interesting filament and aren't sure about it, post a link or photo of the spool on our slack channel. We'll let you know whether it's appropriate for the MakerFX printers.

This isn't necessarily a complete list -- new filament formulations appear all the time.