When 3D printing a model with overhangs or hollow spaces, use these filaments to prevent the model from losing its shape. They support the structure during the printing and cooling process, then dissolve or snap away once the part is hardened. Use them in dual-extrusion fused filament fabrication (FFF) printers alongside your primary filament. Unlike parts with supports printed from a single filament, there’s no cutting, sanding, or polishing required.

Choose a filament that has similar printing requirements as your primary filament. You will want to choose a support filament that prints at a similar temperature as your primary filament and has the same requirements for a heated build chamber, so they cool at the same rate and won’t warp.

You should also consider how you will remove the structural support filament from your finished part.

Stretchy, soft, and sturdy, these filaments make durable parts that resist breakage despite repeated use. Stronger than ABS and PLA filaments, they create long-lasting parts, such as seals, sleeves, and gaskets, as well as components that take on high-impact forces, such as springs and snap-fit parts. These filaments don't require a heated printer bed, and they won't shrink or warp when cooling. Use them with a fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer. In general, these flexible filaments require a slow feed rate so they don't jam. The softer your filament, the slower your feed rate will need to be. Store them in a sealed container with a desiccant, or use a dehumidifying cabinet, since ambient humidity will cause the plastic to degrade and weaken.

Maximum exposure temperature is the point at which a printed part will begin to deform. Above this temperature, your printed parts will start to lose structural integrity.

Often used to make bearings, worm gears, and other smooth moving parts, these filaments create parts that won’t wear out from constant motion. They're a slippery plastic blend, so they have better wear resistance and lower friction than other filaments.

Print these filaments on a fused filament fabrication (FFF) printer. Because of their high melting point, a heated printer bed is recommended since the parts will cool too quickly and warp without it. You must use an enclosed printer or fume exhauster while printing these filaments. Store them in a sealed container with a desiccant, or use a dehumidifying cabinet, since moisture in the air can degrade their printing quality.

Maximum exposure temperature is the point at which a printed part will begin to deform. Above this temperature, your printed parts will start to lose structural integrity.

Best for outdoor use, parts made from these ASA filaments are UV resistant, so they won't warp or crack from prolonged sun exposure. They’re also durable, so they absorb impact without breaking and won’t degrade when heated.

Use with fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer. These filaments have a high melting point and must be printed onto a heated bed. Without it, parts will cool too quickly and warp. These filaments also release fumes as they are printed, so use an enclosed printer or a fume exhauster to ventilate them.

Maximum exposure temperature is the point at which a printed part will begin to deform. Above this temperature, your printed parts will start to lose structural integrity.

Print tough, long-lasting parts that won’t scratch or wear out from constant motion and friction, such as gears and washers. You can even tap or drill the parts without them cracking or shattering.

Use these filaments with fused filament fabrication (FFF) printers. Because of their relatively high melting point, a heated printer bed is recommended. These filaments also emit fumes when printing, so it’s best to use them in an enclosed printer or to remove the fumes with a fume exhauster. Store them in a sealed container with a desiccant so they don’t absorb moisture in the air, which can make them unusable.

Maximum exposure temperature is the point at which a printed part will begin to deform. Above this temperature, your printed parts will start to lose structural integrity.

Print these polypropylene filaments into filters, gaskets, and other lightweight, foam-like parts that let air and gas pass through but repel water. They contain a filler that dissolves in water, forming hollow spaces that make up 45% of the part. Polypropylene is known for being rigid yet flexible, so it absorbs impacts and bounces back to shape after bending, making these filaments good for compressible seals and living hinges. It also resists hydrocholoric and phosphoric acids, as well as other nonoxidizing acids and bases.

These filaments work with fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers. If using a glass print surface, apply an adhesive to prevent the filament from detaching. The recommended print speed is 25 mm/s. While polypropylene is likely to shrink, the filler in these filaments supports your design, preventing it from losing shape as it prints. Submerge your part in hot water for about 24 hours after printing to dissolve the filler and expose the pores.

For extra support when printing complex designs, use structural support 3D printer filaments. They dissolve in water at the same time as this filament’s filler.

Create soft, stretchy parts that are lightweight and foam-like, letting air and gas pass through yet repelling water. These filaments are a TPE blend with a filler that dissolves in water, forming hollow spaces that make up to 45% of the part.

These filaments work with fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers. If using a glass print surface, apply an adhesive to prevent the filament from detaching. The recommended print speed is 25 mm/s. Submerge your part in hot water for about 24 hours after printing to dissolve the filler and expose the pores.

For extra support when printing complex designs, use structural support 3D printer filaments. They dissolve in water at the same time as the filler in these filaments.

Maximum exposure temperature is the point at which a printed part will begin to deform. Above this temperature, your part will start to lose structural integrity.