Getting Started Guide 3 – Filament Deathmatch

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All PLA filaments are Polylactic Acid, but each manufacturer has their own proprietary blends and additives that will modify performance for the end user. We like to focus on part durability rather than aesthetic and ease or print given the usual things we are printing. Thus, we have evaluated many filaments from many manufacturers to find the most consistent and generally best filaments to use for durable, yet easy to finish parts.

Standard Filaments

PLA Pro/+ (polylactic Acid)

Suitable for most prints this material is easy to work with and durable enough for structural printing. It has been the standard material for firearm printing for the last few years, and its durability has been well-tested. It’s also relatively cheap at about $22-$24 per spool. There are other more durable materials but they also come with a higher cost and tougher requirements on both your skill as a printer and the equipment you use. For a beginner, it’s not recommended. 

Best in Class

Pew’s Pick

Polymaker PolyMax/Tough PLA

Polymaker PolyMax has demonstrated an exceptionally high level of performance for this material and excellent finish quality and quality control. This is my material of choice for finishing a print to show off. These are commonly half-sized spools for $24 but for me, the finish quality alone is enough to justify the extra cost.

Purchase Links

• Amazon
• Polymaker

Runner Up

Polymaker PLA+

Polymaker’s PLA Professional(+) is a nice utility filament for every day and prototype printing. It was difficult to choose between this and the 3rd place Oveture filament. The deciding factor is Polymaker’s involvement and willingness to interact with the 3d printing firearm community.

Purchase Links

• Amazon
• Polymaker

Just as Good

Overture PLA (+/Plus/Pro)

Overture filament has performed very well and consistently in testing and is frequently on sale on Amazon. It’s my go-to for everyday prints and design test prints. Things that don’t necessarily need

Purchase Links

• Amazon

Coming Next

Test prints by brand with strength and durability testing.

Further Expansion

We’re always looking to expand this list further. Nylons are next. if you have recommendations for filaments please message us on twitter with your brand/model and experiences. Good and bad.

Additional reading:

• Save time. Start quick – Getting Started Guide 0 – How to Start 3D Printing Quickly
• If you’re still waffling on what printer to get – Getting Started Guide 1 – 3D Printer Shopping Guide.
• Choose your slicer – Getting Started Guide 2 – 2024 Slicer Showdown
• Now you need filament. Get good ones. – Getting Started 3 – Filament deathmatch
• Tune up your printer – Getting Started Guide 4 – How to Setup and Tune Your 3D Printer