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Source for PLA and ABS filament

Posted by chucketn

chucketn

Source for PLA and ABS filament
May 21, 2017 08:18AM

Registered: 6 years ago
Posts: 12

I am about to order an Anet A8 from E-bay. I see that most only come with a small amount of filament. What is your favorite source of filament? What is a good price.
I am just learning 3d printing, so be kind. I've been told to use PLA for the setup and first print. When would you use ABS over PLA and vice-versa?

Chuck

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SteveRoy

Re: Source for PLA and ABS filament
May 21, 2017 09:53PM

Registered: 10 years ago
Posts: 477

PLA is more brittle than ABS but a lot easier to print with.
ABS requires a hotter bed and a consistent room/ambient temperature to stop it shrinking and lifting off the heat bed surface (I use buildtak at 65c for printing ABS).

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jaded

Re: Source for PLA and ABS filament
May 21, 2017 11:40PM

Registered: 7 years ago
Posts: 58

I get my filaments from amazon. Pla, tpu, petg. Hatchbox.

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VonRansak

Re: Source for PLA and ABS filament
May 24, 2017 12:44AM

Registered: 7 years ago
Posts: 73

I'm using Inland because I can get it at my local MicroCenter for $15/kg. If I get Amazon Prime again, then I'd probably get some filament online at a similar price.

I'd start with PLA because the first bit, you'll be tuning and calibrating. So doesn't hurt to get familiar with the equipment at lower temperatures before you raise the temps with ABS.