Our Favorite Filaments for 3D Printing Polymer Clay Cutters
So, you’ve got your 3D printer ready to rock, and now you’re wondering, “Which filament should I use?” With so many options out there, it can feel like walking into a candy store—too many colorful choices, and you’re not sure which one will make your 3D print shine (or melt into an unholy blob). Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a fun and educational rundown of our absolute favorite filaments and a few to avoid, so you can focus on getting those high-quality prints without the hassle.
⭐ Our Top 3 Recommended Filaments
1. Overture PLA+
This is the Swiss Army knife of filaments. Overture PLA+ is known for its great balance of strength, flexibility, and ease of printing. Perfect for both beginners and pros, it extrudes like butter and provides strong layer adhesion, which means fewer failed prints. Plus, it’s less brittle than regular PLA, making it a solid choice for polymer clay cutters.
Why we love it: It’s forgiving, prints at lower temperatures, and offers great consistency. A perfect "go-to" filament when you need reliability.
Recommended Print Temp: 220 F
2. Esun PLA+
If Overture is the Swiss Army knife, then Esun PLA+ is the trusty workhorse. This filament is a fan favorite because it strikes the perfect balance between price and performance. Esun’s PLA+ is stronger and more flexible than traditional PLA, with a slightly higher melting point. It’s perfect for everyday prints where durability is needed.
Why we love it: It’s strong, reliable, and affordable. Plus, the color selection is fantastic.
3. Bambu PLA
Bambu PLA is the new kid on the block, and it’s making waves. Offering crisp, detailed prints, it is designed to work flawlessly with high-speed printers (like Bambu Lab's super-fast machines). Even if you’re not printing at warp speed, you’ll appreciate the smooth extrusion and high-quality finish. Plus, its affordability and price per spool can't be matched, making it the most affordable filament on our list of favorites!
Why we love it: Its affordable, yet reliable. Excellent surface finish and minimal stringing. It's perfect for detailed models or when you need a quick print without sacrificing quality.
💡 Fun Specialty Filaments to Try
Why stick to the basics when there are so many funky filaments out there? Spice up your printing game with some of these creative options:
🧵 Silk Filament
If you want your prints to shine—literally—then silk filament is your friend. This PLA variant is formulated to give a glossy, metallic finish that makes it look like you polished your prints for hours. Use it for decorative models, vases, or anything you want to pop visually. Just note that silk filament can be a bit weaker than standard PLA, so it’s not the best choice for functional parts.
🌑 Granite Filament
Ever wanted your prints to look like they’re carved from stone? Granite filament is a textured PLA that gives your prints a speckled, stone-like appearance. It’s great for terrain models, architectural pieces, or anything that needs a rugged, natural look. Just remember, these composite filaments can be a bit more abrasive on your nozzle, so consider using a hardened nozzle to avoid wear and tear. Because of the granite particles, this filament can be prone to clogging your nozzle, so be mindful of that!
🖤 Matte Filament
Matte PLA is a must-try if you’re tired of glossy finishes and want something sleek and subtle. It produces prints with a smooth, non-reflective surface that looks professional and hides layer lines better than traditional PLA. Matte filament is great for anything from prototypes to finished parts that need a refined, understated look.
🌡️ Thermo-Changing Filament
Yes, you read that right—thermo-changing filament! This magical material changes color based on temperature. Imagine printing a cutter that changes color when you hold it. It’s a fun way to add some interactivity to your prints, but just keep in mind it’s usually a bit more brittle than standard PLA.
🚫 Filaments to Avoid (and Why)
Not all filaments are created equal, and we’ve had our fair share of headaches with certain brands and types. Here’s a couple that didn’t make the cut.
Hatchbox
Hatchbox used to be one of the go-to brands for hobbyists, but recently, quality control has taken a nosedive. Warping, inconsistent diameter, and poor adhesion are all common issues with their filament now. While it was once great, it’s no longer worth the gamble.
Sunlu
Another one to avoid is Sunlu. We’ve seen more stringing and clogging with this filament than we care to admit. The price may be tempting, but it’s not worth the frustration. Better to spend a little extra on a filament that won’t turn your print bed into spaghetti.
❌ Why You Should Avoid ABS
ABS might seem like a great option for strong, durable prints, but it comes with a lot of baggage. It’s notorious for warping (even with a heated bed), and the fumes it releases when heated can be harmful without proper ventilation. Plus, PLA+ has come so far in recent years that it’s often just as strong, making ABS more trouble than it’s worth.
Unless you have a fully enclosed printer and need high-heat resistance, we recommend steering clear of ABS. Your lungs will thank you!
Final Thoughts
The filament you choose can make or break your 3D printing experience, so it’s worth experimenting to find what works best for you. If you’re just getting started, you can’t go wrong with Overture PLA+, Esun PLA+, or Bambu PLA. And if you want to add a bit of flair to your prints, give silk, granite, or matte filaments a try. Just steer clear of Hatchbox, Sunlu, and, unless you have special printing requirements, ABS!
Happy printing! ✨