Does the Cost of Filament Correlate with the Quality?

In this potentially polarizing session, we dive into the intricacies of filament quality versus price. We defined quality by specific metrics: diameter, circularity, polymeric composition, heat transfer characteristics, and crystallinity. In our study, we analyzed a selection of more than a dozen spools of popular filament from some of the most popular vendors, ranging from “consumer” to “professional” tier products, using techniques such as dimensional metrology of entire spools and analytical instruments like TGA (Thermal Stability and Composition), FTIR (Chemical Composition), DSC (Temperature Response, Glass Transition Temperature), and XRD (Crystallinity). Our goal is to find out what we all want to know – Do you really get what you pay for?

During this session, we will present and discuss our findings. We will answer questions like- What might be different about that suspiciously cheap roll of PETG? Might it contain unexpected materials like fillers that could affect print quality? Did the vacuum packaging on the filament I just opened keep it moisture-free during storage and shipping? Is that expensive “professional grade” filament really manufactured to a higher dimensional tolerance? Is it a “pure” polymer, or might there be some unexpected material in it that changes its heat transfer properties?

Join us for this exciting discussion to find out!