this post was submitted on 04 Nov 2025
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Want some advice on which filaments to use (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by idunnololz@lemmy.world to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world
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New to 3D printing (my printer didn't even arrive yet) but I have a few projects I want to start with and I am unsure of the correct or best materials to use for them.

So here are three things I want to print for sure:

  1. Adjustable leg for IKEA BROR. This BROR rack already has a ton of stuff on it, likely in the 20 - 30 KG range so it would need to be a material that can stand that weight. It's also a garage so the expected temperature range is something like 30 to -5C
  2. Some counter top containers to hold things. One of the things I want to hold are laundry detergents. These can be a bit heavy and some detergent can spill, not sure if this can react with the plastic. Indoor use only so the temp range is like 25 to 20C.
  3. Mount plate for a post cap light. I will be screwing these into the post and then the light will lock on to them. The post cap light itself is pretty light however it needs to be able to withstand the elements (snow, rain) and also animals like raccoons and squirrels that might try to pry them off. Temp. range is like 30C to -30C.

If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

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[–] neidu3@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

99% of what I print is PETG. I mostly do functional parts and appreciate the improved temp tolerance, UV resistance, and lower brittleness compared to PLA.

It's only slightly harder to print than PLA, but it's still pretty easy. It's what I started with upon getting back into printing, and the main challenges are the importance of getting the flow factor (extrusion multiplier) dialed in correctly, and getting proper bed adhesion (a clean textured build sheet FTW). Be sure to use a rubber sock on your nozzle - PETG is really sticky.

You don't NEED a filament dryer, but it's highly recommended. They don't cost an arm and/or a leg either. I use a Creality dryer, which holds two spools - The one I'm currently printing from, and the next roll up. The rest of my spools sit open on a shelf.

[–] franzfurdinand@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

If you have a plastic tub roughly the size of a spool, you can flip it over on top of a spool and run your bed heater underneath it. Is it perfect? No. But you can get some of that drying capability for very little in terms of money.

[–] neidu3@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

True. I've also heard people using the kitchen oven to dry filament spools. It's better than nothing, as long as the spool doesn't get too hot.

[–] franzfurdinand@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

Oh that's a fair shout too! Yeah it'd be easy to cook your spool haha