Resources

What is FDM 3D Printing?

What is FDM 3D Printing? TLDR FDM (fused deposition modelling, also called FFF) is the most common 3D printing process. A heated nozzle melts plastic filament and lays it down...

What Temperature Does PLA Melt At?

What Temperature Does PLA Melt At? TLDR PLA prints at 200 to 220 C, softens at around 55 C (glass transition), and fully melts at about 170 C. The softening...

Does Filament Absorb Moisture? Yes, and It Matters

Does Filament Absorb Moisture? TLDR Yes, every common 3D printer filament absorbs moisture from air. Nylon and TPU absorb fastest, PETG and ABS slower, PLA slowest. Wet filament prints badly....

How Long Does PLA Filament Last in Storage?

How Long Does PLA Filament Last? TLDR PLA in a sealed bag with silica gel lasts years. PLA in open air lasts months before moisture absorption causes printing issues. Dry...

Is PETG Food Safe? The Layered Answer

Is PETG Food Safe? TLDR Raw PETG resin is food-safe, the same chemistry family as drink bottles. FDM-printed PETG parts are NOT food-safe out of the printer because microscopic gaps...

Is PLA Biodegradable? The Honest Answer

Is PLA Biodegradable? TLDR PLA is industrial compostable, not backyard compostable. In a landfill or backyard compost it persists for decades. Treating PLA as recyclable plastic is more honest than...