Using Poor or Cheap Filament

Using poor or cheap filament in a 3D printer can lead to several issues that affect print quality, printer longevity, and overall efficiency.

Here’s a breakdown of potential problems and how to mitigate them:

Inconsistent Diameter: Cheap filaments often have variations in diameter (e.g., ±0.1mm or more instead of ±0.02mm), leading to extrusion inconsistencies, under-extrusion, and layer gaps.
Poor Adhesion: Some budget filaments don’t adhere well to the print bed or between layers, causing warping and weak prints.
Excessive Stringing & Blobbing: Impurities and additives in low-quality filament can cause uncontrolled extrusion, resulting in stringing and blobs on prints.
Color and Finish Issues: Inconsistent pigment mixing can lead to patchy or faded colors.

Nozzle Clogs: Poorly made filaments may contain dust, dirt, or oversized particles, clogging the nozzle and requiring frequent cleaning or replacements.
Increased Wear on Components: Some budget filaments have unregulated additives that can accelerate wear on brass nozzles, extruder gears, and PTFE tubes.
Inconsistent Flow Rate: Variations in filament density and quality can cause extruder skipping and uneven layer deposition.
Can lead to blocked Nozzels and a ball of welded material around the print head leading to and expensive repair.

Brittle Prints: Cheap filaments often use subpar plastic mixtures, leading to brittle prints that snap or break easily.
Lower Heat Resistance: Some low-cost PLA or PETG filaments soften at lower temperatures, making them unsuitable for functional parts.
Warping & Shrinking: Inconsistent formulations can cause excessive warping, particularly with ABS or PETG.

Toxic Additives: Some low-cost filaments may include harmful chemicals or heavy metals, which could release unsafe fumes when printing.
Poor Packaging & Moisture Absorption: Budget filaments are often poorly vacuum-sealed, allowing moisture absorption that leads to print defects and extruder issues.

Failed prints due to adhesion issues or weak filament often lead to wasted material, printer downtime, and frustration.

Stick to Reputable Brands: Brands like Creality, Eckoo, eSun, Polymaker, or filament by your printer manufacture offer good balance between affordability and quality.
Check Tolerances: Look for a filament with a diameter tolerance of ±0.02mm.
Buy Properly Sealed Filaments: Ensure the filament is vacuum-sealed with desiccant to prevent moisture issues.
Perform Test Prints: Run small calibration prints before committing to a large project.
Store Filament Properly: Use airtight storage with silica gel to maintain quality or ideal in a Drybox Cabinet.