What is a 3D filament used for?
A 3D filament is the raw material used by FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers. Supplied on a spool, the filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle, then deposited layer by layer to create the final part.
Choosing the right filament is a crucial step. It determines not only the mechanical properties of the printed part, but also its strength, flexibility, biocompatibility, and its ability to meet the specific requirements of a particular application.
In the research, industrial, and medical sectors, the performance of a printed part depends as much on the quality of the material as on the quality of the printing process itself.
The different types of 3D filaments
Today, a wide variety of 3D filaments is available to meet a broad range of requirements.
Standard filaments such as PLA, ABS, and PETG are widely used for prototyping, functional testing, and the production of technical parts.
Alongside these materials, technical filaments have been developed for applications requiring specific properties, including high mechanical strength, flexibility, heat resistance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
These advanced materials enable innovative applications, particularly in the medical field.
Selecting the right filament is a key factor in the success of any 3D printing project.
Why is choosing the right filament so important?
The material used has a direct impact on the performance of the printed part.
Depending on the selected filament, it is possible to achieve:
- High mechanical strength
- Excellent flexibility
- Superior dimensional stability
- Biocompatibility suitable for medical applications
- Controlled biodegradability according to project requirements
3D filaments at Lattice Services
At Lattice Services, we offer a range of technical filaments carefully selected to meet the demanding requirements of medical, research, and innovation projects.
Our expertise enables us to guide customers in selecting the material best suited to their technical and regulatory requirements.
Resorbable 3D filaments for implantable applications
Biodegradable polymers play an important role in the development of innovative medical devices. They make it possible to manufacture temporary implants that support the body’s natural healing and regeneration processes before gradually being resorbed.
Our product range includes:
- Caprolactisse (PCL): A slow-resorbing biodegradable polymer, particularly well suited for implants requiring long-term structural support.
- Dioxactisse 100 (PDO): A biocompatible material with excellent mechanical properties, widely used in resorbable medical applications.
- Glycolactisse 85/15 (PLGA 10% HA): Enriched with hydroxyapatite, this material is specifically designed for bone and tissue regeneration applications.
- Poly-Caprolactisse 70/30 (PLCL): A material combining flexibility and strength, ideal for medical devices requiring high elasticity.
3D filaments for skin-contact medical devices
Not all medical applications require implantable materials. For devices intended to come into direct contact with the skin, we also offer a selection of technical filaments that meet demanding standards for comfort, durability, and biocompatibility.
Our range includes:
- Medical ABS and Medical Black ABS: Robust materials ideal for technical components.
- Medical PC: Offers outstanding mechanical strength and excellent transparency.
- Medical PETG: Easy to print, highly durable, and particularly well suited for medical equipment.
- Medical PLA: A biodegradable material intended for temporary applications.
- Medical TPE: A soft, flexible elastomer that provides excellent comfort in skin-contact applications.
These materials enable the design of reliable medical devices while meeting the stringent requirements of the most demanding applications.
