Choosing the Right Filament: Ender 3 (V2/Pro/S1) Edition



The Ender family of printers, especially the Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, Ender 3 V2, and Ender 3 S1, has gained immense popularity for providing top-notch performance and versatility within a budget-friendly range. While these printers are known for their exceptional features, including a wide material compatibility, fine-tuning your filament choices can further elevate your 3D printing experience.

In this guide, we'll explore the stock components of Ender 3 series and delve into specific filament settings for optimal results.

best filament for ender 3

Stock Components Overview

  1. Hot end:The stock hot end on Ender 3 series can reach up to 280 °C, though limited to 240 °C due to PTFE tubing. This allows printing with conventional plastics like PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG. Consider the Creality Sprite upgrade for nozzle temperatures up to 300 °C, available stock on the S1.
  2. Nozzle:The standard 0.4-mm brass nozzle on Ender 3s provides excellent performance with a variety of filaments, excluding abrasive materials.
  3. Heated bed:Detachable magnetic heated beds on Ender 3, Pro, and S1 reach temperatures up to 110 °C, facilitating ABS printing. The V2 features a textured glass bed.
  4. Enclosure:While Ender 3s lack enclosures, adding one enhances ABS and HIPS printing capabilities, maintaining a steady temperature.

Best Filament for Ender 3: Filament Specific Settings

The Ender 3 series comes with a reliable hot end that can reach temperatures up to 280 °C, a standard 0.4-mm brass nozzle, and a heated bed with a maximum temperature of 110 °C. Although these printers do not come with an enclosure, one can be added for improved performance.

1. PLA

  • Printing temperature: 180-230 °C.
  • Build plate temperature: 20-60 °C (optional, reduces warping).
  • Print speed: 50 mm/s.
  • Retraction: 6 mm at 25 mm/s.
  • Part-cooling fan: On.

2. ABS

  • Printing temperature: 210-250 °C.
  • Build plate temperature: 90-110 °C.
  • Print speed: 60 mm/s.
  • Retraction: 6 mm at 40 mm/s.
  • Part-cooling fan: Off (gradual cooling prevents layer splitting).

3. PETG

  • Printing temperature: 220-250 °C.
  • Build plate temperature: 50-60 °C.
  • Print speed: 30-50 mm/s.
  • Retraction: Start with 6 mm at 40 mm/s, adjust as needed.
  • Part-cooling fan: On (except for initial layers).

4. TPU

  • Printing temperature: 220-230 °C.
  • Build plate temperature: 60 °C (optional).
  • Print speed: Max 30-40 mm/s.
  • Retraction: Low as possible, start with 3 mm.
  • Part-cooling fan: On.

5. Functional (Soluble) - HIPS

  • Printing temperature: 220-240 °C.
  • Build plate temperature: 90-110 °C.
  • Print speed: Similar to ABS.
  • Retraction: Similar to ABS.
  • Part-cooling fan: Not required.

Functional (Soluble) - PVA

  • Printing temperature: 180-200 °C.
  • Build plate temperature: 45-60 °C.
  • Print speed: Similar to PLA.
  • Retraction: Similar to PLA.
  • Part-cooling fan: Required.
Hyper Series PLA 3D Printing Filament
 
PLA
PLA 3D Printing Filament: now $28.99 at Creality(was $32.99) The Hyper Series PLA 3D Printing Filament 1kg is an excellent choice for 3D printing enthusiasts. It offers superior quality, durability, and precision. Its smooth flow and low warping make it easy to use, ensuring flawless prints every time. Ideal for both beginners and experts.
Hyper Series ABS 3D Printing Filament
 
ABS
ABS 3D Printing Filament: now $29.99 at Creality(was $32.99) It delivers high quality prints with excellent dimensional accuracy. Its consistent diameter ensures smooth and reliable extrusion, while the ABS material offers great strength and durability.
CR PETG 1.75mm 3D Printing Filament
 
PETG
PETG 1.75mm 3D Printing Filament: now $29.99 at Creality(was $32.99) The CR PETG 1.75mm 3D Printing Filament 1kg is a high-quality, durable product perfect for 3D printing enthusiasts. Its excellent dimensional stability, low shrinkage, and ease of use make it ideal for creating detailed, precise prints.
HP-TPU FDM Filament 1.75mm
 
PETG
HP-TPU FDM 3D Printer Filament: now $27.99 at Creality(was $35.99) It offers excellent printability and precision, ensuring smooth and detailed prints every time. It's also durable, flexible, and suitable for a wide range of 3D printing projects.

Not Recommended Filaments

While the Ender 3 series can handle a wide range of materials, some filaments such as Nylon, PEEK, filled filaments, and wood are not recommended due to their high printing temperature requirements and potential to wear out the standard brass nozzle.

  • Nylon: Requires temperatures above 250 °C.
  • PEEK: Requires temperatures above 350-400 °C.
  • Filled filaments (metal, glow-in-the-dark): Abrasive, can wear out the brass nozzle.
  • Wood: Abrasive, requires wider nozzle.

Upgrades for Enhanced Performance

For those looking to push the capabilities of their Ender 3 series printer, various upgrades can be considered. These include a PTFE tube, an all-metal hot end, dual-gear extruders, and an enclosure. These upgrades can significantly enhance the printer's performance and expand the range of materials it can handle.

  • PTFE tube: Consider Capricorn PTFE tube for improved filament path.
  • All-metal hot end: Essential for high-temperature filaments, already featured on the S1.
  • Dual-gear extruders: Improves filament grip, beneficial for TPU, already featured on the S1.
  • Enclosure: Enhances ABS and HIPS printing, provides stable temperature.

Conclusion

Empower your Ender 3 series with the knowledge to choose the right filament, optimize settings, and explore advanced upgrades. Optimize settings and explore advanced upgrades to use the Ender 3 S1 Pro filament to its full potential.Boost your 3D printing journey and unleash your creativity with filaments that are perfectly compatible with your Ender 3 and Ender 3 S1 Pro printers.

Choosing the Right Filament: Ender 3 (V2/Pro/S1) Edition
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