With the rising popularity of desktop and industrial 3D printing in Australia, choosing the right filament has become more crucial than ever. Whether you're a hobbyist creating miniatures or an engineer developing load-bearing prototypes, the material you use directly impacts the strength, flexibility, finish, and durability of your final product.
To help you get the most out of your prints, we've compiled a list of the top 10 3D printing filaments available in Australia—each matched to its ideal use case. All of these are available online at 3DMeta, a trusted supplier for high-quality 3D printing materials.
1. PLA Filament – Best for Everyday Printing
PLA 3D Printing Filament is the go-to choice for beginners and casual makers.
Why Choose PLA:
-
Easy to print and low warping
-
Eco-friendly and biodegradable
-
Suitable for decorative, hobbyist, and prototyping projects
Also available in finishes like:
2. PLA+ Filament – For Durable Everyday Use
Upgrade to PLA+ 3D Printing Filament when you need better strength, flexibility, and finish than standard PLA.
Ideal For:
-
High-detail models
-
Functional prints that need a bit more strength
-
Enhanced visual appeal with better layer bonding
3. PETG Filament – Best for Functional Parts
PETG Printing Filament combines the ease of PLA with the durability of ABS.
Advantages:
-
Impact-resistant and semi-flexible
-
Great layer adhesion
-
Chemical and water-resistant
Use Cases: Mechanical parts, brackets, enclosures, and wearables.
4. ABS+ Filament – Best for High-Strength Industrial Prints
ABS+ Printing Filament offers better strength and less warping than standard ABS.
Ideal For:
-
Automotive components
-
Fixtures and machine parts
-
High-temperature environments
5. ASA Filament – Best for Outdoor Durability
ASA 3D Printing Filament is UV-resistant and weatherproof.
Features:
-
Stronger and more stable than ABS in sunlight
-
Excellent dimensional accuracy
Perfect For: Outdoor parts, signage, and automotive trims.
6. Nylon (PA) Filament – Best for Tough, Flexible Applications
Nylon 3D Printing Filament delivers extreme durability and high flexibility.
Use It When You Need:
-
Wear-and-tear resistance
-
Functional mechanical parts
-
Gears, hinges, and moving assemblies
7. Polycarbonate (PC) Filament – For Extreme Strength and Heat Resistance
PC Filament is one of the strongest 3D printing materials available.
Advantages:
-
Withstands high mechanical stress
-
Flame retardant and impact-resistant
Applications: Engineering parts, protective equipment, structural components.
8. PVA Filament – Best for Water-Soluble Supports
PVA 3D Printing Filament is a dissolvable support material.
Best For:
-
Complex dual-extrusion prints
-
Prototyping with internal voids or overhangs
-
Precision components with internal geometry
9. HIPS Filament – Best for Limonene-Soluble Supports
HIPS 3D Printing Filament is a lightweight material used both as a support and standalone filament.
Why Use HIPS:
-
Great printability and finish
-
Dissolves in limonene
-
Paintable and sandable
10. Specialty Filaments: Silk, Wood, Metal & More
Take your 3D printing creativity to the next level with unique finishes and composites:
-
Silk PLA – For glossy, eye-catching finishes
-
Wood PLA – Contains real wood fibers
-
Carbon Fiber PLA – Lightweight yet strong
-
Metal-Filled PLA – For metallic sheen
-
Glow-in-the-Dark PLA – Perfect for novelty or functional night-use prints
-
Transparent PLA – Semi-clear for functional or design transparency
Final Thoughts
Whether you're printing functional mechanical parts, beautiful display models, or dissolvable supports for complex geometry, the right filament makes all the difference. At 3DMeta, you'll find a full range of 3D printing filament in Australia for every level of experience and every kind of project.
🟢 Ready to upgrade your prints?
📦 Shop all 3D printing filament online now