Filament

In a fablab context, filament is the continuous, thread-like material used as feedstock for FDM/FFF 3D printers. It is typically made from thermoplastic polymers (such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU) and is supplied on spools in common diameters like 1.75 mm or 2.85/3 mm. The filament is melted in the printer's hotend and extruded layer by layer to build a 3D object; material choice and printing settings affect strength, flexibility and surface finish.

Imagine you want to print a simple phone stand in the fablab: you choose a PLA filament on a 1.75 mm spool because it's easy to print and has low warping. You set the nozzle to about 200 °C and the heated bed to 50–60 °C, check retraction settings and keep the spare spool in an airtight box with desiccant to avoid moisture absorption. If you use a glass- or metal-filled filament, switch to a hardened nozzle to prevent wear; if you have bed adhesion issues, try a brim or a different adhesion aid.