This is the fifth in a series of blog posts highlighting what Groundworks teaches patrons about 3D printing. This page shares a couple general filament resources you can visit to learn about the different types of filament available for FDM 3D printers. Keep reading below or skip to another step using the following links:
Step 1: What is 3D Printing?
Step 2: Find/Design a 3D Model
Step 3: Check For/Repair Errors
Step 4: Slicing Your Model
Step 5: Choosing the Best Filament
Step 6: Print Your Model!
General Filament Resources
Using a Prusa i3 MK4S or Prusa XL printers with PrusaSlicer in Groundworks offers our patrons one of the most convenient features a slicing software can offer, filament presets. Prusa has tested over a dozen types of 3D printing filament across dozens of manufacturers and preloaded optimum print settings in PrusaSlicer. Please review Prusa's Filament Material Guide where the buttons above the table will help you quickly limit options by "suitable for mechanical parts", "suitable for tiny parts", "UV resistance", "impact resistance" and more. A couple tips using Prusa's Filament Material Guide:
- Click on the ">" next to the type of filament to see a drop down list of tested brands.
- Click on the information icon ( i ) next to each type of filament to learn detailed information, including pros and cons, best use cases and tips for successful printing.
Simplify3D has their own useful "Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide" with the same information, but an arguably more user friendly format.
Fusion3 Design also does extensive filament testing for their 3D printers and curates a certified materials list which includes reputable brands that are easily available in the United States, but not listed on the Prusa Filament Materials Guide. HEADS UP! It may take some time and tinkering to determine the optimum print settings for filament brands that do not have a PrusaSlicer preset.
Where to Purchase Filament
Groundworks only has a limited supply of PLA filament on hand for purchase ($1.00/hour of printing), but we have an open materials policy. Use of our 3D printer is free if you bring your own filament and we can help you choose what's best for your project based on the design and functionality of your part.
Unfortunately, there are limited options when buying 3D printing filament locally. The 3DXTech is the closest brick and mortar store and is based in Grand Rapids. You can purchase directly from Midwest based filament manufacturers on their websites, including Atomic Filament (IN), COEX (WI), Fusion Filaments (WI), IC3D (OH) and Keene Village Plastics (OH).
Indiana based SeeMeCNC keeps top brands in stock through their online store as does Parts Built (OH), iMaker, Matterhackers, Printed Solid and the Ultimate 3D Printing Store.
Ready to print your model? Excellent! It's time to schedule a 1-1 appointment to get hands on time with a Groundworks 3D printer. Check out Step 6: Print Your Model! to learn what to expect during your 1-1 appointment.
Last Updated 1/22/2026
