12 Best 3D Printer Filament Manufacturers in the USA
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12 Best 3D Printer Filament Manufacturers in the USA
If you’re a 3D printing enthusiast or professional, finding the right filament can make or break your project. With the rise of 3D printing technology, the market for filaments has grown exponentially, and there are many manufacturers to choose from. Here’s a detailed look at 12 of the best 3D printer filament manufacturers in the USA, offering everything from basic PLA to advanced composites for industrial use.
1. MatterHackers
MatterHackers is a favorite among makers and professionals alike, offering a huge selection of filaments ranging from the basics (PLA, ABS) to more advanced options like Nylon, PETG, and TPU. They also carry specialty filaments such as wood and metal-infused materials, perfect for creative projects. One of their standout features is their detailed material guides and support, which make it easy for beginners to get started.
Key Filaments:
PLA, ABS, Nylon, PETG, TPU, WoodFill, Metal-infused PLA
Best For:
Hobbyists, educational projects, and professionals looking for diverse materials.
2. Hatchbox
Hatchbox is one of the most well-known names in the filament world, especially among budget-conscious users. Their PLA and ABS filaments are known for their high quality and consistency at affordable prices, making them perfect for everyday printing. Hatchbox is especially popular on platforms like Amazon, where they have a loyal following due to their reliable performance.
Key Filaments:
PLA, ABS, PETG
Best For:
Beginners and hobbyists looking for affordable, reliable filament.
3. Proto-pasta
Proto-pasta stands out for its creative, high-quality composite filaments. They are famous for their specialty materials like carbon fiber-infused PLA, steel-fill, and even coffee-infused PLA, giving users unique aesthetic and functional properties in their prints. Their focus on experimentation and innovation has made them a go-to for makers looking to try something new.
Key Filaments:
Carbon Fiber PLA, SteelFill, Magnetic Iron PLA, Coffee PLA
Best For:
Advanced users and artists looking for unique materials and aesthetics.
4. Prusament (by Prusa Research)
Though Prusa Research is based in the Czech Republic, their Prusament filaments have made waves in the US, thanks to their stringent quality standards and distribution. Each spool of Prusament comes with detailed production data, ensuring consistency in diameter and color. Their PLA and PETG are among the highest quality you can find, and they even offer their own blends like Prusament ASA for weather-resistant prints.
Key Filaments:
PLA, PETG, ASA
Best For:
Precision printing, professionals, and anyone who values strict quality control.
5. ColorFabb USA
ColorFabb is renowned for their specialty filaments, particularly their unique composite materials like WoodFill, BronzeFill, and CorkFill. These filaments allow users to create prints that have the look and feel of wood, metal, or cork, opening up creative possibilities. ColorFabb is also known for its high-quality PLA and PETG, making them a top choice for both creative projects and professional prototypes.
Key Filaments:
PLA, PETG, WoodFill, BronzeFill, CorkFill
Best For:
Designers and professionals looking for high-quality, aesthetically unique filaments.
6. 3DXTech
For those in need of industrial-grade filaments, 3DXTech is a leading provider. They specialize in advanced engineering materials like carbon fiber-reinforced filaments, PEEK, PEKK, and more. These filaments are used in demanding industries like aerospace and automotive manufacturing, where strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance are critical.
Key Filaments:
CarbonX (Carbon Fiber PLA/ABS/PC), PEEK, PEKK
Best For:
Industrial applications, aerospace, automotive, and engineering.
7. Atomic Filament
Atomic Filament has made a name for itself with high-quality, premium filaments that are made in the USA. Their PLA, ABS, and PETG filaments are known for their exceptional consistency in both diameter and color, making them ideal for detailed projects where precision is key. Atomic Filament offers a broad range of vibrant colors and specialty filaments like glow-in-the-dark and translucent options.
Key Filaments:
PLA, ABS, PETG, Specialty Colors
Best For:
Professionals and makers who prioritize consistency and vibrant colors.
8. IC3D
IC3D has a reputation for producing high-quality, industrial-grade filaments that are commonly used in professional settings. They offer a wide variety of materials, including PLA, ABS, and PETG, with a focus on providing reliable and durable filaments for functional parts and prototyping. IC3D also engages in open-source projects, contributing to the broader maker community.
Key Filaments:
PLA, ABS, PETG
Best For:
Prototyping, manufacturing, and large-scale projects.
9. Inland Filaments
Distributed by Micro Center, Inland Filaments are known for their affordability and availability, making them a popular choice for hobbyists. They offer basic materials like PLA, ABS, and PETG at competitive prices without compromising too much on quality. Inland is a great option for beginners or those who want to experiment with 3D printing without breaking the bank.
Key Filaments:
PLA, ABS, PETG
Best For:
Hobbyists, beginners, and budget-conscious users.
10. Taulman3D
If strength and durability are your top priorities, Taulman3D is a manufacturer to know. They specialize in engineering-grade materials like Nylon, t-glase (a transparent PETT filament), and high-strength filaments that are often used for functional parts. Taulman’s filaments are designed to handle stress and wear, making them ideal for projects requiring durability and resilience.
Key Filaments:
Nylon 645, Nylon 680, t-glase
Best For:
Engineering projects, functional prototypes, and durable parts.
11. Polymaker USA
Polymaker is a trusted brand offering a wide variety of filaments that cater to both beginners and professionals. Their PolyLite series offers affordable PLA and PETG, while their PolyMax and PolyFlex series provide enhanced mechanical properties for more demanding applications. Polymaker is also known for their PolySmooth filament, which can be post-processed with alcohol to achieve a smooth, polished finish.
Key Filaments:
PolyLite PLA, PolyMax PLA, PolySmooth, PolyFlex
Best For:
Everyday printing, prototyping, and applications requiring mechanical strength.
12. MakerBot
MakerBot, a well-known name in 3D printing, offers a range of optimized filaments to be used specifically with their printers. Their filaments, including PLA, PETG, and Tough PLA, are engineered for seamless integration with MakerBot’s machines, ensuring high-quality prints with minimal hassle. MakerBot’s filaments are popular among educators, designers, and professionals who want reliable, user-friendly materials.
Key Filaments:
PLA, Tough PLA, PETG
Best For:
Education, design professionals, and users of MakerBot printers.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a hobbyist, a professional, or someone working in an industrial setting, the right filament is crucial to your 3D printing success. From affordable PLA to advanced composites like carbon fiber and nylon, these USA-based manufacturers offer a wide range of materials to suit any project or budget. Happy printing!