Home Frequently asked questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS FAQ

1. General information about filament
 1.1. What is a 3D printing filament?
 1.2. What types of filaments are available at Filament Point?
 1.3. Will the product range be expanded with other filament types?
 1.4. How do I choose the right material?
 1.5. Will the filament be compatible with my 3D printer?
 1.6. What is the filament diameter tolerance?
 1.7. How much filament is on a spool?
 1.8. What are the recommended printing parameters for a given filament type?
 1.9. Do I need an enclosed printing chamber?
 1.10. How is the filament packaged?
 1.11. Does filament absorb moisture?
 1.12. How should filament be stored properly?

2. B2C – 3D printing filaments for individual customers
 2.1. Is 3D printing with filament difficult for beginners?
 2.2. Which filament is best for beginners?
 2.3. What applications are filament prints suitable for?
 2.4. Do I need advanced technical knowledge to print?
 2.5. Is 3D printing with filament safe at home?
 2.6. Does filament produce an odour during printing?
 2.7. Why must filament be vacuum sealed?
 2.8. What happens if filament absorbs moisture?
 2.9. Can I restore filament quality myself?
 2.10. What if I order the wrong filament?
 2.11. Why buy filament from Filament Point as an individual customer?

3. Issues, quality and usage of 3D printing filament
 3.1. Why does filament crack or make popping sounds during printing?
 3.2. What causes stringing?
 3.3. Why do layers bond poorly?
 3.4. Why does the print detach from the build plate?
 3.5. How can I improve layer adhesion?
 3.6. Can filament go bad?
 3.7. How can I tell if filament is moisture affected?
 3.8. Can I use filament that has been left open for a long time?
 3.9. Can I mix different filament colours in a single print?
 3.10. Can different colours of the same filament print differently?
 3.11. Will the same printer settings work every time?
 3.12. Do printing problems always indicate defective filament?
 3.13. What should I do if print quality suddenly deteriorates?

1. General information about filament

1.1. What is a 3D printing filament?

Filament is a thermoplastic material in the form of a thin strand wound onto a spool. It is heated and deposited layer by layer by a 3D printer. The quality of the filament has a significant impact on print stability, visual finish and the mechanical strength of the final print.

1.2. What types of filaments are available at Filament Point?

PLA – the best choice for most general-purpose applications.
PET-G – a more durable material intended for functional and semi professional use.

1.3. Will the product range be expanded with other filament types?

Yes. The Filament Point store has been designed to meet the needs of hobbyists, professionals and B2B customers alike. As a result, the range will be systematically expanded with additional materials to meet the expectations of all customers.

1.4. How do I choose the right material?

PLA is particularly recommended for:

  • beginners,
  • home users,
  • schools and educational institutions,
  • prototypes, visual models, figurines and enclosures.

Why?

PLA is one of the easiest materials to print with, offers good dimensional stability and does not require an enclosed chamber or high temperatures.

PET-G is particularly recommended for:

  • companies and workshops,
  • short run production,
  • parts exposed to moisture or mechanical load,
  • technical applications.

Why?

PET-G combines good mechanical strength with flexibility and chemical resistance.

1.5. Will the filament be compatible with my 3D printer?

Our filaments are compatible with almost all 3D printers that support:

  • 1.75 mm filament diameter,
  • temperatures suitable for PLA or PET G.

If you are unsure, we encourage you to check the technical details on the relevant product page or contact us for further assistance.

1.6. What is the filament diameter tolerance?

The filaments we offer feature low diameter tolerance (typically ±0.02–0.05 mm), which results in:

  • consistent material flow,
  • repeatable print results,
  • reduced risk of nozzle clogging.

Detailed information can be found in the technical datasheets of each product.

1.7. How much filament is on a spool?

The net weight of the selected filament is specified in the product description.

1.8. What are the recommended printing parameters for a given filament type?

Suggested printing parameters are provided in each product description. Please note that optimal settings may vary depending on the project, the 3D printer used and environmental conditions. Treat them as a solid starting point - fine adjustments for your specific printer are perfectly normal practice.

1.9. Do I need an enclosed printing chamber?

This depends on the chosen filament. For example, PLA does not require an enclosure, while PET G may benefit from one to improve print quality. We recommend reviewing the suggested printing parameters for each filament.

1.10. How is the filament packaged?

Filament spools are vacuum sealed with a moisture absorber and packed in dedicated cartons.

1.11. Does filament absorb moisture?

Yes, all thermoplastic filaments absorb moisture from the air to varying degrees. PET G, for example, is particularly susceptible to moisture absorption.

Improper storage may result in:

  • reduced strength of printed models,
  • surface bubbles,
  • stringing.

1.12. How should filament be stored properly?

To maintain the highest possible product quality after opening, we recommend:

  • using airtight containers,
  • storing filament in zip lock bags with desiccants,
  • avoiding prolonged exposure to UV light,
  • keeping spools in a dry, cool and shaded place.

2. B2C – 3D printing filaments for individual customers

2.1. Is 3D printing with filament difficult for beginners?

Modern 3D printers and filaments are designed to make 3D printing as simple and accessible as possible, even for users without technical experience.

Key points for beginners include:

  • choosing a versatile material,
  • using ready made print profiles,
  • learning gradually on simple models.

2.2. Which filament is best for beginners?

For a smooth start, it is best to choose a material that:

  • tolerates minor setting imperfections,
  • does not require specialised conditions,
  • allows aesthetically pleasing prints without extensive experience.

This approach allows users to focus on learning the printer and design process rather than struggling with settings.

We strongly recommend starting your 3D printing journey with PLA filament.

2.3. What applications are filament prints suitable for?

In home environments, filament is most used for:

  • figurines, models and decorations,
  • organisers, holders and household accessories,
  • DIY projects and hobby parts,
  • prototypes and test components,
  • small repairs of everyday items.

The range of applications depends on the material, design and the environment in which the part will be used.

2.4. Do I need advanced technical knowledge to print?

No. Many 3D printers and slicers offer:

  • ready made profiles,
  • plug and play modes,
  • clear and intuitive step by step instructions.

Basic knowledge is enough to get started, and experience develops over time.

2.5. Is 3D printing with filament safe at home?

3D printing with filament is generally safe, provided basic precautions are followed:

  • printing in a well ventilated room,
  • avoiding contact with hot printer components,
  • keeping filament and printers out of reach of children.

The filaments we offer are widely used in homes and educational environments.

2.6. Does filament produce an odour during printing?

Some materials may emit a mild smell when heated. This is a normal characteristic of thermoplastics.

We therefore recommend:

  • using the printer in a well ventilated area,
  • airing the room regularly.

2.7. Why must filament be vacuum sealed?

Vacuum packaging is essential because it:

  • protects filament from moisture,
  • preserves its properties,
  • allows trouble free printing immediately after opening.

This is especially important during storage and transport.

2.8. What happens if filament absorbs moisture?

Filament affected by moisture may cause:

  • poor surface quality,
  • stringing,
  • popping sounds or bubbles during printing,
  • reduced strength of printed parts.

Proper storage has a direct impact on printing results and helps preserve the filament’s original properties.

2.9. Can I restore filament quality myself?

In most cases, yes. Proper drying and storage can restore the material’s properties.

2.10. What if I order the wrong filament?

If the filament:

  • has not been opened,
  • remains in its original packaging,

returns are accepted in accordance with applicable regulations and our store policy. If you are unsure, it is always worth asking before purchasing.

2.11. Why buy filament from Filament Point as an individual customer?

  • Clear and easy to understand product information,
  • a range friendly to beginners and hobbyists,
  • secure packaging,
  • an approach based on long term trust rather than one off sales.

3. Issues, quality and usage of 3D printing filament

3.1. Why does filament crack or make popping sounds during printing?

The most common cause is moisture in the material. During heating, moisture turns into steam, creating characteristic sounds and often reducing print quality.

It is important to note that this:

  • does not indicate a defective filament,
  • is a natural effect for materials stored in humid conditions.

Proper storage or drying is the solution.

3.2. What causes stringing?

Stringing is most often caused by:

  • excessively high printing temperature,
  • incorrect retraction settings,
  • moisture affected filament.

It is one of the most common issues and can usually be resolved with minor printer setting adjustments.

3.3. Why do layers bond poorly?

Poor layer adhesion may be caused by:

  • printing temperature that is too low,
  • excessive cooling,
  • inappropriate print speed settings.

This issue is rarely caused by the filament itself and is almost always related to print configuration.

3.4. Why does the print detach from the build plate?

The most common causes include:

  • improperly prepared build surface,
  • incorrect first layer temperature,
  • draughts or sudden temperature changes.

The first layer is crucial to the success of the entire print.

3.5. How can I improve layer adhesion?

Poor layer adhesion is one of the most common issues and usually does not result from filament quality, but from print settings or conditions.

Common ways to improve adhesion include:

  • slightly increasing the printing temperature,
  • reducing cooling intensity, especially on higher layers,
  • adjusting print speed,
  • ensuring the filament is dry and properly stored.

Well-bonded layers directly result in:

  • higher mechanical strength,
  • improved durability,
  • more predictable printing results.

3.6. Can filament go bad?

The material itself does not spoil in a traditional sense, but:

  • it may lose properties due to moisture,
  • it may degrade gradually with prolonged exposure to UV light or high temperatures.

Proper storage helps maintain full filament functionality over long periods.

Opened or unsealed filament, despite its sensitivity to moisture absorption, typically does not degrade rapidly. For example, PLA should generally retain its properties for around one year, while PET G often lasts even longer.

Nevertheless, proper storage from the start - and drying if necessary - helps avoid potential printing issues.

3.7. How can I tell if filament is moisture affected?

Signs of moisture absorption include:

  • popping sounds during printing,
  • bubbles and uneven surfaces,
  • excessive stringing,
  • reduced overall strength of printed models.

These indicate that the filament requires drying or improved storage.

3.8. Can I use filament that has been left open for a long time?

In many cases, yes, but:

  • print quality may be reduced,
  • results depend heavily on storage conditions.

It is good practice to test the filament on a simple print before starting a larger or final project.

3.9. Can I mix different filament colours in a single print?

Yes, this is possible, but the method depends on printer capabilities and model preparation.

Common approaches include:

  • colour changes during printing (pausing and manually changing filament),
  • multi colour printing using multiple extruders or filament switching systems,
  • printing parts separately in different colours and assembling them later.

Keep in mind that:

  • different colours of the same material may require slight setting adjustments,
  • purging the nozzle between colours may be necessary to avoid colour contamination.

Colour mixing does not negatively affect the printing process if done consciously.

3.10. Can different colours of the same filament print differently?

Yes, this is common. Different pigments can affect:

  • heat absorption,
  • material behaviour during melting.

As a result, slight setting adjustments between colours are normal, even within the same material such as PLA.

Helpful tips:

  • lighter colours are often more prone to stringing,
  • darker colours may require nozzle temperatures higher by 5–15°C compared to lighter shades of the same material for improved material flow.

3.11. Will the same printer settings work every time?

Print settings should be treated as a starting point. Adjusting them is normal, as even minor changes in ambient temperature can significantly affect print results.

3.12. Do printing problems always indicate defective filament?

In practice:

  • most issues result from settings,
  • the printing environment or printer condition.

3.13. What should I do if print quality suddenly deteriorates?

We recommend checking the following:

  • filament storage conditions,
  • printing temperature,
  • nozzle and extruder condition,
  • changes in slicer settings.

A systematic approach allows the cause to be identified quickly.