The world of 3D printing has exploded in popularity, and with it, the demand for 3D printing filament. Whether you’re a hobbyist crafting trinkets or a professional prototyping designs, understanding the fluctuating prices of 3D filament is crucial. So, why do these prices vary, and what trends can we expect in 2025?
Filament type
Firstly, the type of filament you choose significantly impacts the price. PLA, the most common and user-friendly option, tends to be the most affordable. However, special filaments like carbon fibre-reinforced materials or high-temperature filaments command a premium. This is due to the specialised raw materials and complex manufacturing processes involved.
Looking for a great entry-level PLA?
Amazon Basics PLA 3D Printer Filament
Filament quality
The quality of the filament plays a vital role. A cheap, low-quality filament might seem appealing, but it can lead to printing issues, wasted material, and ultimately, higher costs in the long run. Reputable brands that invest in quality control often charge more, but they offer consistent diameter, fewer impurities, and better overall performance.
For example at the premium end, Prusa Research is known for its meticulous quality control of its Prusament filament, which is manufactured in-house. They provide detailed information about their filament, including dimensional accuracy and manufacturing data. They are known for very tight tolerances, with a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm as compared to the more commonly found industry standard of +/- 0.05mm. They are the only manufacturer that gives customers the option to fully inspect parameters of every filament spool, by scanning a QR code on the spool to see all details online.
However, you’ll pay for this attention to detail! Prusament PLA filament comes in at an eye-watering five times the cost of the no-frills amazon brand PLA.
Costs of raw materials
Raw material costs fluctuate. The price of plastics and other raw materials used in filament production is subject to market forces, including oil prices and global supply chain disruptions. Recent events have demonstrated how quickly these factors can impact prices.
Manufacturing processes also contribute to price variations. Some manufacturers employ advanced techniques to ensure consistent filament diameter and reduce defects, which adds to their production costs. Additionally, the scale of production matters. Large-scale manufacturers can often achieve economies of scale, allowing them to offer lower prices.
Brand recognition
The brand itself is a significant factor. Established brands with a strong reputation for quality and reliability often charge a premium. This is partly due to their investment in research and development, as well as their marketing and distribution networks.
Some of the some of the most recognised and well-established brands in the 3D printing filament industry include Polymaker, eSUN and Hatchbox.
What next for filament prices in 2025?
Looking at current trends, we’ve seen a slight increase in 3D filament prices in recent months. This is largely attributed to global supply chain issues and rising raw material costs. However, the market is also becoming more competitive, with new manufacturers entering the fray and established brands offering discounts and promotions.
For 2025, it’s expected that the price of standard filaments like PLA will remain relatively stable, with occasional fluctuations due to market forces. However, the demand for specialised filaments is growing, and we may see more innovation and competition in this segment.
In conclusion, understanding 3D filament prices requires considering a multitude of factors, from material type and quality to manufacturing processes and market trends. By staying informed and making smart purchasing decisions, you can ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
