This filament is our go to for fuselage and wing prints. It’s the lowest density viable option and prints decent. It likes to ooze because of its foaming nature but it’s easy to clean up, sand, and paint.
Pros:
- ~50% lighter than PLA
- Better layer adhesion than pre-foamed PLA
- Easy to sand and paint
Cons:
- Oozing can be excessive (induces stringing and blobs)
- Lower printing speed than PLA
- Requires tuning before printing (check out our profiles!)
Our Recommendations
Slicer Settings Downloads
This is our #2 recommendation for fuselage and wing parts. It is lighter than PLA, but not as light as active foaming PLA.
Pros:
- ~20% lighter than PLA
- Less stringing than active-foaming
- Easy to dial in
- Good surface finish
Cons:
- Can be brittle
- Slower printing speeds than normal PLA
Our Recommendations
Slicer Settings Downloads
For parts in contact with high temperature components, we recommend ASA, ABS, PETG, or any similar material that can maintain its rigidity under higher thermal loads. We use ASA. PETG is the next best bet for those without enclosed printers.
Pros:
- Higher glass transition temperature
- More impact resistant
Cons:
- ASA and ABS emit toxic gasses
- Prone to warping
Our Recommendations
TPU is sometimes used for our flexible hinges and feet for VTOL planes. Any brand that you like will be acceptable.
Pros:
- Extreme impact resistance
Cons:
- Direct drive extruder strongly recommended
Our Recommendations
There are some non-structural parts that can be printed in whatever material you like. We just use good ‘ol PLA!
Pros:
- Easy to print
- Very rigid
- Excellent surface finish
Cons:
- Low impact resistance (brittle)