Physical property
Density
Density measures how much mass a 3D printing filament has per unit volume.
This property helps you estimate material costs, print weight, and choose the right filament for applications where weight matters, like drones, RC vehicles, or lightweight prototypes.
How to use this metric
When choosing a 3D printing filament, consider density based on your project needs:
Lower density is better for:
- Weight-sensitive applications (drones, RC vehicles)
- Large prints where material cost matters
- Parts that need to float in water
- Applications where weight reduction is critical
Higher density might be preferred for:
- Parts that need more mass (e.g., counterweights)
- Applications requiring better sound dampening
- Parts that need to sink in water
- When material cost is less important than properties
Test Method
Sample preparation
- Filament samples are cut to a specific length (typically 100mm)
- Samples must be clean and free of moisture
- Multiple samples are tested for accuracy
- Samples should be at room temperature (23°C)
Setup and instrumentation
- Precision scale (0.001g accuracy)
- Calipers for diameter measurement
- Temperature-controlled environment
- Moisture meter (optional)
Conducting the test
- Measure filament diameter at multiple points
- Calculate average diameter
- Measure sample length
- Weigh the sample
- Calculate density using the formula: density = mass / volume
Measurement and analysis
The following parameters are measured:
- Mass (g)
- Volume (cm³)
- Density (g/cm³)
- Diameter consistency
What These Numbers Mean for Your Prints
Cost Implications
- Higher density = more material used per print
- Lower density = more cost-effective for large prints
- Example: ABS vs PLA - ABS uses about 16% less material by volume
Weight Considerations
- Lightweight applications: Consider ABS or HIPS
- Standard applications: PLA or PETG are good choices
- Heavy-duty applications: Consider the strength-to-weight ratio
Print Quality
- Higher density materials often have better layer adhesion
- Lower density materials might require different print settings
- Consider density when calculating flow rates