3D printing filaments for education

3D printing is now firmly embedded in modern education, supporting hands-on learning in engineering, product design, architecture, science laboratories, art studios, and vocational training. The material you choose shapes the print quality, durability, and learning experience, so understanding the strengths of each filament helps educators set their students up for success.

Benefits of 3D printing in Education

The benefits derived from integrating 3D printing for education are validated by academic studies, spanning cognitive development, skill mastery, and institutional efficiency. The ability of 3D printing to introduce students to the iterative manufacturing process helps them grow from passive recipients of information into proactive innovators.

What are 3D printer filaments?

3D printer filaments are the thermoplastic materials that serve as the feedstock for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printers, defining the final object's properties, finish, and flexibility. The most widely used filament in education is Polylactic Acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic derived from natural sources like corn starch, recommended for its low operational temperatures and minimal emissions profile.

New from R-TECH

Our new R-TECH filament range provides dependable, classroom-ready materials that deliver consistent results. The line currently includes PLA and ABS, two of the most widely used materials in education, offering the reliability needed for daily student work as well as more advanced technical projects.

What are R-TECH filaments?

R-TECH filament is a comprehensive portfolio of Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) grades specifically formulated for reliability, high performance, and safe use in educational and professional Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) environments. The range includes PLA Basic for high-volume, beginner-friendly printing; PLA Pro, which offers over six times the notched impact strength and tighter dimensional tolerance for functional prototypes; and HS PLA, engineered with superior thermal stability and flowability to achieve print speeds.

PLA: The classroom-friendly choice

PLA is the material most educators start with because it offers such an effortless printing experience. It prints reliably on almost any machine, produces minimal odour, and is made from renewable resources, making it ideal for school environments. PLA allows students to focus on design rather than troubleshooting machine issues, and it produces detailed, visually clean prints suitable for concept models and early-stage prototypes.

In classrooms, PLA commonly appears in architectural models, mathematical shapes, biology structures, art pieces and beginner engineering designs. Its forgiving nature makes it a perfect match for introductory lessons where students are learning the CAD-to-print workflow for the first time.

Browse PLA

ABS: Durable and heat-resistant

ABS is frequently used in engineering, robotics, and technical programs where durability matters. It withstands higher temperatures than PLA and is far better suited to functional parts that will be handled, moved, or put under mechanical stress. Unlike PLA, it can be sanded, drilled, and even smoothed using acetone vapour, giving students the chance to explore post-processing and finishing techniques used in industry.

Because ABS prefers a heated bed and benefits from an enclosed printer, it is typically introduced after students are comfortable with basic printing. In educational settings, ABS is often used for gears, brackets, robotic components, drone frames, and assembly-ready prototypes that need to tolerate real-world use.

Browse ABS

PETG: The best of both worlds

PETG combines the user-friendly nature of PLA with much of the strength found in ABS, making it a popular choice for more advanced student work. It adheres well between layers, which reduces cracking in larger prints, and offers a slight flexibility that helps prevent parts from snapping under pressure. PETG is also resistant to many chemicals, allowing it to perform well in laboratory or workshop environments.

Educators often choose PETG for enclosures, jigs, fixtures, protective housings, and any designs where students need durability without the printing challenges associated with ABS. It’s a natural next step once students are ready to move beyond basic PLA projects but aren’t yet working on components requiring the highest strength.

Browse PETG

How to choose the right material for your lessons

Choosing the right filament depends on what you want your students to learn. PLA is ideal for teaching the fundamentals of 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and visualisation. PETG bridges the gap between introductory and advanced projects, allowing students to create functional designs without needing a fully controlled print environment. ABS suits higher-level learners working on mechanics, robotics, prototyping for real-world use, or units focused on materials engineering.

Many teachers begin their course with PLA, introduce PETG once students gain confidence in design principles, and reserve ABS for specialist modules, robotics teams, or capstone projects.

Supporting a successful 3D printing programme

To get the most from your equipment, consider keeping a variety of sample prints on display so students can compare the feel, finish, and strength of different materials before committing to a filament. Encourage students to think critically about material choice by linking properties to project requirements—strength, flexibility, heat resistance, visual finish, or environmental considerations. A consistent workflow checklist can also help maintain machines and reduce print failures, especially when working with large groups of students.

Equip your classroom, lab, or makerspace with materials that support creativity, experimentation, and real-world problem solving.