Knowledge Base

3D printing, while innovative, often generates waste, particularly in the form of empty filament spools. In a video titled "Stop Throwing Away Empty Spools – Do THIS Instead!," the Spectrum Filaments team presents an ingenious solution: a set of 3D-printed modular drawers designed to transform empty spools into highly useful, stackable storage units for tools and small parts. The featured project centers on the idea of giving the standard transparent Spectrum Filaments spools a second life by utilizing the space within them. The creator, Alessio, highlights the shame of discarding spools with ready-made features like filament-hooking holes. While acknowledging that the core concept of spool-turned-drawers isn't entirely new, the video details a unique, scratch-designed system specifically for Spectrum spools.

Formnext 2025 once again proved to be the world’s leading stage for additive manufacturing innovation — and among the standout exhibitors this year was Spectrum Filament, a brand well-known for its diverse material portfolio and visually striking color lines. A recent booth walkthrough gives us a close-up look at what Spectrum brought to the show floor, and it’s clear they arrived with a strong message: creative materials + functional performance + sustainability.

3D printing is all about precision and consistency. But if your print starts curling up from the corners or refuses to stick to the build plate, it can turn an exciting project into a frustrating one. Warping and poor bed adhesion are among the most common and annoying issues, especially when working with high-temperature filaments like ABS, Nylon, or Polycarbonate. Luckily, these problems can be solved with proper setup, calibration, and environmental control. Let’s dive into the causes and practical solutions to keep your prints flat, smooth, and firmly adhered from start to finish.

Choosing the right PLA filament can make all the difference between a flawless print and a frustrating failure. Among the many brands available, Spectrum Filaments stands out as a manufacturer trusted for precision and consistency. Within its lineup, two popular options — Spectrum PLA Premium and THE FILAMENT PLA — cater to slightly different printing goals. Both are designed for everyday 3D printing, but they vary in performance, finish, and usability. Spectrum PLA Premium focuses on accuracy, reliability, and smooth surface quality, while THE FILAMENT PLA emphasizes aesthetic appeal and unique matte textures. In this comparison, we’ll explore how each performs in key areas such as printability, surface finish, mechanical strength, and value — helping you decide which filament fits your printing needs best.

When it comes to 3D printing functional parts, choosing the right filament is crucial. Unlike decorative or prototype prints, functional components must withstand mechanical stress, temperature variations, and environmental exposure. In this article, we’ll explore the best filaments for practical, durable, and performance-driven prints — and what makes each one suitable for the job.

PCTG (PolyCyclohexylene Dimethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a close relative of PETG, but it offers better impact strength, clarity, and chemical resistance. It’s a copolyester that combines the ease of printing of PETG with the toughness and stability of engineering-grade materials. If you’ve printed PETG before, printing PCTG will feel familiar — but with improved mechanical performance and less brittleness.

PET-G has become a trusted material for both beginners and advanced users. Known for its toughness, temperature resistance, and ease of use, PET-G strikes a balance between the printability of PLA and the durability of ABS. However, with the demand for stronger and more stable materials rising, filament manufacturers have introduced PETG CF, or Carbon Fiber–Reinforced PETG. By adding carbon fiber strands to PET-G, this material offers a new level of strength, stiffness, and professional-grade quality. But what exactly does carbon fiber change — and when is it worth using PETG CF over standard PET-G? Let’s explore this in depth.

3D Printing offers a wide range of filament choices, each tailored to specific needs. Among the most popular are PLA (Polylactic Acid), PET-G (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), and ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate). While all three are thermoplastics that melt and solidify during printing, their performance, durability, and ease of printing differ greatly. Choosing the right one depends on what you value most: ease of use, mechanical strength, or outdoor durability. This article explores each filament in depth, compares their properties, and provides guidance on when to use them.

One of the lesser-discussed challenges in 3D printing is the accumulation of empty filament spools. For hobbyists and professionals alike, these discarded spools can quickly pile up, taking up storage space and contributing to plastic waste. While many manufacturers design their spools from durable materials, the reality is that they are often not recycled or reused effectively. In response to this problem, the industry has introduced refill coils—spool-less filament bundles that minimize plastic use. To make these coils functional, a refill spool holder is used. This simple yet ingenious accessory not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances efficiency and convenience for everyday 3D printing.

When it comes to 3D printing materials, one of the most well-known options is PLA (Polylactic Acid). Standard PLA is widely appreciated for its ease of printing, low warping, and eco-friendliness, but it does come with certain limitations—especially in terms of heat resistance and mechanical strength. This is where HT-PLA (High Temperature PLA) enters the picture. Engineered to address the shortcomings of regular PLA, HT-PLA offers a balance between printability and performance, making it a popular choice for users seeking functional, durable parts.