Filament specs explained

What each spec on a filament page means, why it matters, and typical values by material.

• Bed temperature How hot the build plate should be. It helps the first layer stick and stops corners lifting as the print cools.
• Chamber temperature The air temperature inside an enclosed printer. Materials like ABS, ASA and PC warp or crack if the air around them is too cool.
• Density How heavy the plastic is for its size, in grams per cubic centimetre. Denser filament gives fewer metres per kilo.
• Diameter tolerance How far the filament's thickness can vary from its stated size. A tighter tolerance means more even extrusion.
• Drying temperature The highest temperature the filament can be dried at without the plastic or spool softening. Dry a little below it.
• Length per kg Roughly how many metres of 1.75 mm filament are in one kilogram, worked out from the filament's density.
• Minimum nozzle The smallest nozzle the maker recommends. Filled filaments, such as carbon fibre or wood, can clog a smaller one.
• Nozzle temperature The temperature to set your hotend to while printing. Makers give a range; start in the middle and adjust.