What size 3d print filament is most commonly bought

Choosing the right filament diameter is critical to 3D printing success, but with options like 1.75mm and 3mm (2.85mm), many users wonder: Which size dominates the market? Based on global sales data and industry reports, we analyzed the most popular 3D printer filament sizes, their pros and cons, and why 1.75mm dominates.

Source:  https://dyzedesign.com/2018/02/3d-printing-filament-size-1-75mm-vs-3-00mm/

1.75mm Filament: global standard

According to All3DP 2024, more than 85% of consumer 3D printers worldwide are designed for 1.75mm filament. This diameter has become the de facto standard for FDM printing due to its versatility and precision. In North America, 89% of filament sales on Amazon are 1.75mm.

Why 1.75mm Dominates:

Precision Control: Smaller diameters allow for finer details and better layer resolution, resulting in smoother, more accurate prints, especially for complex designs or prototypes. This allows for fine prints, such as miniature models and mechanical parts.

Easier Feeding and Extrusion: Thinner diameters ensure smoother feeding through the extruder, minimizing the risk of clogging and blocking, and improving the overall reliability of the printing process.

Wider Material Compatibility: 95% of specialty filaments are optimized for 1.75mm, from basic PLA to advanced composites like carbon fiber nylon.

Reduce the Risk of Clogging: Smaller melt zones reduce heat creep, lower user maintenance costs, and are suitable for entry-level devices.

Cost Efficiency: It allows you to use smaller nozzles and thermal cutouts, and you can complete the print with less motor torque. In addition, 1.75mm spools are cheaper to produce and ship, and are priced 20-30% lower than 3mm alternatives.

3mm Filament: a niche industrial material

According to the UltiMaker 2024 report, only 12% of printers currently support 3mm filament, but it is still relevant in specific scenarios:

Faster extrusion: The thicker diameter enables higher flow rates, reducing the printing time of large objects by up to 25%.

Stronger adhesion: The large diameter provides a larger cross-sectional area, resulting in stronger layer adhesion, resulting in stronger prints.

Industrial applications: Bowden systems (remote feeding through PTFE tubes) often use 3mm filaments because of their low moment of inertia, which reduces the burden on the motor. When extruding the same volume of material, 3mm filaments require only 1/3 of the motor revolutions of 1.75mm, reducing the risk of motor overheating and suitable for long prints lasting several days.

Old system support: Older industrial printers (such as early Stratasys models) still rely on 3mm ABS and PC mixtures.

Reduced tangling: 3mm’s lower spool rotation frequency allows stiffer filaments like PETG to perform better

Disadvantages: Limited material selection. Higher risk of inconsistent extrusion due to looser diameter tolerance (±0.1mm vs. ±0.05mm for 1.75mm)

How to choose the right diameter

For most users, 1.75mm filament is a smart choice, offering a balance of affordability, precision, and material variety. While 3mm still retains niche industrial applications, its shrinking market share reflects the consumer 3D printing industry’s shift toward compact, user-friendly systems. Before purchasing, verify your printer requirements and prioritize diameter consistency—whether you’re printing delicate figurines or functional prototypes.

1.75mm filament is the first choice for most 3D printing users due to its wide compatibility, accuracy, and material diversity. Although 3mm filament still has a certain market in niche industrial applications, its market share is gradually shrinking compared to 1.75mm, reflecting the 3D printing industry’s shift toward compact, user-friendly printing systems. Choosing high-quality 3D printing filaments can further enhance your printing results. JLC3DP offers a wide range of high-quality 3D printing materials and accessories to meet your various needs and help you achieve the best printing experience.