What type of 3D printing filament should you buy?

Best answer: Polylactic Acid (PLA) is the best all-round filament for making models, especially if you're going to finishing them. It's forgiving, easy to use, and can be made to look amazing when painted.

MatterHackers: Build series PLA ($20)

It's the easiest of the filaments to use

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is probably the most famous of the 3D Printing filaments, and for good reason. The composition of the plastic means it can be printed at relatively low temperatures, 190-215 Celsius (or 374-419 Fahrenheit), and it doesn't require a heated build plate. Thanks to these low temperatures, almost all 3D printers are capable of printing PLA. It's also very forgiving when it comes to making mistakes.

The low temperatures also ensure that it's possible to manipulate PLA after you have printed it. This allows you to print objects flat then twist them into my interesting shapes. I used this property when I made Wonder Woman gauntlets for a friend; I printed them flat then warmed them up w...