Why Cheap 3D Printer Filament Might Be Costing You More Than You Think

When you're new to 3D printing or commissioning your first printed part, it's easy to assume that cheaper 3D printer filament equals lower project cost. But here's the catch: in the world of FDM 3D printing, the cheapest option often turns out to be the most expensive in the long run.

At our Singapore-based 3D design and print studio, we've tested countless filament brands over the years. And while budget materials might seem like a bargain upfront, we’ve seen first-hand how they can lead to failed prints, machine wear, and disappointing results. Let’s break down the hidden costs of low-cost filament so you can make informed, cost-effective choices for your projects.

1. Failed Prints = Wasted Time and Material

Low-quality filament tends to have inconsistent diameter, poor layer adhesion, or excessive moisture content. These issues can result in:

• Layer shifting

• Nozzle clogs

• Warping and delamination

• Brittle or stringy prints

Every failed print with a 3D printer wastes both time and material. For businesses and hobbyists alike, this translates into delays, do-overs, and extra filament purchases.

Did you know? A 1kg spool of low-end 3D FDM filament may yield approximately 75-85% usable prints, while high-quality brands typically achieve 90-95% usable prints. Sources: 3D Printed: What is the Failure Rate of 3D Printing?; Mantis: How Filament Choice Affects Your 3D Prints

2. More Maintenance with a 3D printer, More Downtime

Cheaper filaments often include more impurities, inconsistent pigment blends, or recycled content of unknown origin. These factors increase the likelihood of:

• Clogged nozzles

• Heat creep

• PTFE liner degradation

• Increased nozzle wear (especially with filled or coloured variants)

Even minor issues can result in significant downtime—especially if you rely on consistent output for business or academic projects.

Tool tip: If your printer's nozzle clogs twice in one day using the same filament, it may not be the printer that’s the problem.

3. Lower Print Quality = Lower Satisfaction

Surface finish, accuracy, and overall appearance are major concerns when commissioning a 3D print. Budget filaments tend to produce:

• Colour banding

• Uneven texture

• Weaker layer bonding

This matters for aesthetic items like gifts, collectibles, or prototypes. If your print looks cheap, it undermines its perceived value—and you may end up reprinting it with a better material anyway.

Fun fact: Having experimented with “cheap filaments”, we have replaced all of our parts, printed for company-internal use e.g. replacement parts, with “high end filament” prints.

4. Better Filament = Predictable, Professional Results

When we use premium filament brands in our studio, we get:

• Reliable extrusion

• Better adhesion to the build plate

• Consistent colour and layer quality

• Less stringing and oozing

That means smoother jobs, shorter print times, fewer reworks, and better customer satisfaction. For our clients, the slightly higher material cost pays off in overall project efficiency.

Real result: One of our customers switched to premium PETG for their custom lighting enclosures and saw a 45% reduction in returns due to cracking or warping.

Our Approach: Quality First, Always

We work closely with clients to balance material cost with performance. If you’re unsure which material is right for your needs, we’ll guide you—honestly. We stock only filaments that have passed our own internal tests for reliability and printability, so you know what you’re getting.

Thinking about your next project? Let us help you choose a PLA filament that won’t break your budget—or your part.

Ready to Print Smart? Reach out for a material consultation or browse our previous blog posts for more practical advice on print settings, design tips, and local case studies.