What is "filament density," and how does it affect the print?

Filament density refers to the mass per unit volume of the filament used in 3D printing, typically measured in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). This characteristic is essential because it directly impacts both the weight of the printed object and the amount of material utilized during the printing process.

When filament density is higher, the resulting printed part will be heavier, which can be a crucial factor for applications where weight is a concern, such as in aerospace or automotive industries. Additionally, understanding the filament's density helps in estimating the amount of material needed for a specific print. This is particularly important for cost management and sustainability considerations, as using more material than necessary can lead to increased costs and waste.

While the density does not directly determine the thickness of the printed part or affect the color of filament, these factors are influenced more by the design settings and the material's characteristics. Furthermore, filament density certainly does have an impact on print quality, as variations in density can lead to inconsistencies if not properly managed, but it doesn’t impact the surface appearance or specific attributes of layering in typical print settings. Thus, recognizing the role of filament density is vital for achieving desired outcomes in 3D printing.