What is the typical diameter of the thermoplastic filament used in FDM?

The typical diameter of thermoplastic filament used in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is generally 1.75 mm. This diameter is widely used in most consumer and professional 3D printers because it provides a good balance between flow characteristics and ease of handling. A 1.75 mm filament allows for fine detail in prints, ensuring that the extruder can easily melt and push the filament through a nozzle to create layers in the printed object.

Using different diameters such as 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm is less common and often limits printer design and resolution options. A larger diameter can result in more material being extruded quickly, which can compromise print quality due to reduced detailing capabilities. Therefore, 1.75 mm is the standard choice, ensuring compatibility with the majority of FDM printers in the market.