Optimal settings for different filament types: How to adjust print parameters for PLA, ABS, PETG, and other filaments on the Creality K1C

The Creality K1C 3D printer is a versatile device that supports a variety of filament types such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more. However, each of these filaments has specific requirements regarding temperature, speed, and other print parameters to achieve optimal results. The right settings for each filament type are crucial to produce high-quality prints while avoiding issues like warping, stringing, or poor adhesion.

In this guide, we show you the optimal print settings for various filament types and how to adjust them for the Creality K1C.

Important print parameters that should be adjusted for each filament type

Before we dive into the specific settings for different filament types, you should know the key print parameters relevant for optimizing the printing process:

  • Print Temperature: The temperature of the hotend (extruder) at which the filament melts and is extruded. Different filaments require different temperatures.
  • Heated bed temperature: The temperature of the heated bed that ensures good first layer adhesion and reduces issues like warping.
  • Print speed: The speed at which the print head moves and filament is extruded. Faster speeds can reduce print time but may affect quality.
  • Fan speed: The fan helps cool the filament after extrusion. Different filaments require different cooling levels.
  • Retraction settings: These settings affect how much filament is pulled back during non-print moves to avoid stringing.

Settings for PLA (Polylactic Acid)

PLA is one of the most commonly used filaments in 3D printing because it is easy to work with and has low environmental requirements. It is especially suitable for beginners as it can be printed at relatively low temperatures and is less prone to warping.

  • Print temperature: 190–220 °C
    Start at about 200 °C and adjust the temperature based on print quality. Lower temperatures allow finer details, while higher temperatures improve layer adhesion.

  • Heated bed temperature: 50–60 °C
    PLA does not require extremely high heated bed temperatures. A heated bed at 60 °C helps improve first layer adhesion.

  • Print speed: 40–60 mm/s
    A moderate print speed is ideal for PLA. You can slightly increase the speed to reduce print time if no complex details are being printed.

  • Fan speed: 100 %
    PLA benefits from strong cooling to quickly solidify the layers. Set the fan to maximum speed, especially after the first layer.

  • Retraction settings:

    • Retraction length: 1–2 mm (for Direct Drive)
    • Retraction speed: 25–40 mm/s
      PLA tends to string if the retraction settings are incorrect, so it is important to optimize the retraction.

Special considerations when printing with PLA:

  • Make sure the printer enclosure is well ventilated, as PLA can overheat during printing if the ambient temperature is too high.
  • Use Blue Tape or a glue stick on the print bed if needed to improve adhesion.

Settings for ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is a strong, durable filament ideal for functional parts that need to be heat- or impact-resistant. However, ABS tends to warp significantly, so a controlled environment and higher temperatures are necessary.

  • Print temperature: 230–250 °C
    ABS requires high extrusion temperatures to fully melt. The best results are usually achieved at 240 °C.

  • Heated bed temperature: 90–110 °C
    To prevent warping, the heated bed must be heated to at least 100 °C. This ensures good adhesion of the first layer.

  • Print speed: 40–60 mm/s
    With ABS, the print speed should not be too high to improve layer adhesion.

  • Fan speed: 0–30 %
    ABS should not be cooled too much, as this can cause cracking. Either turn the fan off completely or set it to a low speed (max. 30%).

  • Retraction settings:

    • Retraction length: 1–1.5 mm
    • Retraction speed: 20–35 mm/s
      ABS is less prone to stringing than PLA, so you can slightly adjust retraction length and speed.

Special considerations when printing with ABS:

  • Since ABS tends to warp when cooling, it is ideal to print in a closed printer enclosure or under controlled environmental conditions to minimize temperature fluctuations.
  • Use a PEI coating or Kapton tape on the heated bed to improve first layer adhesion.

Settings for PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

PETG combines the strength of ABS with the ease of processing of PLA. It is known for its toughness and weather resistance, making it suitable for functional and mechanical parts.

  • Print temperature: 230–250 °C
    PETG requires similarly high temperatures as ABS to flow well. A good starting point is 240 °C.

  • Heated bed temperature: 70–85 °C
    PETG requires a heated bed to improve adhesion, but the temperatures are more moderate than with ABS.

  • Print speed: 40–60 mm/s
    Since PETG is slightly viscous, the print speed should stay in the range of 40–60 mm/s.

  • Fan speed: 30–50 %
    PETG requires moderate cooling to stabilize layers, but not as much as PLA. A fan speed of 40 % is a good compromise.

  • Retraction settings:

    • Retraction length: 3–5 mm
    • Retraction speed: 30–40 mm/s
      PETG is prone to stringing, so retraction settings must be very precise to prevent string formation.

Special considerations when printing with PETG:

  • PETG tends to bond strongly to the build platform. Use a release layer like hairspray or Pritt glue stick to make removing the print easier.
  • Make sure the first layer is not too low because PETG is sticky and could clog the nozzle.

Settings for TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU is a flexible, rubber-like filament ideal for prints requiring elasticity, such as seals or flexible mechanical parts.

  • Print temperature: 210–230 °C
    The optimal temperature for TPU is around 220 °C to maintain flexibility and allow clean extrusion.

  • Heated bed temperature: 50–60 °C
    TPU can also adhere well without a heated bed, but temperatures of 50–60 °C improve adhesion.

  • Print speed: 20–30 mm/s
    TPU should be printed slowly because the flexible material can jam or clog more quickly.

  • Fan speed: 50–70 %
    TPU requires moderate cooling to ensure clean layers, but too much cooling can cause shrinkage.

  • Retraction settings:

    • Retraction length: 2 mm
    • Retraction speed: 20–30 mm/s
      With TPU, retraction should be minimized to avoid clogs. Reduce retraction length and speed to a minimum.

Special considerations when printing with TPU:

  • Use a Direct Drive Extruder, as found on the Creality K1C, since it is better suited for flexible filaments. A Bowden extruder could jam TPU.
  • Make sure the filament path is straight and clear to reduce the risk of clogs.

Settings for other filament types

Nylon

  • Print temperature: 240–270 °C
  • Heated bed temperature: 70–100 °C
  • Print speed: 30–50 mm/s
  • Fan speed: 0–20 %
  • Retraction: 3–5 mm at 30 mm/s
    Nylon requires a high print temperature and is very sensitive to moisture, so it should be dried before printing.

Wood filament

  • Print temperature: 200–220 °C
  • Heated bed temperature: 50–60 °C
  • Print speed: 30–50 mm/s
  • Fan speed: 50–100 %
    Wood filament consists of PLA with wood fibers and gives the print a wood-like appearance. The nozzle should be cleaned regularly as wood fibers can cause deposits.

Conclusion

The optimal settings for different filament types in the Creality K1C depend heavily on the specific material properties. With the right adjustments to print temperature, heated bed temperature, print speed, and cooling, you can achieve high-quality print results while minimizing material waste and print errors. Experiment with the recommended parameters to find the perfect result for your project!