Which filament you need to start 3D printing

Getting started in 3D printing is not just about switching on the printer and loading a file.
In fact, most problems come from a poor choice of materials or consumables.

If you have already chosen your printer and understand how it works, the next step is crucial: knowing what to print with, what to download and which 3D accessories to use to get good results.

Drawing on our experience, we explain which files to use for a 3D printer, which material to choose, the differences between PLA and PETG, which accessories are genuinely necessary and which filament is most advisable to start with, so you avoid the most common mistakes that frustrate so many beginners.

Files for a 3D printer: reliable online 3D models:

A good 3D file makes printing easier; a bad one can ruin it, even if your printer is perfectly calibrated.

3D printing files are usually found in formats such as STL or 3MF and define exactly how the part will be built layer by layer. For those starting out, it is best to use online 3D models already validated by the community, rather than experimental or overly complex designs.

At Winkle we have several STL files that will help you get started:

• Designs made for straightforward printing.
• Models optimised for PLA, the material most used by beginners.
• Files tested and reviewed by other users.
• Printing guidance (layer height, infill, supports).

Winkle tip: start with simple, functional pieces such as brackets, boxes, keyrings or calibration tests. These models let you check the quality of the filament, fine-tune the printer and build confidence before tackling more complex prints.

3D printer material: what you should know before printing

Once you are clear about the files you are going to print, comes the most important decision for a beginner: the 3D printing material.

Not all materials behave the same way or serve the same purpose. Choosing the wrong material can cause adhesion problems, deformation, jams or poor finishes, even when the printer is properly assembled and calibrated.

So before printing your first piece, it is worth understanding which material to use for your level and the type of objects you want to make.

In home 3D printing, most users starting out hesitate between two options: PLA or PETG.

PLA vs PETG

• PLA is the most widely used material in 3D printing. And that is no accident.

Easy to print even without experience.
Good adhesion to the build plate.
Clean, detailed finishes.
Stability during printing.
Compatible with most 3D printers

It is the best option for learning, calibrating the printer and building confidence from your very first pieces.

• PETG is a stronger and more flexible material than PLA. It is more demanding during printing.
  It is more sensitive to temperature and needs retraction and cooling adjustments.

We have a complete Winkle guide on the differences between PLA and PETG, where we explain when to use each one and what settings each material needs.

Essential 3D printer accessories

Many mistakes come neither from the printer nor the material, but from not having the right tools.
That is why having the correct accessories makes an enormous difference to your first prints.

At Winkle we have put together a Starter Pack 3D tool kit for 3D printing that will help you with your 3D printer settings.

This kit contains 14 tools, including precision blades, tweezers, needles, pliers, a cutter, brushes and more.

Why choose Winkle filament if you are starting out?

Choosing a good filament is not only a question of the material, but also of who makes it.
Winkle is a Spanish brand specialising in filament for 3D printing, with in-house manufacturing and quality control in Spain, which guarantees a consistent diameter, stability and reliability in every spool.

We have 3D experts in every area, we maintain product traceability from source, we guarantee the best quality and our colour range is among the widest on the market.

When you hear Winkle filament, you are connecting with the quality of a benchmark brand both nationally and internationally. Choose from our range of PLA or PETG.