Conductive filament lets you 3D print parts that carry an electrical signal: touch buttons, sensors, simple circuits and static-safe housings, all without separate wiring. This guide covers how it works, which type to choose, how to print it and what to realistically expect.
What is conductive filament?
Conductive filament is a normal printing plastic, usually PLA, filled with a conductive carbon material. Once enough filler is added, the particles form a connected network through the plastic, and electricity can flow through the printed part.
The three common fillers are:
| Filler | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon black | Budget conductive PLA | Widely available. Can be brittle at high loadings. |
| Graphite | General conductive PLA | Moderate conductivity. |
| Graphene | Conductive and functional parts | Thin, flat flakes form a conductive network efficiently and also add strength and thermal conductivity. |
What can you make with it?
- Capacitive touch buttons and sliders. Print a touch pad straight into a housing and connect it to a microcontroller (such as Arduino or ESP32) touch pin.
- Simple circuits and traces. Light low-power LEDs, or connect components on a printed board.
- Flex and pressure sensors. Resistance changes as the part bends or is squeezed.
- Wearables. Combine conductive paths with flexible parts.
- Static dissipation and shielding. Make enclosures and fixtures for sensitive electronics.
- Education and STEM. Run hands-on electronics projects without soldering.
What it can’t do
It’s important to set expectations. Conductive filament has much higher resistance than copper wire, so:
- It’s for low current and low voltage only: signals, sensing and small LEDs. It can’t carry mains power or drive motors.
- Long, thin traces add up to a lot of resistance. Keep traces short and wide.
- Resistance varies with print direction. Current usually flows more easily along a printed layer than across layers, so lay traces flat on the bed where you can.
How to print conductive filament
Our Graphene Conductive Filament prints like a PLA, with a few tips:
- Nozzle temperature: 220–240°C
- Bed temperature: 60–80°C
- Nozzle: standard brass is fine
- Speed: print a little slower than standard PLA for consistent flow
- Orientation: lay conductive paths flat (in the XY plane) for the lowest resistance
- Connections: clamp wires, use conductive paint or adhesive, or press in metal inserts while the part is warm. Don’t rely on a light surface touch alone.
- Storage: keep spools dry and sealed
For full settings, see our processing guide (PDF).
Does it work with my printer?
Our conductive filament comes in 1.75mm, which suits most modern printers including Bambu Lab, Prusa, Creality and Anycubic, and 2.85mm, which suits Ultimaker-style printers. Check your printer’s filament diameter before ordering.
Printing multi-material on an AMS or MMU? Print the conductive paths in conductive filament and the rest of the body in standard or SuperTough PLA. That way you get a strong part with built-in circuits.
Why choose graphene conductive filament?
Graphene does more than conduct. The same flakes that carry current also reinforce the plastic and spread heat. You get a conductive part that is also built to handle real use. Read Can Graphene Conduct Electricity? for the science.
Buy conductive filament in the UK
- Graphene Conductive Filament 1.75mm: 100g, 500g and 1kg
- Graphene Conductive Filament 2.85mm
UK stock, dispatched within 24 working hours. Not sure it’s right for your project? Ask our team.
FAQ
What is the best conductive filament?
It depends on the job. For simple touch sensors, most conductive PLAs will work. If your conductive parts also need to be strong or handle heat, a graphene-based filament gives you more in one material.
Can I solder to conductive filament?
No. The PLA will melt. Use mechanical clamps, crimps, conductive paint or epoxy, or heat-set metal inserts.
Is conductive filament abrasive?
Graphene-based conductive PLA is generally much less abrasive than fibre-filled filaments. A standard brass nozzle is fine for most users.
Can I use it with a Bambu Lab AMS?
Yes, the 1.75mm version suits AMS printers. Make sure the filament is dry and use a suitable PLA profile with the temperatures above.