Filament update:
FYI, Ninjatek has just released the Armadillo filament for ordering. Here is a breakdown of their two new filaments. I think we will be seeing more and more new filaments coming out that will eventually replace ABS and PLA. Makergeeks just release a couple new filaments also.
The new Cheetah filament is available but in 3mm only. Once Cheetah comes out it will be easier for some of you to print with flexible filament. It is basically flexible like Ninjaflex but with a hard shell that makes it easier to print. Armadillo will be easier to print than ABS with no / little warping and can be printed on a cold bed like PLA and has higher abrasion wear than PLA and ABS. Armadillo filament is a high performing rigid material, providing 90% higher abrasion resistance than nylon materials. Its toughness ratings are superior to commonly used materials, 86 times greater than that of ABS.
Maker geek’s Dishwasher safe PLA (called Raptor) is high strength and can also be annealed and withstand temps of 250f without warping and bending like PLA does (when left in a car). I have also ordered some new Crystal Clear line of filament and will report back when I receive it and print some samples. Makergeeks has mentioned they will be coming out with a few new filaments in the near future.
Looks like Innofil3d has released their PRO1 that is supposed to be able to print faster than normal filament so it cuts printing time by 30% to 80%. I didn’t see a reseller in the US yet but it is available other places.
Type-A-Machines has some really nice filament called ProMatte. I have posted some of my prints from that in the past. It has a nice matte finish and I really like it.
With all these I feel 3d printing will only get better and I like having new choices of filaments available. Each one usually has a purpose (strength, flexibility, temperature, etc) and depending on the cost may replace standard PLA/PETG and ABS for normal printing.
Here are the links to the manufactures websites. Also check your 3dprinter reseller and see if they carry the new filaments. Amazon is also a good place to get filament, especially if you have Prime and can save on shipping.
http://ninjatek.com/products/armadillo/
http://www.makergeeks.com/crpebymafi.html
http://www.makergeeks.com/rasepla.html
https://www.innofil3d.com/pro1-promo/
http://store.typeamachines.com/collections/3d-printer-filament/products/promatte
http://store.typeamachines.com/