1. What is a Filament Length Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the length of filament (in meters) contained in 1 kilogram based on the material density and nozzle cross-sectional area.

Purpose: It helps 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals determine how much printing material they have available for their projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( L_f \) — Filament length (meters)
• \( \rho_f \) — Filament density (g/mm³)
• \( A_n \) — Nozzle cross-sectional area (mm²)

Explanation: The formula converts 1 kg (1000g) of filament into length by accounting for the material's density and the cross-sectional area of the filament.

3. Importance of Filament Length Calculation

Details: Knowing the filament length helps estimate print capacity, material costs, and project planning for 3D printing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the filament density (default 0.00125 g/mm³ for PLA) and nozzle cross-sectional area (default 2.89 mm² for 1.75mm filament). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical density for PLA filament?
A: PLA filament typically has a density of about 0.00125 g/mm³ (1.25 g/cm³).

Q2: How do I calculate nozzle cross-sectional area?
A: Use the formula \( A = \pi r^2 \) where r is the filament radius (e.g., 0.875mm for 1.75mm filament).

Q3: Does this account for material lost during printing?
A: No, this calculates the total length in 1kg. Actual printable length may be less due to waste and supports.

Q4: How does filament diameter affect the length?
A: Thicker filament (larger diameter) means shorter length per kg, as the cross-sectional area increases quadratically with diameter.

Q5: What density should I use for ABS filament?
A: ABS typically has a density of about 0.00104 g/mm³ (1.04 g/cm³).