Gizmo Dorks PVA Filament for 3D Printers

PVA stands for polyvinyl alcohol and is a water-soluble synthetic polymer. PVA is degradable and dissolves quickly in water. It is the perfect filament to use as support material for its dissolvable properties.

Generally, PVA is used in conjunction with PLA not ABS because it adheres well to PLA. The extrusion temperature difference can also be problematic with ABS. Importantly, PVA should not be allowed to sit at temperatures higher than 200 degrees Celsius for an extended period of time, known as pyrolysis.

It will form jams which are extremely difficult to remove. Unlike PLA and ABS, you cannot remove the jam by increasing the temperature. Clearing the jam in the nozzle will often require it to be re-drilled or replaced altogether, so be careful!