I set about answering in a definitive manner: can you run 1.75mm filaments in a LulzBot Taz, which is rated for 2.85mm/3mm filaments? The quick answer is yes, you can run 1.75mm with zero hardware modification! Read on for the longer answer.

For whatever reason, the 3D printing world is beset with two standard filament diameters, 1.75mm and 2.85mm. I don’t know why. The LulzBot Taz is a 2.85mm printer, but I’ve heard anecdotally that it can run 1.75mm as well. Since some filaments are only available in 1.75mm, I wanted a straight answer on if and how to use them.

I started with 3D Solutech PLA, an inexpensive brand available on Amazon that goods good, legitimate reviews. I just shoved it in, tighted the idler down, and changed the slicer’s filament diameter setting to 1.75mm. That setting, in turn, affects the extruder speed.

It worked!

The Taz “hexagon” extruder servo and idler have plenty of grip to feed the thinner filament, and it doesn’t jam in the hot end, either.

Filament exchanges require additional effort. I recommend using 2.85mm cleaning filament or nylon when changing filaments. This helps clean the entire hot end.

Filaments Tested

3D Solutech PLA

3D Solutech ABS

AmazonBasics PETG