Getting your hands on a 3D printer opens the door to a universe of possibilities. Be it something functional like a doorknob or recreational like tabletop gaming minis – there’s one common element tying it all together: 3D printer filament. If you don’t know your PLA from your ABS, or if you’re not sure if you need nylon or polypropylene, you’ve come to the right place.
Below, we offer an easy-to-digest overview (with all the essential and useful data) of all of the common 3D printer filament types you may encounter. Whether you’re printing cosplay armor in PLA, impact-resistant parts in ABS, or flexible components in TPU, this guide will help you pick the right material—and get the best possible results.
There are six polymers most used in 3D printing: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, nylon, and PC(We'll focus on the top four here.). You may never need more than these and, while figures vary, it’s estimated that 50% of the filament market is PLA, which comes is a wide range of properties and types.
PLA
What is PLA?
In the realm of consumer 3D printing, polylactic acid (PLA) is king. Although it’s often compared to ABS – arguably the next in line to the throne – PLA is easily the most popular type of 3D printer filament, and for good reason: it’s easy to print on almost any printer, it comes is a huge variety of colors and styles, and it’s typically the cheapest.
3D Printer Filament Properties: PLA
- Strength: Medium | Flexibility: Low | Durability: Medium
- Difficulty to use: Low
- Print temperature: 180 – 230 °C
- Print bed temperature: 20 – 70 °C (but not needed)
- Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
- Soluble: No
Generally PLA is easy to print with because has a lower printing temperature than most other filaments and it doesn’t warp as easily, meaning a heated print bed isn’t required (although it definitely helps). Another benefit of using PLA is it is generally considered an odorless filament, but many have reported smelling sweet candy-like fumes depending on the type of PLA. Of course, all 3D printing should be done in a well ventilated environment.
Another appealing aspect of PLA is it’s available in a nearly endless abundance of colors and styles, so many that most hobby printers will never need to leave the realm of PLA.
Major PLA Types:
- Hiigh-speed PLA
- Carbon-fiber-filled PLA,
- Flexible PLA
- High-temperature PLA
- Lightweight / Foaming PLA
PLA is more environmentally friendly than many 3D printer filaments because it’s made from renewable plant-based resources, primarily corn starch (most common), sugarcane, cassava or other carbohydrate-rich crops. PLA is biodegradable only under industrial composting conditions (high heat, moisture, and microbial activity). In landfills or typical environments, it behaves like regular plastics.
When Should I Use PLA 3D Printer Filament?
In this case, a better question might be “when shouldn’t I use PLA?” Compared to other types of 3D printer filament, PLA can be brittle and breakable. This is the main reason users move on from PLA to the polymers below.
You should also avoid using PLA with items that need to withstand higher temperatures, like outdoor use in summertime, since PLA tends to deform around temperatures of 60 °C or higher. For all other applications, PLA makes for a good overall choice in 3D printer filament.
Common prints include models, low-wear toys, prototype parts, and containers.
ABS
What is ABS?
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is less popular than PLA for everyday 3D printing, mainly because of its hazardous fumes. However, in terms of material properties, ABS is actually moderately superior to PLA, despite being more difficult to print – it’s prone to warping without a hot print bed and bed adhesive.
Commonly used in injection molding, ABS is found in many manufactured household and consumer goods, including LEGO bricks and bicycle helmets.
3D Printer Filament Properties: ABS
- Strength: High | Flexibility: Medium | Durability: High
- Difficulty to use: Medium
- Print temperature: 210 – 250 °C
- Print bed temperature: 80 – 110 °C
- Shrinkage/warping: Considerable
- Soluble: In esters, ketones, and acetone
- Food safety: Not food safe
Products made of ABS boast high durability and a capacity to withstand high temperatures, but 3D printer enthusiasts should be mindful of the filament’s high printing temperature, tendency to warp during cooling, and intense, potentially hazardous fumes. Be sure to print with a heated bed and a well-ventilated space (or with an enclosure).
When Should I Use ABS 3D Printer Filament?
ABS is tough and can withstand high stress and temperature. It’s also moderately flexible, though there are certainly better options for that further down this list. Together, these properties make ABS a good general-purpose 3D printer filament, but where it really shines is with items that are frequently handled, dropped, or heated. Examples include phone cases, high-wear toys, tool handles, automotive trim components, and electrical enclosures.
PETG
What is PETG?
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a widely used 3D printing filament known for its balance of strength, flexibility, and ease of use. It is a modified version of PET (the plastic used in water bottles), with glycol added to reduce brittleness and improve clarity and durability. PETG combines the best characteristics of PLA and ABS, making it a versatile material for a wide range of applications.
3D Printer Filament Properties: PETG
- Strength: High | Flexibility: Medium | Durability: High
- Difficulty to use: Low
- Print temperature: 220 – 250 °C
- Print bed temperature: 50 – 75 °C
- Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
- Soluble: No
PETG is semi-rigid, impact-resistant, and has good chemical and moisture resistance. It offers better durability and strength than PLA, while being easier to print than ABS. PETG is also less prone to warping, which means it generally doesn’t require an enclosed print chamber. It prints at moderate temperatures (typically 220°C-250°C), and adheres well to the print bed with minimal shrinkage. Additionally, it is food-safe (in some formulations), recyclable, and available in transparent or colored variants.
Three things 3D printer enthusiasts should keep in mind when using PETG:
- PETG is “hygroscopic”, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This has a negative effect on the printability of the material, so make sure to store the 3D printer filament in a cool, dry place and, if necessary, dry it before use.
- PETG is sticky when printed, making this 3D printer filament a poor choice for support structures but good for layer adhesion.
- Though not brittle, PETG scratches more easily than ABS.
When Should I Use PETG 3D Printer Filament?
PETG is a good all-rounder but stands out from many other types of 3D printer filament due to its flexibility, strength, and resistance to high temperature and impact. This makes it an ideal 3D printer filament to use for functional objects which might experience sustained or sudden stress, such as mechanical parts, printer parts, and protective components. Recycled PETG made from old water bottles and other sources is even better for the environment.
Flexible TPU
What is TPU?
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like 3D printing filament known for its elasticity, durability, and impact resistance. It belongs to the broader category of TPEs (Thermoplastic Elastomers), but TPU is by far the most commonly used variant in 3D printing due to its excellent printability and mechanical strength.
Unlike rigid filaments like PLA or ABS, TPU can bend, stretch, compress, and absorb shocks—making it ideal for functional parts that need to endure wear and tear or mechanical stress.
3D Printer Filament Properties: Flexible TPU
- Strength: Medium | Flexibility: Very High | Durability: Very High
- Difficulty to use: Medium (TPE, TPC); Low (TPU)
- Print temperature: 220 – 250 °C
- Print bed temperature: 40 – 60 °C (but not needed)
- Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
- Soluble: No
- Food safety: Not food safe
TPU requires some adjustments compared to stiffer filaments. Its flexible nature makes it prone to stringing and oozing, especially at higher speeds. For best results, TPU is usually printed slowly—around 20 to 30 mm/s—and works most reliably with direct-drive extruders, which provide better control of the filament path. Bowden-style extruders can still work, but they often require more tuning to prevent jamming or inconsistent flow.
TPU is commonly used in applications where flexibility and toughness are essential. This includes phone cases, protective covers, seals, gaskets, and custom grips. It’s also a favorite for producing vibration-dampening components like drone bumpers, RC car tires, and suspension parts. Other creative uses include wearable items such as shoe soles and watch straps, as well as ergonomic tools and soft enclosures for electronics.
While TPU doesn’t perform well in high-temperature environments and may lack the dimensional accuracy of rigid plastics, it excels in scenarios that demand a balance of flexibility, toughness, and longevity. For makers and engineers who need durable, bendable parts, TPU offers a reliable and versatile solution—once you get the settings dialed in.
When Should I Use TPU 3D Printer Filament?
Use flexibles when creating objects that need to take a lot of wear. If your 3D printed part bends, stretches, or compresses, these 3D printer filaments should be up to the task. Example prints might include toys, phone cases, or wearables (like wristbands). TPC can be used for similar applications but does especially well in harsher environments, like the outdoors, or anywhere it will be exposed to high heat, like in a car.
Ultimately, there's no single 'best' filament—only the best one for the job. For quick prototypes, grab PLA. For durable, heat-resistant parts, turn to ABS. For a reliable all-rounder, PETG is your go-to. And for anything that needs to bend or stretch, TPU is the clear winner. Use this knowledge to choose wisely and bring your creations to life.
Comments
0 comment