| PLA (Polylactic Acid) | - Easiest to print - requires low temperatures (180-220°C) and minimal warping
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly - made from renewable resources like corn starch
- Excellent dimensional accuracy with good surface finish
- Wide availability and lowest cost among common filaments
| - Brittle and low impact resistance - parts can break under stress
- Poor heat resistance - begins to deform around 60°C
- Not suitable for outdoor use due to UV degradation
- Limited chemical resistance compared to other materials
| Prototypes, decorative models, educational projects, architectural models |
| - High impact resistance and durability - excellent for functional parts
- Good heat resistance - can withstand temperatures up to 100-105°C
- Machinable and post-processable - can be sanded, drilled, and acetone-smoothed
- Strong and flexible - less brittle than PLA
| - Strong odor that can be unpleasant
- More difficult to print than PLA due to warping tendencies and higher temperature sensitivity
| Functional prototypes, automotive parts, tool housings, mechanical components. |
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
| - Excellent strength and flexibility balance - combines PLA ease with ABS strength
- Superior layer adhesion compared to PLA and ABS
- Good chemical and UV resistance - suitable for outdoor applications
- Food-safe options available for containers and kitchen items
- Minimal warping and easier to print than ABS
- High transparency when printed correctly
| - Prone to stringing during printing, requiring careful temperature control
- More expensive than PLA and ABS
- Can be difficult to remove from build plates due to strong adhesion
- Softer than ABS - can show scratches more easily
| Food containers, outdoor signage, machine parts, protective equipment |
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
| - Rubber-like flexibility - excellent for shock absorption and flexible parts
- Outstanding layer-to-layer adhesion due to soft nature
- Excellent abrasion resistance and durability
- Maintains flexibility at low temperatures
- Impact resistant - ideal for protective applications
| - Extremely difficult to print - requires slow speeds and precise settings
- Poor bridging performance - requires support structures for overhangs
- Cannot be smoothed or polished post-printing
- Expensive compared to rigid filaments
| Phone cases, gaskets, flexible hinges, sports equipment... |
