3D printing materials and filament guide
PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, nylon, polycarbonate and carbon- or glass-fibre blends: what each filament is for, what to watch out for, and the finishes we offer.
Filament guide: which one for what?
What each filament is good at and the one thing to watch, in plain words. Which profiles are installed on our printers right now is in the list below.
Unfilled filaments
| Material | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Decor, gifts, figures and prototypes — the most economical choiceSoftens at around 55 °C, so it can deform in a hot car, in the sun or in a dishwasher. | Softens at around 55 °C, so it can deform in a hot car, in the sun or in a dishwasher. |
| PETG | Durable everyday parts that take knocks and moistureTougher and slightly more flexible than PLA; very fine detail may come out less crisp. | Tougher and slightly more flexible than PLA; very fine detail may come out less crisp. |
| TPU (flexible) | Flexible parts: seals, bumpers, casesFlexible, so thin tall features and tight dimensions are hard, and it prints slowly. | Flexible, so thin tall features and tight dimensions are hard, and it prints slowly. |
| ASA | Outdoor parts that stand up to sun and weatherLike ABS but UV-resistant; large flat parts can warp slightly. | Like ABS but UV-resistant; large flat parts can warp slightly. |
| ABS | General-purpose parts that tolerate more heat than PLACan yellow and turn brittle in sunlight over time — ASA is better outdoors. Large parts tend to warp. | Can yellow and turn brittle in sunlight over time — ASA is better outdoors. Large parts tend to warp. |
| Nylon (PA) | Engineering parts that resist wearAbsorbs moisture from the air, which can change its dimensions and strength over time. | Absorbs moisture from the air, which can change its dimensions and strength over time. |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Parts that must cope with high temperaturesStiff and heat-resistant but hard to print; large parts carry a high risk of warping. | Stiff and heat-resistant but hard to print; large parts carry a high risk of warping. |
Carbon- and glass-fibre-filled filaments
Chopped fibre makes a part stiffer and more dimensionally stable, but it does not strengthen the bond between layers, and it leaves a matte surface.
| Material | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon-fibre PLA | Stiff, dimensionally stable jigs and fixturesStiff but can be brittle — for parts that need rigidity, not ones that must absorb impact. | Stiff but can be brittle — for parts that need rigidity, not ones that must absorb impact. |
| Carbon-fibre PETG | Tough parts that resist chemicalsStiffer than plain PETG, but less flexible. | Stiffer than plain PETG, but less flexible. |
| Carbon-fibre ASA | Stiff outdoor parts that resist UVFor rigidity outdoors; less flexible than plain ASA. | For rigidity outdoors; less flexible than plain ASA. |
| Glass-fibre ABS | Stiff, heat-resistant partsGlass fibre adds stiffness; the surface comes out slightly rough and matte. | Glass fibre adds stiffness; the surface comes out slightly rough and matte. |
| Carbon-fibre nylon (PA-CF) | Structural, load-bearing nylon partsAbsorbs moisture like any nylon; performs best when used in dry conditions. | Absorbs moisture like any nylon; performs best when used in dry conditions. |
| High-temperature carbon nylon (PAHT-CF) | Structural parts for hot environmentsFor parts working in warm environments; absorbs moisture like any nylon. | For parts working in warm environments; absorbs moisture like any nylon. |
Slicer profiles available on this host
These are the profiles actually installed on the machine that will slice your part. A profile that is not here cannot be quoted, however common it is elsewhere.
Material classes
Finishes
Frequently asked questions
PLA or PETG?
For decor, figures and prototypes that see no heat or knocks, PLA is enough and the most economical choice. If the part will sit in sun or warmth or take impacts, choose PETG: it is tougher and copes better with moisture. PLA softens at around 55 °C.
Which filament stands up to heat and sunlight?
ASA for sun and outdoor use; ABS, polycarbonate (PC) or heat-resistant carbon-fibre nylon (PAHT-CF) for warm environments. PLA can deform in a hot car or behind a sunny window.
When do I need a carbon-fibre filament?
When a part must be light but rigid and must not flex under load: brackets, jigs, fixtures. The fibre stiffens the part but does not strengthen the bond between layers, and it leaves a matte surface; where flexibility or impact absorption matters, plain PETG or nylon is better.
Can you print flexible parts?
Yes, in TPU: seals, bumpers, sleeves and grip surfaces. Very fine detail and tight dimensions are harder in a flexible material.
Can you print parts that touch food?
We do not verify that a part is suitable for food contact. A material's food-contact declaration is about the raw material; it does not mean a finished print is fit for that use. For a part that will touch food, that decision is yours.
Can I choose the colour?
Yes, in a single colour: pick black, white, grey, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, brown or beige when you order, or leave it at “no preference”. It depends on the filament in stock at production time, and if we do not have it we contact you rather than substituting. For several colours in one part, request a custom quote.