Use the table below to figure out what type of filament works best for you.
| Material | Material Properties | Advantages | Limitations | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PLA
|
• Rigid and lightweight • Excellent surface finish • Biodegradable plastic • Wide color selection • Low cost option |
• Beautiful, smooth finish • Great fine detail capture • Eco-friendly material • Budget-friendly option • Vibrant, consistent colors • No unpleasant odors |
• Brittle under stress • Deforms in heat (60°C+) • UV light causes degradation • Not suitable for food contact • Limited outdoor durability |
Prototypes, decorative items, miniatures, educational models, toys, artistic pieces, architectural models |
|
ABS
|
• High impact strength • Heat resistant to 100°C • Lightweight yet durable • Machinable and sandable • Chemical resistant |
• Excellent durability • Withstands high temperatures • Great for moving parts • Can be smoothed with acetone • Strong impact resistance • Professional-grade material |
• Slightly rougher surface finish • Limited color options • Not environmentally friendly • Can have slight odor initially • Higher cost than PLA |
Automotive parts, phone cases, tool handles, enclosures, mechanical parts, functional prototypes, LEGO-compatible pieces |
|
ASA
|
• Superior UV resistance • Weather and chemical proof • High strength and durability • Temperature stable to 100°C • Similar to ABS but outdoor-rated |
• Excellent for outdoor use • Won't fade or degrade in sun • Weatherproof and durable • Professional automotive-grade • Maintains strength over time • Chemical resistant finish |
• Premium pricing • Limited color selection • Slight surface texture • Overkill for indoor projects • Less eco-friendly option |
Outdoor signage, automotive trim, garden tools, drone parts, outdoor equipment, architectural elements, marine applications |
|
PETG
|
• Crystal clear transparency • Food-safe options available • Strong yet flexible • Chemical resistant • Recyclable material |
• Beautiful transparency • Safe for food applications* • Combines strength with flexibility • Excellent chemical resistance • Environmentally recyclable • Great surface finish |
• Scratches more easily • Limited heat resistance • Moderate cost increase • Can show fingerprints • Softer than ABS/ASA |
Food containers*, bottles, medical devices, transparent parts, protective cases, vases, kitchen utensils, display cases |
Material Selection Guide:
*Food Safety: PETG can be food-safe, but verify the specific brand meets FDA regulations before food contact use.
Durability: For items that need to last outdoors or handle rough use, ASA and ABS offer superior longevity compared to PLA.
Appearance: PLA offers the best surface finish and color options, while PETG provides beautiful transparency for display items.
Cost-Effectiveness: PLA is the most economical choice for decorative and display items, while other materials offer better value for functional applications.