If you’ve browsed the filament section at GigaParts or shopped online, you know there’s a lot more out there than just PLA. With so many options, it can get overwhelming: Should you use PETG for that outdoor birdhouse? Is TPU necessary for a phone case? What’s ASA all about? Let’s break down the facts so you can make the best choice for your next project.
What Makes Filaments Different?
When comparing 3D printing filaments, here are the key properties to consider:
- Strength: Resistance to breaking under force.
- Flexibility: Ranges from rigid to highly bendable.
- Temperature Resistance: Ability to withstand heat without deforming.
- Print Difficulty: Some materials are beginner-friendly, others require experience.
- Environmental Durability: Resistance to sunlight, moisture, and chemicals.
- Visual Qualities: Options include matte, glossy, transparent, and more.
- Special Properties: Features like conductivity, biodegradability, or food safety.
The Essentials: Common Filaments and Their Uses
PLA: The Friendly Default
- What it is: A plant-based, biodegradable plastic made from sources like corn starch.
- Best for: Indoor decorations, low-stress items, prototypes, and learning 3D printing.
- Pros:
- Very easy to print (low warping, forgiving temperature range: 180–220°C)
- Minimal odor
- Available in many colors and variants
- Rigid, good for detailed prints
- Cons:
- Low heat resistance (can deform in a hot car)
- Brittle compared to other filaments
- Not ideal for outdoor use
PETG: The Practical Upgrade
- What it is: Glycol-modified PET, similar to water bottle plastic.
- Best for: Functional parts, items exposed to moisture, outdoor projects, mechanical parts.
- Pros:
- Stronger and more impact-resistant than PLA
- Good temperature resistance (up to ~80°C)
- Water and UV resistant
- Less brittle than PLA
- Still relatively easy to print
- Cons:
- Can be stringy during printing
- Surface finish may be less smooth than PLA
- Absorbs moisture from the air (hygroscopic; needs dry storage)
ABS: The Tough Classic
- What it is: The same plastic found in LEGO bricks and automotive parts.
- Best for: High-stress parts, items exposed to heat, projects requiring post-processing.
- Pros:
- Very durable and impact-resistant
- Excellent heat resistance (100°C+)
- Can be smoothed with acetone
- More flexible than PLA
- Cons:
- Challenging to print (warps, needs high temps)
- Emits fumes (requires ventilation)
- UV sensitive (can degrade outdoors)
TPU/TPE: The Flexible Friends
- What it is: Thermoplastic polyurethane/elastomer, a flexible, rubber-like material.
- Best for: Phone cases, bumpers, wheels, flexible parts.
- Pros:
- Highly flexible and stretchable
- Excellent impact absorption
- Abrasion and chemical resistant
- Cons:
- Tricky to print (especially with Bowden extruders)
- Requires slow print speeds
- Absorbs moisture easily
Nylon: The Engineering Choice
- What it is: A synthetic polymer known for toughness and wear resistance.
- Best for: Gears, tools, high-wear and functional prototypes.
- Pros:
- Extremely strong, durable, and flexible
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Good layer adhesion
- High temperature resistance
- Cons:
- Very hygroscopic (absorbs moisture rapidly)
- Requires high printing temperatures
- Can warp significantly
- Limited color options
Beyond the Basics: Specialty Filaments
ASA: The Outdoor Alternative
- What it is: Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate, similar to ABS but with improved UV resistance.
- Best for: Outdoor projects, UV-resistant applications.
- Pros:
- Comparable strength to ABS
- Superior UV/weather resistance
- Less warping than ABS
- Good temperature resistance
- Cons:
- Still emits fumes during printing
- Requires higher temperatures
- More expensive than common filaments
HIPS: The Dissolvable Sidekick
- What it is: High Impact Polystyrene, often used as a dissolvable support material.
- Best for: Support structures for complex ABS prints.
- Pros:
- Dissolves in limonene
- Prints at similar temperatures to ABS
- Decent standalone strength
- Cons:
- Limited use beyond support material
- Requires chemical handling for dissolution
- Less common
PVA: The Water-Soluble Wonder
- What it is: Polyvinyl Alcohol, a water-soluble support material.
- Best for: Supports for complex PLA or PETG prints.
- Pros:
- Dissolves in water
- Non-toxic
- Ideal for complex geometries
- Cons:
- Expensive
- Highly hygroscopic
- Slower to print
Wood-Filled, Metal-Filled, and Other Composites
- What they are: PLA or other plastics blended with wood, metal, or carbon fiber particles.
- Best for: Decorative items with unique finishes.
- Pros:
- Unique look and feel
- Can be finished like real wood or metal
- Cons:
- Abrasive to standard nozzles (use hardened steel for metal/carbon fiber)
- More brittle than base materials
- Require larger nozzle diameters
- More expensive
Matching Material to Application: Quick Guide
| Application | Recommended Filament(s) |
|---|---|
| Indoor decorative items | PLA |
| Functional tools/hooks | PETG, ABS |
| Near heat sources | ABS, ASA, Nylon |
| Flexible items | TPU/TPE |
| Garden/outdoor items | ASA, PETG |
| Permanent outdoor installations | ASA |
| Gears/moving parts | Nylon, ABS |
| Snap-fit assemblies | PETG |
| Hinges/flexing parts | TPU, PETG |
| High-temp applications | Polycarbonate, Nylon |
| Toys (non-chewable) | PETG |
| Learning aids | PLA (indoor), PETG (durable) |
Storage and Handling Tips
- All filaments are hygroscopic to some degree; moisture leads to print defects.
- Store filament in airtight containers with desiccant.
- Use a filament dryer for sensitive materials like Nylon and TPU.
- Monitor humidity in your workspace.
- Use filament within a reasonable timeframe, as even well-stored filament can degrade over time.
Common Printing Issues by Material
- PLA: Stringing (lower temp/increase retraction), warping (clean bed, check first layer)
- PETG: Stringing (increase retraction/travel speed), sticky first layer (raise Z-offset)
- ABS: Warping (use enclosure/heated bed), layer splitting (increase temp)
- TPU: Feeding issues (slow down, use direct drive), stringing (accept or post-process)
Need More Help?
Still unsure which filament to use? Bring your project to GigaParts or come to one of our free 3D printing classes for personalized advice. Sharing experiences with other makers is one of the best ways to learn!