3D Printing Filament Comparison (FDM)
PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU: properties, advantages and selection guide for your project.
Get a free quoteChoosing the right filament is a critical step in any FDM 3D printing project. Each material has different mechanical, thermal and aesthetic properties. This guide compares the four most commonly used filaments to help you make the right choice.
Properties comparison
| PLA | PETG | ABS | TPU | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print temperature | 190–220 °C | 220–250 °C | 230–260 °C | 210–230 °C |
| Heated bed | Optional (20–60 °C) | Required (70–80 °C) | Required (90–110 °C) | Optional (40–60 °C) |
| Impact resistance | Low (brittle) | Good | Good | Excellent (absorbs) |
| Heat resistance (HDT) | 55–60 °C | 70–80 °C | 95–105 °C | 60–80 °C |
| Flexibility | Rigid | Slightly flexible | Rigid | Very flexible (Shore 95A) |
| Print ease | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Enclosure required | No | No | Yes (warping) | No |
| Indicative price (kg) | €15–25 | €20–30 | €18–28 | €30–50 |
Detailed material sheets
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
The most popular FDM 3D printing filament. Made from renewable resources (corn starch), it is easy to print and offers good surface quality.
Advantages
- Very easy to print, ideal for beginners
- Biodegradable with minimal odor during printing
- Excellent surface quality and fine details
- Wide range of colors and finishes (matte, glossy, silk)
Disadvantages
- Brittle on impact (no plastic deformation)
- Low heat resistance (softens at 55 °C)
- Limited mechanical strength for functional parts
Typical use cases
- Visual prototypes and scale models
- Decorative pieces and figurines
- Display stands and presentation models
- Education and 3D printing learning
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
An excellent compromise between printability and mechanical strength. PETG combines the ease of PLA with better impact and heat resistance.
Advantages
- Good impact and chemical resistance
- Moisture resistant, food-safe compatible
- Low odor printing with minimal warping
- Good transparency (natural versions)
Disadvantages
- More stringing than PLA (settings need tuning)
- Slightly less crisp surface than PLA
- Prone to scratches (softer surface)
Typical use cases
- Durable functional parts
- Watertight containers and enclosures
- Mechanical parts under moderate stress
- Real-world condition prototypes
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
The quintessential industrial plastic (LEGO, car parts). ABS offers excellent heat and impact resistance but requires a controlled printing environment.
Advantages
- Excellent heat resistance (up to 105 °C)
- Good impact and wear resistance
- Easy to sand, glue and paint
- Acetone vapor smoothing for glossy finish
Disadvantages
- Significant warping (enclosed printer required)
- Emits harmful fumes (ventilation needed)
- Harder to print than PLA/PETG
Typical use cases
- Electronic enclosures and automotive parts
- Parts exposed to heat (near-engine)
- Industrial functional prototypes
- Workshop tooling and jigs
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
The go-to flexible filament. TPU produces soft, elastic parts that are resistant to impacts and abrasion.
Advantages
- Very flexible and elastic (typical Shore 95A)
- Excellent impact and vibration resistance
- Good abrasion and oil resistance
- Easy bed adhesion
Disadvantages
- Slow printing (reduced speed 20–30 mm/s)
- Requires direct drive extruder (not Bowden)
- Difficult to post-process (doesn't sand well)
Typical use cases
- Gaskets, cable grommets and dampers
- Protective cases (phone, drone)
- Soles and shoe components
- Wheels, belts and anti-vibration parts
How to choose?
A quick and affordable prototype → PLA
A functional part resistant to impacts → PETG
A part exposed to heat (>80 °C) → ABS
A flexible or vibration-absorbing part → TPU