3D Printing Filaments

Filaments

The plastic we print your parts with. Pick the one that fits the job.

Every filament is a different kind of plastic. Some are strong, some bend, some survive heat or sunlight. Here's a baby-simple guide so you can pick the right one.

⭐ = how good it is — more stars is better
💵 = how pricey — more cash is more expensive

6 filaments

PLA

PLA

Easy & cheap. Great for indoor stuff.

What it isThe classic. Made from corn. Prints clean, looks sharp, but melts if you leave it in a hot car.

Good forDisplay pieces, indoor brackets, prototypes, fun props.

Durability⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rigidness⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Resistance⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor OK⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy to Print⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost💵💵💵💵💵
PETG

PETG

Tough & weatherproof. Our go-to.

What it isStronger than PLA, handles sun, rain, and a few drops. The default choice for parts that live outside or in the garage.

Good forOutdoor mounts, tool holders, job-site brackets, water bottle stuff.

Durability⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rigidness⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Resistance⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor OK⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy to Print⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost💵💵💵💵💵
PETG-CF

PETG-CF

PETG + carbon fiber. Stiff and premium.

What it isPETG mixed with chopped carbon fiber. Way stiffer, holds its shape, beautiful matte black finish.

Good forDrone frames, jigs, structural parts, parts that can't bend.

Durability⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rigidness⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Resistance⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor OK⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy to Print⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost💵💵💵💵💵
ABS

ABS

Heat tough. The Lego plastic.

What it isClassic engineering plastic. Survives heat way better than PLA. Picky to print — needs an enclosed printer.

Good forEngine bay parts, automotive, enclosures, things that get warm.

Durability⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rigidness⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Resistance⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor OK⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy to Print⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost💵💵💵💵💵
ASA

ASA

Outdoor king. Won't fade in the sun.

What it isABS's cousin that loves sunlight. Same toughness, but the UV won't turn it yellow or brittle.

Good forOutdoor signs, truck/RV parts, solar mounts, mailbox stuff.

Durability⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rigidness⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Resistance⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor OK⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy to Print⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost💵💵💵💵💵
TPU

TPU

Squishy & flexible. Like a rubber.

What it isBendy rubber-like filament. Stretches, bounces, grips. Great when you don't want hard plastic.

Good forPhone cases, gaskets, grips, tires, vibration dampers.

Durability⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rigidness⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Resistance⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outdoor OK⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy to Print⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost💵💵💵💵💵

Not sure what to pick?

Tell us how and where the part will be used — we'll recommend the right material and process.

Ask an Expert