Find the most appropriate 3D printer filament for your needs!
Access to a 3D printer opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Whether for something practical like prosthetics or something fun like tabletop gaming parts, 3D printer filament is the glue that holds it all together.
Many 3D printing filament options are available as the raw material that keeps you printing. But what are the various types of filament for 3D printers? When is it appropriate to use them?
We go over all standard 3D printer filaments, like PLA and PETG.
It’s easier than ever to create functional, visually striking, and high-performing prints with so much variety. Here’s our best 3D printing filament buyer’s guide, which is divided into two sections to assist you in finding suitable materials:
First, you will find the details about the major 3D printing filaments. And in the next section, we will compare these filaments to find the best 3D printing filament for your needs!
Best 3D Printing Filament
WHAT IS PLA?
Polylactic acid (PLA) reigns supreme in consumer 3D printing. PLA is the most popular 3D printer filament type for a good reason. It’s often compared to ABS, arguably the next in line to the throne.
PROPERTIES OF 3D PRINTER FILAMENT: PLA
Strength: High | Flexibility: Low | Durability: Medium
Difficulty to use: Low
Print temperature: 180 – 230°C
Print bed temperature: 20 – 60°C (but not needed)
Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
Soluble: No
Food safety: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PLA is, first and foremost, simple to print. It prints at a lower temperature than ABS and does not warp as quickly, so it doesn’t require a heating bed (although it helps). Another advantage of PLA is that it does not emit an unpleasant odor during printing (unlike ABS). It’s generally considered an odorless filament, but some people have reported smelling sweet candy-like fumes depending on the type of PLA.
Another appealing feature of PLA is that it comes in infinite colors and styles. Many specialty filaments, such as those with conductive or glow-in-the-dark properties or those infused with wood or metal, use PLA as the base material, as seen in the exotics sections.
PLA is more environmentally friendly than many 3D printer filaments up to a point. Under certain commercially feasible conditions, it will biodegrade. You won’t be able to compost it at home, so we’re hesitant to call it “green” in any meaningful way, but you could make an argument that it’s better than some alternatives.
WHICH PLA 3D PRINTER FILAMENT SHOULD I USE?
When should I not use PLA? This might be a better question in this case. PLA is brittle compared to other types of 3D printer filament, so avoid using it for items that will be bent, twisted, or frequently dropped, such as phone cases, high-wear toys, or tool handles.
Also, PLA tends to deform at 60°C or higher temperatures, so you should avoid using it with items that need to withstand higher temperatures. PLA is a good choice in 3D printer filament for all other applications.
Models, low-wear toys, prototype parts, and containers are common prints.
PLA 3D PRINTER FILAMENT RECAP
Pros: Easy to print, wide variety of colors/styles, biodegradable
Cons: Brittle, lackluster mechanical properties
Best 3D Printing Filament
WHAT IS ABS?
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a less common 3D printing material than PLA. Despite being slightly more challenging to print, ABS is prone to warping without a hot print bed and bed adhesive – it is moderately superior to PLA in terms of material properties.
ABS is a typical injection molding material in various manufactured household and consumer goods, such as LEGO bricks and bicycle helmets.
PROPERTIES OF 3D PRINTER FILAMENT: ABS
Strength: High | Flexibility: Medium | Durability: High
Difficulty to use: Medium
Print temperature: 210 – 250°C
Print bed temperature: 80 – 110°C
Shrinkage/warping: Considerable
Soluble: In esters, ketones, and acetone
Food safety: Not food safe
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ABS-based products are durable and can withstand high temperatures. However, 3D printer users should be aware of the filament’s high printing temperature, tendency to warp during cooling, and strong, potentially hazardous fumes. Make sure you print on a heated bed in a well-ventilated environment (or with an enclosure).
WHEN SHOULD ABS 3D PRINTER FILAMENT BE USED?
ABS is a rigid material that can withstand pressure and heat. It’s also moderately adaptable, though there are certainly better options further down the list for that. ABS is an excellent general-purpose 3D printer filament because of these properties, but it shines infrequently handled, dropped, or heated items. A few examples are phone cases, high-wear toys, tool handles, automotive trim components, and electrical enclosures.
ABS 3D PRINTER FILAMENT RECAP
Pros: High strength, high durability, and high-temperature resistance
Cons: Easy to warp, produces hazardous fumes, and necessitates a high-temperature print nozzle
Best 3D Printing Filament
WHAT EXACTLY IS PETG (PET, PETT)?
PET is a polyethylene terephthalate that is one of the most widely used plastics on the planet. It is most commonly associated with water bottles but can also be found in clothing fibers and food containers. While “raw” PET is rarely used in 3D printing, PETG, a variant of PET, is becoming increasingly popular.
PROPERTIES OF 3D PRINTER FILAMENT: PETG (PET, PETT)
Strength: High| Flexibility: Medium | Durability: High
Difficulty to use: Low
Print temperature: 220 – 250°C
Print bed temperature: 50 – 75°C
Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
Soluble: No
Food safety: Refer to manufacturer guidelines
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
“Glycol” is what the ‘G’ in PETG stands for. It is naturally clearer, less brittle, and, most importantly, more accessible to print than its base form as a 3D printing material. As a result, PETG is frequently regarded as a good compromise between ABS and PLA; two other commonly used types of 3D printer filament: it is more flexible and durable than PLA and easier to print than ABS.
Another PET variant is Polyethylene coTrimethylene Terephthalate (PETT). This 3D printer filament is famous for its transparency and is slightly more rigid than PETG.
When using PETG in 3D printers, there are three things to keep in mind:
PETG absorbs moisture from the air and is hygroscopic. This harms the material’s printability, so store 3D printer filament in a cool, dry location and, if necessary, dry it before using.
PETG is sticky when printed, making it a poor choice for support structures but excellent for layer adhesion in 3D printers.
PETG scratches more readily than ABS, despite not being brittle.
WHICH PETG (PET, PETT) 3D PRINTER FILAMENT SHOULD I USE?
PETG is a good all-arounder, but it stands out from many other types of 3D printer filament because of its flexibility, strength, and resistance to high temperatures and impacts. This makes it an ideal 3D printer filament for functional objects like mechanical parts, printer parts, and protective components subjected to sustained or sudden stress.
FILAMENT FOR PETG 3D PRINTERS RECAP
Pros: Flexible, long-lasting, and simple to print
Cons: Surface scratches easily and is susceptible to moisture.
Best 3D Printing Filament
WHAT EXACTLY IS TPE, TPU, TPC (Flexible)?
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are rubber-like plastics, making them highly flexible and long-lasting. TPE is widely used in manufacturing automotive parts, household appliances, and medical supplies.
PROPERTIES OF 3D PRINTER FILAMENT: TPE, TPU, TPC (FLEXIBLE)
Strength: Medium | Flexibility: Very High| Durability: Very High
Difficulty to use: Medium (TPE, TPC); Low(TPU)
Print temperature: 210 – 230°C
Print bed temperature: 30 – 60°C (but not needed)
Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
Soluble: No
Food safety: Not food safe
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TPE is a broad category of co-polymers (and polymer mixtures), but it’s still used to label a lot of commercially available 3D printer filaments. These filaments are soft and stretchable, allowing them to withstand the physical abuse that ABS and PLA cannot. On the other hand, printing is not always straightforward due to the difficulty of extruding TPE.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a type of TPE widely used as a 3D printer filament. TPU is slightly more rigid than generic TPE, making printing easier. It’s also more durable and retains its elasticity better in the cold.
TPC (thermoplastic copolyester) is another type of TPE that isn’t as popular as TPU. TPC’s main advantage over TPE is its more excellent resistance to chemical and UV exposure and heat (up to 150°C).
WHEN SHOULD I USE 3D PRINTER FILAMENT OF TPE, TPU, OR TPC?
When making objects subjected to a lot of wear, use TPE or TPU. These 3D printer filaments should be able to bend, stretch, or compress your 3D printed part. Toys, phone cases, and wearables are all examples of prints (like wristbands). TPC can be used for similar purposes, but it performs best in harsher environments, such as the outdoors.
TPE/TPU/TPC 3D PRINTER FILAMENT RECAP
Pros: Extremely flexible, making it ideal for bending or compressing parts.
Cons: Printing is difficult because it necessitates a tight filament path and a slow print speed.
WHAT EXACTLY IS NYLON?
Nylon, a famous synthetic polymer family used in various industrial applications, is famous for powder-fusion 3D printing. It excels as a 3D printing filament where essential strength, flexibility, and durability.
3D PRINTER FILAMENT PROPERTIES: NYLON
Strength: High | Flexibility: High | Durability: High
Difficulty to use: Medium
Print temperature: 240 – 260°C
Print bed temperature: 70 – 100°C
Shrinkage/warping: Considerable
Soluble: No
Food safety: Refer to manufacturer guidelines
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Another distinguishing feature of this 3D printer filament is that it can be dyed before or after printing. The disadvantage is that nylon, like PETG, is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture, so remember to store it in a cool, dry place to keep it in good shape and get better prints.
WHEN SHOULD NYLON 3D PRINTER FILAMENT BE USED?
This 3D printer filament uses nylon’s strength, flexibility, and durability to create tools, functional prototypes, or mechanical parts (like hinges, buckles, or gears).
Nylon 3D Printer Filament Recap
Pros: High-strength, high flexibility, and long-lasting
Cons: Expensive, prone to moisture, and necessitates a high nozzle and print bed temperature.
If you’re looking for some of the best tools and accessories for your 3D printers, you can easily find them by clicking here (Amazon).
What is the Best 3D Printing Filament? (PLA vs. ABS vs PETG vs. Nylon)
3D Printer Filament Comparison
This section compares Nylon, ABS, PLA, and PETG, the most common and widely used 3D printer filaments, to help consumers decide which is best for their needs.
These printing materials have proven extremely popular over time due to their convenience, and many prefer them.
We’ll now take a comprehensive look at various aspects of the filaments so that users can get a general idea of what they’re dealing with.
| Materials | PLA | ABS | PETG | Nylon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Durability | 1 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Flexibility | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Ease of Use | 5 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Resistance | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Safety | 5 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Price | 5 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| Overall | 3 | 3.3 | 4 | 3.4 |
Strength
PLA
PLA, made from organic materials, has a tensile strength of nearly 7,250 psi, making it a viable option for printing parts that must be reasonably strong.
It is, however, more brittle than ABS and is not recommended for end products that must be as tough as a tank. PLA is also commonly used in the manufacture of toys.
ABS
ABS has a tensile strength of 4,700 pounds per square inch. It’s also quite strong, as it’s the preferred filament for many businesses, particularly those producing headgear and automobile spare parts, due to its exceptional strength.
However, ABS is far more recommended for flexural strength, which refers to an object’s ability to maintain its shape even when stretched to its limit. Unlike PLA, it can bend but not snap.
PETG
It’s a versatile filament widely available but less rigid, making it more prone to wear and tear. When compared to ABS, PETG has a slightly higher physical strength. When compared to PLA, it is light years ahead.
Nylon
Polyamide, also known as nylon, is a thermoplastic with high mechanical strength but low stiffness.
It is, however, instrumental in various industrial applications requiring a high strength-to-weight ratio. It has a tensile strength of approximately 7,000 psi, making it far from brittle.
Winner of the Category
Nylon takes the cake in terms of strength because it has been used in military-grade equipment for decades, playing a pivotal role in forming tents, ropes, and even parachutes.
As a result, nylon triumphs in this category.
Durability
PLA
PLA objects can easily deform if placed in a high-temperature environment because they are biodegradable filaments.
Because PLA has a low melting point and melts at just above 60°C, durability is not a strong suit for this organically-produced filament.
ABS
Although ABS is weaker than PLA in terms of strength, it makes up for its durability, with toughness being one of the many advantages ABS offers.
Its toughness has allowed it to be used in the production of headgear. Furthermore, ABS is better suited to long-term wear and tear.
PETG
PETG is more durable than PLA but not as good as ABS in terms of durability. Although it is less rigid and stiff than ABS, it has the toughness to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, as it can withstand the sun and changes in weather.
Overall, PETG is a better filament than PLA or ABS because it is more flexible and durable.
Nylon
Those having trouble making long-lasting prints should consider Nylon, as the longevity of Nylon-printed objects is unrivaled by any other filament.
It has exceptional durability, making it the best choice for prints that must withstand a great deal of mechanical stress. Furthermore, Nylon’s semi-crystalline structure makes it even more rigid and durable.
This article compares Nylon, ABS, PLA, and PETG, the most common and widely used 3D printer filaments, to help consumers decide which is best for their needs.
Winner of the Category
Compared to ABS, nylon simply wins out in terms of durability. Objects printed with Nylon are more durable than those printed with other filaments and last the longest.
Flexibility
PLA
It will snap instantly when an overwhelming or above-average stretch is applied to a brittle filament like PLA.
It is much less flexible than ABS and will rip if severely strained. As a result, highly pliable printmaking cannot be expected in the PLA domain.
ABS
It is more flexible than PLA because it is less brittle overall. ABS can be slightly deformed but not completely cracked. It has proven far more flexible than PLA and capable of withstanding significant stretching.
ABS generally combines excellent toughness with remarkable flexibility, making it an ideal choice in this category.
PETG
PETG, as the ‘new kid on the block,’ is on its way to stardom purely because it exemplifies a wide range of desirable characteristics such as flexibility, resilience, and strength.
It’s just as versatile and long-lasting as many end-users want their prints to be.
Nylon
Nylon is strong and durable, but it also has the advantage of malleability, which means it can be molded into a specific shape without breaking.
This is one of the critical characteristics of Nylon that makes it so appealing. Nylon’s toughness comes from its flexibility and its lighter weight and feel.
Combined with its strength, its flexibility makes it the jack of all trades in the filament industry.
Winner of the Category
Nylon is a filament that, compared to ABS and PETG, has a slight advantage in terms of flexibility. The prints produced with Nylon as a printer filament are of exceptional quality, as they are fully flexible and long-lasting.
User-Friendliness
PLA
PLA is a good choice for beginners who are just getting started with 3D printing. This means that the filament is very easy to get used to for beginners and is not too difficult to work on.
It necessitates a lower temperature for both the heating bed and the extruder, no preheating of the printing platform, and no enclosure over the printer.
ABS
ABS is more difficult to work with than other plastics because it is heat resistant. Overtaken by PLA, a heated printing bed is required for ABS, or users will have difficulty getting it to stick correctly.
Due to its high melting point, it is also prone to warping. Controlling the curling prints becomes more difficult as the temperature rises.
PETG
PETG, like ABS, can be difficult to work with due to its hygroscopic nature. This indicates that it has a proclivity for absorbing water from the air. As a result, extreme caution must be exercised when using it.
PETG, on the other hand, has a low shrinkage rate and is thus less prone to warping. PETG is a simple material to learn because it requires a low-temperature setting for optimal performance.
It does not require drying to print successfully, but it does aid in achieving the best quality results.
Nylon
Nylon is a very useful printing filament with many capabilities, but it’s not something that beginners should start with. The filament has the disadvantage of being hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air.
As a result, it must be contained within a dry structure; otherwise, the entire process will fail.
Furthermore, its operating conditions should ideally include an enclosed chamber, a high temperature, and the filament being dried before printing.
Winner of the Category
PLA will leave a lasting impression on the mind of someone new to 3D printing. It adheres well to the bed, emits no unpleasant odors, and is suitable for all users. When it comes to ease of use, PLA is unrivaled.
Resistance
PLA
PLA can’t withstand much heat because of its low melting point. As a result of its lower heat resistance than any other filament, PLA loses strength and stiffness when temperatures exceed 50°C.
Furthermore, because PLA is a brittle filament, it can only provide minimal impact resistance.
ABS
ABS is a solid filament; it has four times the impact resistance of PLA, according to Markforged. ABS is also heat resistant and does not deform as the temperature rises because of its relatively high melting points.
Although ABS is chemically resistant, acetone is commonly used post-process to give the prints a glossy finish. On the other hand, ABS is very sensitive to UV radiation and cannot be exposed to the sun for long periods.
PETG
PETG outperforms all other printing filaments regarding chemical resistance to alkalis and acids. Not only that, but PETG is also water-resistant.
In terms of UV resistance, PETG has a significant advantage over ABS. PETG can only tolerate temperatures around 80°C, so it loses out to ABS in this category.
Nylon
Nylon is a tough filament. It is UV resistant and has a higher chemical resistance than ABS and PLA, allowing for a broader range of industrial applications.
Furthermore, it is abrasion resistant, confirming Nylon’s reputation as a tough printing filament. After extensive use, it will become clear that prints made of Nylon should be shock resistant, enhancing Nylon’s credibility.
Winner of the Category
With ten times the impact resistance of ABS and more chemical and UV resistance than the latter and PLA, Nylon again demonstrates why it is one of the best in terms of resistance.
Safety
PLA
PLA has long been considered the “safest” 3D printer filament. This is because PLA degrades into Lactic Acid, a potentially harmless substance.
Furthermore, it is derived from organic, natural sources such as sugarcane and maize. When printing PLA, users have reported a distinct, ‘sugary’ odor that is safe to distinguish from ABS or Nylon.
ABS
Like Nylon, ABS melts at temperatures between 210 and 250 degrees Celsius, emitting fumes irritating the respiratory system.
ABS is also hazardous to users’ health and isn’t entirely safe for work with.
ABS is highly recommended to be printed in an area with adequate air circulation. A protective enclosure over the printer can also help to reduce toxic inhalation.
PETG
Although PETG is safer than ABS or Nylon, it may cause you to open your window slightly. It isn’t wholly odorless and doesn’t produce zero microparticles, but it is a little safer to print than nylon-based filaments.
PETG, on the other hand, is food-safe and is used to make water and juice bottles and cooking oil containers.
Nylon
Because Nylon requires a higher temperature to perform optimally, it is more likely to emit toxic fumes harmful to human health.
It has a proclivity for emitting Caprolactam, a toxic volatile organic compound (VOC) when inhaled. As a result, Nylon requires an enclosed print chamber and a proper ventilation system to minimize health risks.
Winner of the Category
Although inhaling the fumes of any plastic can be hazardous, PLA does an excellent job of minimizing the risk by being one of the safest printer filaments available. PLA is the most secure and low-risk filament on the market.
Price
Although filament prices vary depending on the manufacturer, the following list represents a mid-range thermoplastics purchase option.
PLA
above-average quality costs around $15-20, making it one of the most common printing filaments alongside ABS.
ABS
you can purchase for as little as $15-20 per kilogram.
PETG
reasonable quality costs around $19 per kilogram.
Nylon
reasonable quality costs between $50 and 73 per kilogram.
Winner of the Category
PLA is the most popular 3D printing filament on the market and comes at a meager cost. As a result, buyers will receive more than they paid at a low, estimated price of $20.
Conclusion
It isn’t easy to pick a clear winner among these four materials because each has a variety of applications. Nylon is the material to use if you want a 3D print that is only strong, durable, and functional.
If you’re new to 3D printing and want the best 3d printing filament with a wide range of inexpensive applications, PLA is your best bet, though PETG can also be used.
ABS is the material to use when you have more experience with 3D printing and want a little more strength, durability, and chemical resistance.
PETG has been known for its UV resistance since its introduction, so it’s the best 3d printing filament for any outdoor print.
Nylon is a filament that costs a lot of money and requires a lot of knowledge and safety precautions to print correctly.
You can quickly determine which of these four filaments will work best for you based on your desired goal and project with your 3D prints.
Become an expert in 3D printing!
If you enjoy high-quality 3D prints, the Rustark 3D Printer Tool Kit from Amazon is for you. It’s a must-have set of 3D printing tools, with everything you’ll need to remove, clean, and finish your 3D prints.
It comes with a 25-piece kit with 13 knife blades, three handles, long tweezers, needle-nose pliers, and a glue stick.
Remove 3D prints – one of the three specialized removal tools will help you avoid damaging your 3D prints.
The 3-piece, 6-tool precision scraper/pick/knife blade combo can get into small crevices to get an excellent finish on your 3D prints.
Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page to let us know your ideas, and we would appreciate seeing pictures of your works of art!
