When it comes to 3D printing, the filament you choose can make or break your project. Whether you're printing simple prototypes, functional parts, or artistic models, selecting the right material is crucial. With so many filament types available, how do you know which one to use? Let’s break down the most common options, their pros and cons, and the best use cases for each.
1. PLA (Polylactic Acid) – The Beginner’s Best Friend
Pros: Easy to print, low warping, biodegradable, wide colour options
Cons: Brittle, low heat resistance
PLA is the go-to filament for beginners because it prints smoothly and doesn’t require a heated bed. It’s great for decorative models, prototypes, and low-stress applications. However, it’s not ideal for functional parts exposed to heat or mechanical stress.
Best for: Hobbyists, aesthetic models, and educational use
ELEGOO PLA Filament 1.75mm Black
Made from renewable plant resource, PLA filament has lower melting temperature, minimal warping and low shrinking, odorless during printing and bio-friendly
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ELEGOO PLA Filament 1.75mm Black
Made from renewable plant resource, PLA filament has lower melting temperature, minimal warping and low shrinking, odorless during printing and bio-friendly
🛒 Buy on Amazon2. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – Tough but Tricky
Pros: Strong, impact-resistant, heat-resistant
Cons: Warps easily, strong fumes, requires a heated bed
ABS is a step up from PLA in terms of durability, making it great for functional parts. However, it requires a heated bed and proper ventilation due to its fumes. An enclosure helps prevent warping and improves print quality.
Best for: Prototypes, mechanical parts, automotive components
SUNLU ABS Filament 1.75mm Black
Engineered for easy extrusion, SUNLU abs filament results in fewer clogs and a more reliable 3D printing process.
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SUNLU ABS Filament 1.75mm Black
Engineered for easy extrusion, SUNLU abs filament results in fewer clogs and a more reliable 3D printing process.
🛒 Buy on Amazon
3. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) – The Best of Both Worlds
Pros: Strong, flexible, impact-resistant, moisture-resistant, food-safe
Cons: Slightly stringy, requires fine-tuning
PETG combines the ease of PLA with the strength of ABS. It’s ideal for outdoor parts, functional prints, and food-related items. While it can be prone to stringing, proper slicer settings can minimize this issue.
Best for: Durable prints, food-safe applications, outdoor use
SUNLU PETG Filament 1.75mm Black
PETG 3D printing filament has the advantage of being resistant to falling and smashing, making it a good choice for printing printed parts that need to withstand collisions and drops.
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SUNLU PETG Filament 1.75mm Black
PETG 3D printing filament has the advantage of being resistant to falling and smashing, making it a good choice for printing printed parts that need to withstand collisions and drops.
🛒 Buy on Amazon
4. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) – The Flexible Choice
Pros: Extremely flexible, impact-resistant, durable
Cons: Difficult to print, slow speeds required
TPU is perfect for prints that need to bend or absorb impact, like phone cases or gaskets. However, it requires a direct drive extruder and slow printing speeds for the best results.
Best for: Flexible parts, phone cases, gaskets, wearable prints
ERYONE TPU Filament 1.75mm Black
TPU is a polymer material between rubber and plastic. It has excellent high tension, high tensile strength, toughness and aging resistance.
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ERYONE TPU Filament 1.75mm Black
TPU is a polymer material between rubber and plastic. It has excellent high tension, high tensile strength, toughness and aging resistance.
🛒 Buy on Amazon5. Nylon – Tough and Versatile
Pros: Strong, durable, impact-resistant, flexible
Cons: Absorbs moisture, requires high printing temperatures
Nylon is an industrial-grade filament known for its strength and flexibility. It’s great for mechanical parts but requires proper storage, as it absorbs moisture quickly.
Best for: Gears, hinges, durable parts
ERYONE Engineering Filament 1.75mm Black
It's blend of flexibility and impact resistance makes it suitable for functional parts, gears, bearings, tool handles, mechanical components, and prototypes.
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ERYONE Engineering Filament 1.75mm Black
It's blend of flexibility and impact resistance makes it suitable for functional parts, gears, bearings, tool handles, mechanical components, and prototypes.
🛒 Buy on Amazon
6. Carbon Fibre Reinforced Filaments – Strength Meets Style
Pros: Extremely rigid, lightweight, professional finish
Cons: Requires a hardened nozzle, brittle
Carbon fibre-infused filaments (available in PLA, PETG, and Nylon bases) offer excellent stiffness and low weight, making them great for structural parts. However, they can wear down brass nozzles quickly, so a hardened steel nozzle is a must.
This is my personal favourite! I used this PETG-CF filament from ERYONE, it prints perfectly with no issues, and is strong and looks visually appealing.
Best for: High-strength applications, aerospace, robotics
7. Exotic Filaments – Fun but Functional
From wood-filled PLA to glow-in-the-dark PETG, exotic filaments let you experiment with unique aesthetics and textures. They often have special printing requirements, but they’re perfect for artistic and creative prints.
Best for: Decorative prints, custom textures, artistic projects
Which Filament Should You Use?
- For beginners: PLA is your best bet.
- For durability: ABS, PETG, or Nylon.
- For flexibility: TPU.
- For high strength: Carbon fibre-filled filaments.
- For creativity: Exotic filaments.
Each filament has its place, and the best one depends on your project’s needs. Experimenting with different materials will help you find what works best for you.
Got a favourite filament? Let me know in the comments! Happy printing!