Filament Material Guide
Temperatures, density, price and properties of the most common 3D printing materials.
PLA
Difficulty
- Nozzle
- 190–220°C
- Bed
- 50–60°C
- Density
- 1.24 g/cm³
Best for: Figurines, prototypes, decorative and indoor models. The easiest material to start with.
Easy to printRigidLow warpingBrittle
PETG
Difficulty
- Nozzle
- 230–250°C
- Bed
- 70–85°C
- Density
- 1.27 g/cm³
Best for: Functional parts, mechanical bits, food-safe and outdoor-ish items. Strong and forgiving.
StrongChemical resistantFood-contact safeProne to stringing
ABS
Difficulty
- Nozzle
- 230–260°C
- Bed
- 90–110°C
- Density
- 1.04 g/cm³
Best for: Durable, heat-resistant parts like enclosures and automotive bits. Needs an enclosure.
Heat resistantStrongNeeds enclosureWarps easily
ASA
Difficulty
- Nozzle
- 240–260°C
- Bed
- 90–110°C
- Density
- 1.07 g/cm³
Best for: Outdoor parts that must survive sun and weather — signage, brackets, garden items.
UV resistantHeat resistantNeeds enclosureOutdoor-ready
TPU
Difficulty
- Nozzle
- 210–235°C
- Bed
- 30–50°C
- Density
- 1.21 g/cm³
Best for: Flexible parts: phone cases, gaskets, belts, vibration dampers and grips.
FlexibleDurablePrints slowly
Nylon (PA)
Difficulty
- Nozzle
- 250–280°C
- Bed
- 70–90°C
- Density
- 1.14 g/cm³
Best for: Tough engineering parts: gears, hinges, living joints and high-wear components.
StrongDurableAbsorbs moistureNeeds enclosure
CF (Carbon Fiber)
Difficulty
- Nozzle
- 250–280°C
- Bed
- 60–90°C
- Density
- 1.2 g/cm³
Best for: Stiff, lightweight technical parts — drone frames, jigs and structural brackets.
Very stiffStrongLightweightAbrasive (hardened nozzle)