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)