How to Choose Filament for a 3D Printer? PLA, PETG, ABS and Other Materials Clearly Explained

3D printing is more accessible today than ever before. Whether you print at home, at school, in a workshop or in a company, the right 3D printer filament has a major impact on the quality of the result, the strength of the print and the overall comfort during printing.

Many users ask the same question: Which filament should I choose? PLA, PETG, ABS or another material?

In this practical guide, we will show you the differences between the most commonly used filaments and help you decide which material is right for you.

What is 3D printer filament?

Filament is a printing material in the form of a strand wound on a spool, used in FDM / FFF 3D printers. During printing, it is heated in the nozzle and creates the final model layer by layer.

The most common diameters are:

• 1.75 mm – the most common variant
• 2.85 mm – less common use

When choosing, it is important to consider not only the diameter, but also the material properties. So let’s take a look at which filament is ideal for you.

PLA filament – ideal for beginners

PLA filament is one of the most popular materials for 3D printing and is often the first choice for beginners as well as experienced users. It is suitable for everyday printing of a wide range of models and thanks to its easy processing it is used in homes, schools and workshops. PLA filament is a universal material that has gained popularity across the entire world of 3D printing.

Suitable for:

• decorations
• models
• prototypes
• toys
• common household prints

PETG filament – strength and versatility

PETG filament is very popular among more advanced users. It offers better mechanical resistance than PLA while being easier to print than ABS. PETG filament is universal and has wide use. It is suitable for printing functional parts, practical products and models intended for everyday use. PETG filament is often chosen by users looking for material suitable for home use, workshops and technical projects.

Suitable for:

• holders
• technical components
• boxes
• workshop parts
• outdoor use

ABS filament – technical material

ABS filament is one of the well-known and long-used materials for 3D printing, especially where strength and technical use are important. It is popular among more advanced users, DIY enthusiasts and professionals. ABS filament is often used for manufacturing functional models, structural parts and practical components.

Suitable for:

• technical parts
• device covers
• functional components

TPU filament – flexible material

TPU filament is a popular flexible material for 3D printing, used wherever flexibility and durability are required. Thanks to its specific properties, it is sought after by 3D printing enthusiasts as well as in technical and practical projects. TPU filament expands the possibilities of 3D printing by enabling soft and bendable prints.

Suitable for:

• seals
• cases
• flexible parts
• protective elements

3D printing filaments from trusted manufacturers

Today you can find a wide range of 3D printing filaments from various manufacturers offering materials for beginners and demanding users alike. Popular brands include Professional Lab, Smart Print, C-Tech, Gembird and Spectrum. Each manufacturer brings different material types, colour options and properties suitable for home, technical and professional 3D printing.

Are you storing your 3D filaments correctly?

Did you know that proper storage of filaments has a major impact on print quality? Moisture can negatively affect printing, the model surface and the overall result of your project.

Therefore, we recommend:

• storing filament in a dry place
• closing spools in boxes or bags
• using silica gel bags

So how do you choose the right filament?

If you are starting with 3D printing and looking for a universal material, PLA filament is usually a great choice. If you need higher durability and more practical use, choose PETG. For technical and more demanding applications, ABS or other specialised materials are often chosen.

The right filament can save you time, material and unnecessary trouble during printing. The best choice is always the material that matches what you actually want to print.

 

Bára from CDRmarket