Materials

PLA, ABS & PETG — which is right for your part?

The three workhorse filaments we print every day. Here's a straight comparison so you can pick the right one — or just send us your files and we'll recommend it.

PLA
Polylactic Acid
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
PETG
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
Strength
Medium
High
High
Heat resistance
Low (~55°C)
High (~100°C)
Medium (~75°C)
Durability
Brittle
Tough / impact-resistant
Strong + slightly flexible
Detail / finish
Excellent
Good
Good
Outdoor / UV
Poor
Fair
Good
Printability
Easiest
Harder
Moderate

When to use each

Choose PLA when…
You need crisp detail and a great surface finish for visual prototypes, architectural models, or display pieces that won't see heat or heavy load.
Choose ABS when…
The part must survive impact, mechanical stress, or heat — think enclosures, automotive components, and tooling. Printed in a controlled environment to avoid warping.
Choose PETG when…
You want a strong, slightly flexible, chemical- and moisture-resistant part — ideal for functional brackets, fixtures, and anything used outdoors.
Not sure? Tell us how the part will be used — load, environment, and finish — and we'll spec the right material and settings for you. We also print in specialty filaments (TPU, PA-CF, ASA) on request.

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