Materiale 08.06.2026 7 min
PLA vs PETG vs ABS: Which 3D Material Should You Choose?
Which 3D material should you choose?
The most common beginner question: "What filament should we use?" The answer depends on the application. Here we compare PLA, PETG, ABS, and advanced technical filaments.
Quick comparison
| Material | Strength | Max temp | UV | Print difficulty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Medium | 50°C | Good | Easy | $ |
| PETG | Good | 75°C | Excellent | Medium | $$ |
| ABS | Good | 90°C | Poor | Hard | $ |
| Nylon | Excellent | 90°C | Medium | Hard | $$$ |
| PA-CF | Excellent | 110°C | Good | Hard | $$$$ |
| TPU | Medium | 60°C | Good | Medium | $$ |
PLA — 80% of projects
Use PLA for prototypes, mockups, decorative parts. Avoid above 50°C exposure.
PETG — the safe bet
PETG combines PLA's ease with ABS-like strength. Best for outdoor and functional parts.
ABS — for thermal loads
For parts in cars, near motors. More demanding — needs an enclosed printer.
Technical filaments
- Nylon (PA12): gears, bushings, cable strain relief
- PA-CF: drones, automotive parts, engineering brackets
- TPU: shock absorbers, phone cases, gaskets
How we help you decide
We ask: where will the part live, what loads, what budget. When unsure — start with PLA prototype.