Become an expert in the most common and popular types of 3d printing materials and impress your friends and family by getting perfect prints every time!
PLA Filament
With PLA you can expect to see many different colors, as the filament is easy to customize. You can even find filament that looks like wood grain, marble stone or comes with a glossy silky finish.
Click here to explore the magic of silk PLA.
What Is PLA?
We recommend this type of 3D printer filament if people are looking for the best overall material. It requires no special printer settings and can be used for most types of prints that you find on common 3D model websites.
The Properties of PLA Filament
| Strength | Strong 3D printer filament |
| Temperature | Melts at ~185-215°C |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly |
| Appearance | Smooth and shiny |
| Eco-Friendliness | Biodegradable 3D printing filament |
| Weaknesses | Not heat or water resistant |
| Safety | No fumes |
For a more detailed guide about PLA filament, check here.
PETG Filament
Next on the list is PETG, which is fairly easy to print with. You can find transparent filaments or glossy filaments with color depending on what you prefer. An advantage here, is that it can be in contact with food. If you want to know more details, please read our PETG filament guide.
What Is PETG?
PETG is often used in 3D prints designed to be placed outdoors. This is because the impact of the sun or temperature changes does not affect PETG as much as other types of filament.
The Properties of PETG Filament
| Strength | Strong and flexible |
| Temperature | Melts at ~220-240°C |
| Ease of Use | Moderate difficulty |
| Appearance | Glossy and clear options |
| Eco-Friendliness | Not biodegradable |
| Strengths | Durable and waterproof |
| Weaknesses | Prone to stringing |
| Safety | No fumes |
ABS Filament
For special types of prints, you might want to consider ABS. Read more below about its properties and uses.
What Is ABS?
When using ABS filament you will get results that are able to stretch during printing, making it optimal for vase mode and other similar settings on your 3D printer. It gives you long-lasting prints that are durable.
The Properties of ABS Filament
| Strength | Strong and impact-resistant |
| Temperature | Melts at ~230-240°C |
| Ease of Use | Can be challenging to print with |
| Appearance | Matte finish |
| Eco-Friendliness | Not biodegradable |
| Strengths | Durable and heat-resistant |
| Weaknesses | Warps easily |
| Safety | Strong fumes |
TPU Filament
TPU filament is not used as much as some of the other filaments on our list, but for applications where you need it to be soft or bendable, it can be an amazing option.
What Is TPU?
TPU can be used to make flexible and pliable parts such as connectors, belts, springs, phone covers, etc. The highly flexible material makes it possible to make prints with soft rubber properties, resulting in a flexible and elastic print.
The Properties of TPU Filament
| Strength | Flexible and tough like rubber |
| Temperature | Melts at ~200-230°C |
| Ease of Use | Challenging to Print |
| Appearance | Soft and matte finish |
| Eco-Friendliness | Not biodegradable |
| Strengths | Flexible and durable |
| Weaknesses | Requires precision |
| Safety | No fumes |
Which 3D Printer Material Is Right for You?
| Material | When to Use It | Common Applications |
| PLA | For beginners or simple projects and when you need easy printing and smooth looks. | Toys, decorative items, models, prototypes. |
| PETG | For durable, water-resistant parts and when you need strength and some flexibility | Food containers, outdoor parts, mechanical components. |
| ABS | For toughness, heat-resistant parts and when durability and impact resistance matter. | Tool handles, automotive parts, enclosures, and functional items. |
| TPU | For flexible and stretchy objects and when elasticity and toughness are required. | Phone cases, gaskets, belts, toys, wearable items. |
Please keep in mind, that you are free to experiment and try out new combinations. This is just a guideline.
Which Material Is the Most Eco Friendly?
| PLA | 10/10 |
| PETG | 7/10 |
| TPU | 5/10 |
| ABS | 3/10 |
PLA is the clear winner here. It also uses less heat and therefore wattage for printing.
What Size 3D Print Filament Is Most Commonly Bought?
Typically, older 3D printers use a thicker filament, but newer technology has become more precise over the years, so 1.75 is now the standard.
| Filament Size | Properties | When to Use It |
| 1.75 filament | Most common, flexible, easy to use | Best for most 3D printers. |
| 2.85 filament (3 mm) | Thicker, stiffer, less flexible but strong | Used in older or specialized printers. |
Conclusion
The tables above mainly used reference products from Geeetech filament types, so different manufacturers might vary slightly in their values. All in all, the options above are considered among the most used for 3D printing filament types around the world and offer great value for money and print quality.
