Filament Comparison Table
Quick reference for choosing the right filament. All temperature values are typical ranges - always check the label on your specific spool.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property | PLA | PETG | TPU (Flex) | ABS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easiest | Moderate | Hard | Very Hard |
| Nozzle temp | 190-220C | 230-250C | 220-240C | 230-250C |
| Bed temp | 50-60C | 70-85C | 30-60C | 90-110C |
| Enclosure needed? | No | No | No | Yes |
| Rigidity | High | Medium | None - flexible | High |
| Impact resistance | Low (brittle) | Medium | Very high | Medium |
| Heat resistance | Low (~60C) | Medium (~80C) | Medium | High (~100C) |
| Flexibility | None | Slight | Rubber-like | None |
| Moisture sensitivity | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| Fume concern | Lowest | Low | Moderate | High |
| Bed adhesion | Easy | Use glue stick on PEI | Easy | Requires enclosure + glue |
| Print speed | Normal | Normal | Slow (20-30 mm/s) | Normal |
| Stringing tendency | Low | Medium-High | High | Low |
| Approximate cost | $15-25/kg | $15-30/kg | $20-40/kg | $15-25/kg |
| Recommended for beginners? | [YES] Yes | After PLA | After experience | [NO] No |
When to Use Each Material
PLA - Use for
- Prototypes and test prints
- Classroom projects
- Decorative objects
- Tactile models and markers
- Anything that won’t be exposed to heat or heavy stress
PLA - Avoid for
- Objects left in a hot car or direct sun
- Parts that need to flex or bend without breaking
- High-impact applications
PETG - Use for
- Functional parts that need to be tougher than PLA
- Parts exposed to mild heat or moisture
- Mechanical components (brackets, clips, mounts)
- Food-contact applications (check your specific brand’s food-safe certification)
PETG - Avoid for
- Very fine detail (it strings more than PLA)
- Projects where you need the easiest possible print
TPU / Flexible - Use for
- Wearable objects (wristbands, phone cases)
- Bumpers and shock absorbers
- Grips and handles
- Objects that must deform and return to shape
- Tactile objects that need to feel soft
TPU - Avoid for
- Fine detail
- Printing on Bowden extruder setups (the flex causes jams - direct drive only)
- Your first few prints while still learning
ABS - Use for
- High heat environments
- Parts requiring post-processing (ABS sands and glues easily)
- Professional/industrial contexts with proper ventilation
ABS - Avoid for
- Classroom settings without dedicated ventilation
- Beginners
- Any print where warping would be a problem
Slicer Profile Quick Reference
| Filament | PrusaSlicer Profile Name | Key Changes from PLA Default |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Generic PLA | - (baseline) |
| PETG | Generic PETG | Higher temps; slower cooling; use glue stick on PEI |
| TPU | Generic Flex | Lower speed (20-30 mm/s); reduced retraction |
| ABS | Generic ABS | Higher temps; enclosure; disable cooling fan |
Storage Tips
All filament absorbs moisture from the air over time, which causes poor print quality (bubbling, stringing, weak layer bonds).
| Filament | Moisture Sensitivity | Storage Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Low | Sealed bag with desiccant when not in use |
| PETG | Medium | Sealed bag with desiccant; dry before use if stored open |
| TPU | High | Always store sealed; dry in oven (65C for 4-6 hrs) if it has absorbed moisture |
| ABS | Medium | Sealed bag with desiccant |
Signs of wet filament: popping or crackling sounds during printing, bubbles in extruded plastic, excessive stringing, weak or brittle prints.
Sources
All3DP. (2025). All 3D printing filament types explained. https://all3dp.com/1/3d-printer-filament-types-3d-printing-3d-filament/
MatterHackers. (n.d.). 3D printer filament compare. https://www.matterhackers.com/3d-printer-filament-compare
Prusa Research. (2023). Materials guide. https://help.prusa3d.com/materials