Material Properties Quick Reference
Essential material information for 3D printing with FDM/FFF printers.
Common Filament Types Comparison
| Property | PLA | PETG | ABS | TPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temp (C) | 200-220 | 235-250 | 240-260 | 220-240 |
| Bed Temp (C) | 20-60 | 70-90 | 100-110 | 20-60 |
| Strength | Moderate | High | Very High | Low (Flexible) |
| Flexibility | None | Slight | Slight | High |
| Ease of Print | Very Easy | Easy | Hard | Moderate |
| Cost ($/kg) | $15-25 | $20-30 | $18-28 | $30-50 |
| Print Speed | 40-60 mm/s | 30-50 mm/s | 20-40 mm/s | 10-30 mm/s |
| Supports Needed | Usually Yes | Usually Yes | Always Yes | Yes |
| Bed Adhesion | Easy | Moderate | Requires prep | Easy |
| Durability | 2-3 years | 5+ years | 5+ years | 3+ years |
| UV Resistance | Low | Moderate | High | Low |
| Chemical Resistant | No | Moderate | Yes | No |
Detailed Material Properties
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Characteristics:
- Biodegradable (under industrial conditions)
- Easy to print, beginner-friendly
- Available in many colors and finishes
- Brittle if too thin
Best Uses:
- Decorative objects
- Prototypes and tests
- Educational models
- Low-stress parts
Tips:
- Print without bed heat if possible
- Cooling fan helps quality
- Sensitive to moisture (dry storage)
- Avoid direct sunlight (UV degrades color)
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Characteristics:
- Strong and durable
- Good temperature resistance
- Less brittle than PLA
- Slightly harder to print than PLA
Best Uses:
- Functional parts
- Outdoor objects
- Mechanical components
- Items requiring durability
Tips:
- Requires higher bed temperature
- Reduced cooling fan on first layers
- Slightly oozes while printing
- Better layer adhesion than PLA
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Characteristics:
- Very strong and durable
- Heat resistant
- Can be sanded and post-processed
- Warping issues common
Best Uses:
- High-stress parts
- Mechanical applications
- Parts needing heat resistance
- Projects requiring sanding/finishing
Tips:
- Use heated bed to prevent warping
- Enclose printer if possible
- Needs adequate ventilation (fumes)
- Print at slower speeds
- Avoid abrupt temperature changes
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Characteristics:
- Flexible and rubber-like
- High durability
- Can stretch without breaking
- Difficult to print
Best Uses:
- Flexible parts
- Cushioning/dampening
- Phone cases
- Gaskets and seals
Tips:
- Print very slowly (10-30 mm/s)
- Use flexible nozzle or reduce pressure
- Direct drive extruder works better
- Requires patience and calibration
Nozzle & Bed Temperature Guide
Temperature Selection
- Too Low: Poor layer adhesion, weak prints, under-extrusion
- Too High: Filament degrades, nozzle stringing, oozing
- Optimal Range: Start middle of range, adjust by 5-10C
First Layer Critical
- Use bed temperature at high end of range
- Reduce nozzle temperature by 5-10C for subsequent layers
- Slow down first layer speed to 50% of normal
Print Speed vs. Temperature
| Temperature Range | Print Speed | Quality | Support Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 40-50 mm/s | Moderate | Usually |
| Medium | 50-70 mm/s | High | Usually |
| High | 70-100+ mm/s | Lower | Maybe |
Post-Processing Properties
Strength After Printing
Structural Integrity Timeline:
- 0-24 hours: 70-80% of final strength
- 24-48 hours: 90-95% of final strength
- 48-72 hours: 99-100% of final strength
- 7+ days: Maximum strength (some materials still hardening)
Note: Allow adequate cooling before stress-testing parts
Chemical Resistance
| Material | Water | Alcohol | Acetone | Oils | Acids |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Low | Low | Dissolves | Low | Low |
| PETG | High | Moderate | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| ABS | High | Moderate | Dissolves | High | Moderate |
| TPU | Moderate | Low | Low | Moderate | Low |
Acetone Notes: Can be used to smooth ABS and PETG (vapor or liquid)
Environmental Factors
Humidity Effects
- PLA: Absorbs moisture (store in dry container with desiccant)
- PETG: Moderate moisture absorption
- ABS: Low moisture absorption
- TPU: Low moisture absorption
Storage Conditions:
- Temperature: 15-25C
- Humidity: 30-50% relative humidity
- Away from direct sunlight
- In sealed container with desiccant packets
Temperature Resistance (After Printing)
| Material | Safe to ~C | Softens at ~C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 50-60 | 60-70 | Not suitable for hot items |
| PETG | 80-100 | 100-110 | Can handle warm environments |
| ABS | 90-110 | 110-120 | Good heat resistance |
| TPU | 60-80 | 80-100 | Limited heat resistance |
Cost & Availability
Material Cost per Print (for typical small project)
| Material | Typical Print Weight | Material Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 50g | $0.50 | $0.50 |
| PETG | 50g | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| ABS | 50g | $0.90 | $0.90 |
| TPU | 50g | $1.50 | $1.50 |
Including electricity ($0.25 per print) and wear on equipment ($0.50)
Quick Selection Guide
Question: What should I print with?
- First time? -> PLA
- Need durability? -> PETG or ABS
- Need flexibility? -> TPU
- Need high strength? -> ABS or PETG
- Quick test/prototype? -> PLA
- Outdoor use? -> PETG or ABS
- Food contact? -> Food-grade resin or commercial alternatives
- Heat resistant? -> ABS
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