Start with PLA: it is the easiest filament to print, has little odor and suits most decorative and light-use prints. Choose PETG for stronger, more heat- and moisture-resistant functional parts. ABS and ASA handle more heat and outdoor use but need an enclosure and ventilation. TPU is flexible for phone cases and gaskets and prints best on direct-drive printers. Keep all filament dry.
Filament choice affects strength, finish and how easy a print is. Here is how the common types compare. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended temperatures for your specific filament.
Comparison
| Filament | Ease | Strength | Heat resistance | Typical nozzle temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Easiest | Stiff, brittle | Low | About 190 to 220 °C | Low odor, great detail |
| PETG | Easy | Tough | Medium | About 220 to 250 °C | Can string; good for functional parts |
| ABS | Harder | Tough | High | About 230 to 260 °C | Needs enclosure; fumes |
| ASA | Harder | Tough | High, UV resistant | About 240 to 260 °C | Outdoor parts |
| TPU | Moderate | Flexible | Medium | About 210 to 230 °C | Print slowly; direct drive preferred |
Which to use
- Models, figures, prototypes: PLA
- Brackets, holders, mechanical parts: PETG
- Car interiors, heat-exposed parts: ABS or ASA
- Outdoor parts: ASA or PETG
- Phone cases, gaskets, bumpers: TPU
Diameter
Most printers use 1.75 mm filament. Some use 2.85 mm. They aren’t interchangeable.
Storage
- Store spools in sealed bags or boxes with desiccant.
- Dry wet filament in a filament dryer.
- Signs of wet filament: popping sounds, stringing and rough surfaces.
Specialty filaments
Silk, matte, wood-fill, glow-in-the-dark and carbon-fiber-filled filaments add looks or stiffness. Abrasive filaments (carbon fiber, glow) need a hardened steel nozzle.
Common questions
What is the easiest filament to print?
PLA. It prints at relatively low temperatures, rarely warps and works on almost every FDM printer.
Is PETG stronger than PLA?
PETG is tougher and less brittle, with better heat and moisture resistance, which makes it better for functional parts. PLA is stiffer but more brittle.
Why does filament need to be dry?
Many filaments absorb moisture from the air, which causes stringing, bubbling and weak prints. Store them sealed with desiccant and dry them if needed.