Top Choices for 3D Printing Filaments for Every Project Need

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced maker, the right filament can make all the difference in your 3D printing results. This overview presents the top five filaments, their strengths, and best use cases, with key insights and practical recommendations.

Introduction to Popular 3D Printing Filaments

When starting with 3D printing, most prints are made using PLA due to its ease of use, affordability, and suitability for approximately 80% of beginner projects. As skills progress and understanding of printable items broadens, there comes a desire to explore more versatile, tough, or durable materials. The following sections provide a concise guide to which filaments are best for particular project types and how to select the right one for your needs.

PLA Polylactic Acid

Polylactic acid has gained immense popularity not only in 3D printing but also in many other applications, largely because it is easy to produce from renewable resources at scale. In 2021, PLA had the highest consumption among all bioplastics worldwide. PLA is primarily known for its low melting point and high rigidity. Contrary to common belief, materials like ASA, PETG, or ABS are not necessarily stronger than PLA. Rigorous testing by Stefan from CNC Kitchen demonstrates that basic PLA is the strongest material in hook and 3-point bending tests. However, PLA’s strength comes with a trade-off: its impact strength is much lower compared to other materials discussed later. Variants like PLA+ or "tough" PLA offer added impact resistance or flexibility, but the core characteristics remain. PLA’s low melting point makes it less suitable for high-temperature environments. It can deform at temperatures much lower than its printing temperature, especially under stress. Additionally, while PLA is chemically resistant, it does not respond well to UV or direct sunlight and can deform under constant strain over time. 

Recommended Uses:
Due to the vast availability of colors and finishes—from matte to silk and rainbow co-extrusions—PLA is ideal for decorative objects, statues, toys, and indoor functional parts not exposed to high temperatures or sustained force. However, it is not recommended for applications like PC fan ducting but excels in items like wall organizers, gridfinity modules, shelf brackets, and even trash bins.

TPU Flexible Filament

At some point in the 3D printing journey, the need for flexible prints arises, with TPU being the most common choice. Although various flexible plastics exist, TPU is the predominant option in 3D printing. TPU is available in different hardness ratings; generally, a higher number (in A ratings) means a harder and easier-to-print filament. For example, 98A TPU is harder and easier to print than 95A TPU. Softer materials can be challenging to extrude, especially without a direct drive extruder. TPU is the go-to material for flexible prints, such as seals, impact-absorbing components like door stoppers, or table corners.

PETG Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

PETG is often viewed as a natural progression from PLA and is offered by many manufacturers as a tougher alternative. However, PETG does not particularly excel compared to other materials in terms of strength. PETG has a higher heat resistance and significantly better UV resistance than PLA but is outperformed by ASA in these aspects. It presents several challenges, such as excessive bed adhesion (which can damage print surfaces), nozzle sticking, and high hygroscopicity (requiring drying before use). PETG also melts slowly, making it unsuitable for high-speed printing. Despite these drawbacks, PETG remains popular because it is easier to print than ABS or ASA, especially on open printers at lower temperatures. Many earlier printer designs could not reach the high temperatures required for ABS or ASA, making PETG a practical option. PETG is superior to PLA in UV resistance and is often cheaper than ASA while still being more expensive than PLA or ABS. It offers a balance of strength and flexibility and is available in a variety of translucent colors that print well. It is also more warp-resistant than ASA. 

Best Use Cases: PETG is recommended for functional parts that need moderate heat, UV resistance, or sustained strain, especially on open printers. Example uses include vertical planters, brackets, fan ducts, replacement light diffusers, and flexible clips.

ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

ABS is among the most commonly used plastics in everyday life, found in products ranging from Lego blocks to automotive parts. Its popularity is due to its excellent balance of impact resistance, toughness, and rigidity—particularly in newer ABS+ variants. ABS offers remarkable stability under load, making it the material of choice for functional parts subjected to sustained stress and heat. It is also suitable for vapor smoothing to eliminate layer lines and melts quickly, making it ideal for fast printing. However, ABS is prone to warping and requires an enclosed printer for best results. Printing ABS also produces unpleasant and potentially harmful fumes, necessitating an enclosure with a carbon filter. While it can be challenging for beginners, ABS becomes easier to handle with enclosed printers that can maintain warm build volumes. 

Common Applications: ABS is suited for parts under sustained load, vapor smoothing, and high-heat environments without UV exposure. Examples include camera mounting brackets, spool holders, and heat-exposed electronic brackets.

ASA Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate

ASA is similar to ABS but offers improvements in almost every aspect. Although generally more expensive and less widely available, ASA can be printed without an enclosure (if no drafts are present) and provides much higher UV resistance, greater resistance to environmental stress, cracking, long-term heat, and chemical wear. It can also be vapor smoothed and emits fewer fumes. ASA has lower shrinkage, making it easier to achieve precise dimensions. However, it is costlier and can be difficult to adhere to print beds, often requiring additional adhesion aids. 

Ideal Uses: ASA is recommended for any items intended for outdoor use or any application requiring greater durability, heat, and UV resistance than ABS. For open-printer environments, ASA is preferable to ABS.

Filament Comparison Table

Additional Tips and Recommendations

ASA is generally preferable for outdoor applications requiring UV stability and durability, while ABS remains a cost-effective and reliable choice for indoor functional parts. PLA continues to be the reigning champion for decorative and non-stressed parts due to its printability and visual variety. PETG stands out for open printers needing flexibility and some heat resistance, and TPU is essential for any flexible print requirement. While this overview covers the most commonly used filaments, there are other advanced materials—such as nylon, polycarbonate, or carbon fiber blends—that might be suitable for highly specialized needs. For a deeper understanding of the differences among these materials, their applications, and technical properties, the guide linked above provides a thorough comparison.