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Filaments

Different filaments have different strengths. Get a free recommendation on the best material for your project.

PLA

Pros: Easiest to print, low warp, good surface finish, sharp details, affordable, wide color range.
Cons: Lower heat resistance (~55–60 °C), more brittle than PETG/ABS, can deform in hot cars, limited outdoor durability.
Best for: Visual prototypes, display models, jigs that won’t see heat, educational prints.
Print notes: 190–215 °C nozzle, 50–60 °C bed, prints well without enclosure; minimal odors.

2

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate-Glycol)

Pros: Stronger and less brittle than PLA, good impact and chemical resistance, better heat resistance (~70–80 °C), low warp.
Cons: Can string/ooze, surfaces scratch more easily than PLA, bridging needs tuning.
Best for: Functional parts, enclosures, outdoor-ish use, food-contact in theory (printed parts aren’t truly sanitary).
Print notes: 230–250 °C nozzle, 70–90 °C bed; slow down and increase retraction to reduce stringing; enclosure optional.

3

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Pros: Tough, durable, good heat resistance (~95–105 °C), solvent-weldable, acetone-smoothable, machinable.
Cons: Warps/cracks without enclosure, emits noticeable fumes, layer adhesion can suffer on large parts.
Best for: Automotive/interior parts, housings, functional prototypes needing heat resistance.
Print notes: 230–260 °C nozzle, 90–110 °C bed, enclosure recommended; use ABS slurry/adhesive for bed grip.

4

PC (Polycarbonate)

Pros: Very high strength and impact resistance, excellent heat resistance (~110–120 °C), dimensionally stable when printed right.
Cons: Difficult to print (warping), highly hygroscopic (must be dry), needs high temps and rigid setup, can crack without enclosure.
Best for: High-performance functional parts, fixtures near heat sources, protective components.
Print notes: 260–300 °C nozzle, 100–120 °C bed, enclosure required; dry filament thoroughly (60–80 °C for several hours).

5

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane, flexible)

Pros: Flexible/elastic (Shore ~85A–98A), excellent impact and abrasion resistance, great for vibration damping and grips.
Cons: Slower printing, can string/ooze, dimensional accuracy and overhangs are harder, Bowden setups struggle with soft grades.
Best for: Phone cases, seals/gaskets, wheels/tires, vibration-isolating mounts, wear-resistant parts.
Print notes: 210–240 °C nozzle, 30–60 °C bed; slow speeds (15–35 mm/s), low retraction, direct-drive extruder preferred.

6

Carbon-Fiber Filled (e.g., CF-PLA / CF-PETG / CF-Nylon

Pros: Much stiffer (higher modulus), reduced warp, crisp matte finish, dimensional stability, lighter feel.
Cons: More brittle than the base resin, abrasive—requires hardened steel/nozzle (≥0.4 mm), properties vary by base polymer, higher cost.
Best for: Rigid brackets, drone frames, jigs/fixtures, parts needing stiffness and low flex.
Print notes: Use a hardened nozzle, dry thoroughly (esp. CF-Nylon), follow base-material temps; reduce speed if you see nozzle wear or clogs.

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