3D printing filament comparison
PLA prints easiest, ABS survives heat, PETG bridges the two, ASA resists UV outdoors, and Nylon handles wear and shock. This guide compares them across print difficulty, mechanical properties, and end-use suitability.
What to look for
- Print bed adhesion and warp behavior
- Layer-to-layer strength
- Environmental resistance (UV, moisture, heat)
Top materials for 3d printing filament comparison
- #1ABSAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
A tough engineering thermoplastic widely used in automotive, consumer products, electronics and 3D printing.
- #2PETGPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
A clear, food-safe, easy-to-print thermoplastic combining PET's strength with excellent formability.
- #3PA66Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon)
A tough, wear-resistant nylon widely used for gears, bushings, and under-the-hood automotive parts.
- #4PLAPolylactic Acid
A biodegradable, plant-based thermoplastic and the most popular 3D printing filament.
- #5PA610 Low AbsorptionPolyamide 610 Low Absorption
Lower moisture absorption than PA6/PA66, good chemical and dimensional stability.
- #6PET Fiber GradePolyethylene Terephthalate for Fiber Applications
Strong, durable fibers for textiles, ropes, and industrial applications.
- #7PLA Eco Grade APolylactic Acid, Eco Grade A
A standard grade of polylactic acid designed for general-purpose applications, offering good processability and biodegradability.
- #8Bio-PA610 FlexibleBio-based Polyamide 610, Flexible Grade Q
A bio-based polyamide with low moisture absorption and good flexibility, derived from renewable resources.
- #9PDLLA High Molecular WeightPoly(D,L-lactic acid), High Molecular Weight Grade W
An amorphous PDLLA grade with high molecular weight, offering increased strength and slower degradation for medical applications.
- #10PLA Basic FilamentPolylactic Acid Basic Filament
Easy-to-print, biodegradable plastic ideal for general prototyping and decorative items.
- #11PLA Silk FilamentPolylactic Acid Silk Filament
PLA variant with additives for a glossy, silk-like surface finish without post-processing.
- #12PLA Plus FilamentPolylactic Acid Plus Filament
Improved PLA offering higher strength, impact resistance, and reduced brittleness compared to standard PLA.
- #13PETG FDM FilamentPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified Filament for FDM
Durable, impact-resistant, and chemically resistant filament suitable for functional parts and prototypes.
- #14ASA FDM FilamentAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate Filament for FDM
UV-resistant and weatherable filament with mechanical properties similar to ABS, ideal for outdoor applications.
- #15ABS FDM FilamentAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Filament for FDM
Tough, impact-resistant, and temperature-resistant filament, though requires careful ventilation and heated bed.
- #16TPU 95A FilamentThermoplastic Polyurethane 95A Filament
Flexible and durable TPU filament with a Shore hardness of 95A, suitable for resilient parts and cushioning.
- #17TPU 85A FilamentThermoplastic Polyurethane 85A Filament
Highly flexible TPU filament with a Shore hardness of 85A, suitable for soft, compliant parts.
- #18PA12 FDM FilamentPolyamide 12 Filament for FDM
Durable, chemically resistant, and low-moisture absorbing nylon for robust functional parts.
- #19PA6 FDM FilamentPolyamide 6 Filament for FDM
Strong, wear-resistant, and tough nylon filament with higher moisture absorption than PA12.
- #20PC FDM FilamentPolycarbonate Filament for FDM
Extremely strong and impact-resistant filament with high heat resistance, suitable for demanding applications.