Filament Types (quick guide)

PLA

Best for: decorative parts, prototypes, light-duty pieces.

Pros: crisp detail, easy prints, lots of colors, least expensive material.

Watch-outs: softens in heat (hot car / sunlight), less impact resistant.

PETG

Best for: functional parts, outdoor use (moderate), brackets, organizers.

Pros: tougher than PLA, better heat resistance, slight flex.

Watch-outs: can string, surface can be less “crisp” than PLA, more expensive than PLA.

TPU

Best for: flexible parts, bumpers, grips, gaskets.

Pros: flexible + durable.

Watch-outs: expensive, slower prints, some designs need thickness tuning which adds cost to your project.

ABS / ASA

Best for: higher-heat parts, some outdoor parts (ASA is better outdoors).

Pros: heat resistance, toughness (ASA has UV resistance).

Watch-outs: parts may warp over time, print times are higher, requires special ordering, expensive.

Nylon (PA)

Best for: strong, wear-resistant functional parts.

Pros: tough, abrasion resistant.

Watch-outs: very high processing times & print time, requires special ordering, VERY EXPENSIVE .

“Help Me Choose”

Tell me: How are you planning on using your print? Will it be for indoor/outdoor, left in the car, heat exposure, weight load, and if it must flex or bend.

Then I’ll help you by making recommendations that will serve your overall project.