3D Printing Materials
Find the right material for your project. Compare properties and pick the best fit.
Compare Materials
Side-by-side properties for all four FDM materials.
| Property | PLA+ | ABS | PETG | PETG-CF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Temp | 200–220°C | 230–250°C | 230–245°C | 240–260°C |
| Heat Resistance | ~60°C | ~98°C | ~80°C | ~85°C |
| Tensile Strength | ~60 MPa | ~40 MPa | ~50 MPa | ~70 MPa |
| Shrinkage | Minimal | High | Very Low | Negligible |
| Surface Finish | Excellent | Good | Good (glossy) | Matte (premium) |
| Print Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Easy | Moderate |
PLA+
Great finish and precise detail
PLA+ is the easiest material to print and gives excellent surface quality. Perfect for prototypes, display models, and anything where appearance matters.
Use Cases
- Detailed prototypes
- Scale models
- Product mockups
- Display pieces
- Low-stress assemblies
Limitations
- Not suitable for hot environments
- Less impact-resistant than ABS
ABS
Heat-resistant and tough
ABS is used in car dashboards and LEGO bricks. It handles heat and impact well, and can be smoothed with acetone for a clean finish.
Use Cases
- Electronics housings
- Automotive parts
- Heat-exposed parts
- Parts needing acetone smoothing
- Tough functional parts
Limitations
- Needs an enclosed printer to avoid warping
- Emits fumes — print with ventilation
PETG
Strong, flexible, and easy to print
PETG combines the ease of PLA+ with the toughness of ABS. Great for functional mechanical parts that need to handle daily use, moisture, or mild chemicals.
Use Cases
- Mechanical parts
- Waterproof containers
- Outdoor fixtures
- Medical prototypes
- Chemical-resistant parts
Limitations
- May string slightly if settings are off
- Softer surface than ABS
PETG-CF
Carbon fiber reinforced, maximum strength
PETG-CF is our strongest material. Carbon fiber makes it 2–3× stiffer than regular PETG with less weight. It prints flat with no warping and has a premium matte-black finish.
Use Cases
- Drone frames
- Robotics parts
- Structural brackets
- Jigs and fixtures
- Load-bearing parts
Limitations
- Available in black only
- Abrasive to standard nozzles — requires hardened steel
Design Guidelines
Follow these tips to get the best results from your print.
Wall Thickness
Keep walls at least 1.2mm thick (3 perimeters at 0.4mm nozzle). Thinner walls may print but can be fragile.
Overhangs
Overhangs beyond 45° need supports. Design parts with self-supporting angles where possible to save on support material costs.
Holes and Tolerances
For bolt holes or press-fit inserts, design 0.2–0.3mm larger to account for shrinkage. Vertical holes print more accurately than horizontal ones.
Layer Orientation
Parts are strongest when load is applied perpendicular to layer lines. Think about how the part will be printed when designing for strength.
In-Depth Guide
PLA vs ABS vs PETG: Complete 3D Printing Material Guide