Technical guide · 3D printing
3D printing filament guide: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU and carbon fibre
Which material to choose for each use, with the real data of the 12 filaments we print.
Quick choice
Which filament for which use
Architecture models and decoration
PLA Matte or PLA Basic: easy, accurate and with a good surface. Matte hides layer lines.
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Gifts and trophies with sheen
PLA Silk+: silky metallic sheen.
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Everyday functional parts
PLA Tough+ or PETG HF: more impact resistance; PETG also withstands humidity.
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Outdoors and sun
ASA: UV and weather resistant, softens around 100 °C.
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Heat and post-processing
ABS (sandable) or PC (very heat and impact resistant, also clear).
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Flexible parts
TPU 95A: rubber-like, for gaskets, grips, cases and dampers.
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Stiff, light technical parts
PLA-CF or PETG-CF; PAHT-CF for the highest mechanical and thermal demands.
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Comparison
Technical data of each filament
Nozzle temperature and approximate softening point as published by the manufacturer. Cost: € economical, €€ medium, €€€ technical.
| Material | Properties | Nozzle | Softens at | Colours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA Basic | Easy to print with a good surface finish. Ideal for prototypes, décor and indoor parts. Indoor · Decorative · Prototypes | 190–230 °C | ≈57 °C | 30 | € |
| PLA Matte | Matte, low-sheen finish that hides layer lines. Perfect for models and design objects. Matte finish · Models | 190–230 °C | ≈57 °C | 25 | € |
| PLA Silk+ | Silky metallic sheen. For decorative parts, trophies and gifts. Sheen · Decorative | 210–230 °C | ≈55 °C | 13 | € |
| PLA Tough+ | Toughened PLA with higher impact resistance. Everyday functional parts. Tough · Functional | 210–240 °C | ≈58 °C | 7 | €€ |
| PETG HF | Strong, slightly flexible and suited to fast printing. Good chemical and moisture resistance. Functional · Moisture | 230–260 °C | ≈69 °C | 14 | € |
| ABS | Heat and impact resistant; can be sanded and post-processed. Heat · Post-processing | 240–270 °C | ≈87 °C | 11 | € |
| ASA | Like ABS but UV and weather resistant. Ideal for outdoor use. Outdoor · UV | 240–270 °C | ≈100 °C | 6 | €€ |
| PLA-CF (carbon fibre) | Carbon-fibre PLA: stiff, light with a technical matte finish. Stiff · Technical | 210–240 °C | ≈55 °C | 7 | €€ |
| PETG-CF (carbon fibre) | Carbon-fibre PETG: stiff, strong with matte colours. Stiff · Technical | 240–270 °C | ≈74 °C | 6 | €€ |
| TPU 95A (flexible) | Rubber-like flexible (95A). Cases, gaskets, dampers and grips. Flexible | 220–240 °C | — | 6 | €€€ |
| PC (polycarbonate) | Polycarbonate: very heat and impact resistant, available clear. Heat · Clear | 260–280 °C | ≈117 °C | 4 | €€€ |
| PAHT-CF (technical nylon) | Carbon-fibre technical nylon: top mechanical and thermal strength. Engineering · Heat | 260–290 °C | ≈194 °C | 1 | €€€ |
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PLA and PETG?
PLA is easier to print and gives a better finish, ideal for models and indoor parts. PETG is stronger, slightly flexible and handles humidity and heat better (softens around 69 °C vs 57 °C for PLA).
Which filament withstands outdoor use?
ASA: it resists UV and weather and softens around 100 °C.
Can you print flexible parts?
Yes, with TPU 95A, which feels like rubber.
What is carbon fibre for?
It makes parts stiffer and lighter, with a technical matte finish. PAHT-CF is the most demanding mechanically and thermally.
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