Materials guide
PLA vs PETG: which filament should you choose?
PLA and PETG are the two workhorses of desktop 3D printing. Both look similar on the spool, but they behave very differently once a part is printed and put to work. Here's how to pick.
The short answer
Use PLA for display models, prototypes, and anything decorative — it prints beautifully and holds fine detail. Use PETG when a part has to survive heat, moisture, or real mechanical stress.
PLA at a glance
- Prints crisply with minimal warping.
- Rigid but brittle — snaps rather than bends.
- Softens around 55–60 °C; not for anything left in a hot car.
- Great for figurines, architectural models, cosplay props.
PETG at a glance
- Tougher and more impact-resistant than PLA.
- Handles ~75 °C before it softens.
- Waterproof and food-safe grades exist.
- Great for enclosures, brackets, outdoor parts, functional jigs.
When to reach for ABS or TPU instead
ABS is the pick when you need higher temperature resistance (~100 °C) and the ability to smooth parts with acetone — common in automotive fixtures and enclosures near heat sources. TPU is a flexible rubber-like filament for gaskets, phone cases, and anything that needs to bend without breaking.
Quick comparison
| Property | PLA | PETG | ABS | TPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Excellent | Good | Tricky | Moderate |
| Strength | Rigid, brittle | Tough | Strong | Flexible |
| Heat resistance | ~55 °C | ~75 °C | ~100 °C | ~80 °C |
| Best for | Display, prototypes | Functional parts | Enclosures, auto | Gaskets, grips |
Ready to print?
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