What type of filament is used for 3D printing? 

There are several types of filament used for 3D printing, and the choice depends on the application, strength requirements, temperature resistance and other factors. Here are the most common filament types: 

Common filament types 

PLA (Polylactic Acid) 

• Easy to print, environmentally friendly and biodegradable 

• Low melting point (~180-220 °C) 

• Used for prototypes, decorative items and models where strength is not essential 

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) 

• More durable and heat resistant than PLA (~220-250°C) 

• Requires a heated build plate and preferably a closed printing space 

• Used in automotive, electronics housings and functional prototypes 

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) 

• Combining the simplicity of PLA and the strength of ABS 

• Flexible, strong and chemical resistant (~220-250 °C) 

• Suitable for mechanical parts and food grade applications 

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) 

• Flexible and rubber-like material 

• Good for cushioning and resilient components, such as gaskets and mobile phone shells 

• Requires slow print speed 

Specialized filaments 

nylon 

• Extremely durable, hard-wearing and flexible 

• Requires higher printing temperature (~240-260 °C) 

• Used in industrial manufacturing and mechanical parts 

Carbon fiber reinforced filaments (PLA, PETG or Nylon + carbon fiber) 

• Increased strength and stiffness 

• Requires hardened nozzles to avoid wear 

• Ideal for drones, car components and high-performance prototypes 

Wood and metal filled filaments 

• Contains wood or metal particles for aesthetic effect 

• Used for artistic and decorative prints 

Executive summary 

Which filament to use depends on your project. PLA is best for simple models, ABS for functional parts and PETG for strong, durable prints. For more advanced needs, TPU, Nylon or carbon fiber reinforced filaments may be the right choice. 

Need help choosing the right filament for your 3D printing? We offer a calculator where you can upload your model and get cost estimates based on different material options.