What is the most common material for 3D printing
The most commonly used material for 3D printing is PLA (Polylactic Acid), a biodegradable plastic material that is easy to print with, environmentally friendly and suitable for most types of 3D printers. Its popularity is based on a combination of good user-friendliness, relatively low price and a wide range of applications - especially in prototyping, education and hobby projects.
What is PLA and why is it most common?
PLA is made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane. This makes it not only more environmentally friendly than oil-based plastics, but also less toxic to handle. It also requires lower printing temperatures (around 180-220°C) and tends to have fewer problems with warping (the model dropping off the build plate) compared to other materials such as ABS.
Advantages of PLA
- Easy to print with - low risk of deformation.
- Compatible with most FDM printers.
- Available in many colors and variants (e.g. glittery, transparent, wood-like).
- Good for prototypes and visual models where strength is not critical.
Restrictions
- Less heat resistant than e.g. PETG or ABS.
- Brittle in comparison to other materials.
- Not suitable for outdoor use or applications subject to stress.
Comparison with other common materials
| material | Characteristics | Areas of use |
| ABS | More durable and heat resistant, but harder to print | Functional parts, prototypes |
| PETG | Combines strength and ease of printing | Mechanical parts, food approved applications |
| TPU | Flexible and rubber-like | Shock absorption, flexible joints |
Guidance on material selection
When choosing a material, you should always consider what the model will be used for - for example, whether it will withstand heat, bending or UV light. At RPS we offer an online calculator where you can easily upload your model and compare the price, printing time and properties of different materials. It's an effective way to find the right balance between cost, function and print quality.