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Which material should you choose?

You do not need to know how 3D printing works. Look at what you will use it for and you will see which material fits. If you are unsure, choose PLA and ask the maker for advice.

Choose by use

UseMaterial
Decoration or figureVase, figurine, keyringPLA
Part for indoorsHolder, bracket, hook, spare partPETG or PLA
Outdoors or near heatGarden, bike, car, in the sunABS / ASA or PETG
FlexiblePhone case, bumper, gasket, non-slip footTPU
Small and very preciseMiniature, game piece, jewelleryResin, standard or PLA

The materials

PLA

FDM (filament)

The most widely used material. Stiff, with a neat finish, and available in many colours.

Good for
Decoration, figures, prototypes and parts that do not take much strain.
Watch out
Softens from about 55 °C. Not suitable for a car or long spells in full sun.

PETG

FDM (filament)

Tougher than PLA: it bends a little before it breaks. Handles water and the odd knock.

Good for
Holders, brackets and parts under load, indoors and outdoors.
Watch out
A slightly less crisp finish than PLA, and often a bit glossy.

ABS / ASA

FDM (filament)

Stays firm in the heat, up to about 90 °C. ASA also stands up well to sunlight.

Good for
Parts for the car, the garden or near a heat source.
Watch out
Harder to print, so not every maker offers it.

TPU

FDM (filament)

Flexible and rubbery. Springs back when you press it.

Good for
Phone cases, bumpers, gaskets and non-slip feet.
Watch out
Less fine detail, and it prints slowly, so it often costs a bit more.

Resin, standard

Resin

Very fine detail and a smooth surface. Made with light instead of melted filament.

Good for
Miniatures, board game figures, jewellery and small precise parts.
Watch out
Brittle: it can break if dropped. Not for parts that need strength, and not for outdoors.

Resin, tough

Resin

As precise as standard resin, but less brittle.

Good for
Small parts that need fine detail and still have to take some strain, such as snap fits.
Watch out
Costs more than standard resin, and fewer makers offer it.

Side by side

Hard to breakHandles heatFor outdoorsFine detail
PLAfairfairfairgood
PETGgoodgoodgoodgood
ABS / ASAgoodvery goodvery goodgood
TPUvery goodgoodgoodfair
Resin, standardfairfairfairvery good
Resin, toughgoodfairfairvery good

Filament or resin

Most makers have an FDM printer. It melts a strand of plastic (filament) and builds the model layer by layer. That is sturdy and affordable, but you can see the layers. A resin printer cures liquid plastic with light. That gives very fine detail and a smooth surface, but the result is more brittle and the printers are smaller.

3D prints are not automatically safe for food or drink: residue stays behind in the layers. If you want something for the kitchen, talk to the maker first.

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