Material Types
PLA, ABS, PETG, and more — properties and applications
Material Types for 3D Printing
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
The most popular material for 3D printing.
- Easy to print with a smooth surface
- Biodegradable (made from corn starch)
- Cannot withstand high temperatures (deforms above 60°C)
- Ideal for: decorations, figurines, prototypes, gifts
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Strong and durable material.
- Greater strength and flexibility than PLA
- Withstands higher temperatures (up to 100°C)
- Can be sanded, glued, and painted
- Ideal for: functional parts, replacement parts, enclosures
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Combines PLA's ease of printing with ABS's strength.
- Good chemical resistance
- Slightly flexible, hard to break
- Food-safe under certain conditions
- Ideal for: mechanical parts, containers, parts exposed to moisture
Resin
Exceptionally detailed prints.
- Highest resolution and smoothest surface
- Perfect for miniatures and jewelry
- More brittle than PLA and ABS
- Ideal for: jewelry, miniatures, detailed figurines, dental models
Which One to Choose?
| Need | Recommended Material |
|---|---|
| Home decoration | PLA |
| Appliance replacement part | ABS or PETG |
| Outdoor item | PETG |
| Detailed figurine | Resin |
| Box or enclosure | ABS |
| Gift | PLA or Resin |
Not sure? Use the material quiz in the platform or write to us.