How to choose a 3D printing material: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA or TPU?

The question we get most often: "What should my part be printed from?". The answer depends on three things — where the part will live, what loads it will take, and the look you want. Here is how we decide in practice:

PLA — for decor and form

PLA prints the cleanest, most precisely and with the nicest surfaces. Ideal for figurines, form prototypes, souvenirs, organizers. It dislikes heat (softens above ~55 °C) and constant impacts. If the part will sit on a shelf or a wall — PLA is the choice.

PETG — for outdoors and function

PETG is tough, water-resistant and handles sun better than PLA. We pick it for outdoor brackets, parts in contact with water, children's toys under load, moving mechanisms. The surface is a bit rougher, but the part "lives" for years.

ABS and ASA — for heat and automotive

Under the hood, next to a heater, in the sun behind glass — that is where PLA warps and PETG sags. ABS/ASA withstand 85–100 °C and can be acetone-smoothed to a factory look. ASA adds UV stability for outdoors. They need an enclosed chamber — we print on such machines.

TPU — when it has to flex

Seals, tyres, dampers, parts with constant flexing. TPU is a 95A rubber-like material that does not break. It prints slowly, but the result is a part you otherwise simply cannot buy.

The short rule

Shelf decor → PLA. Something outdoors or loaded → PETG. Heat or automotive → ABS/ASA. Flexing → TPU. And if in doubt — write to us; we are happy to recommend a material and quote both options.