Standard PLA. Cheap, easy, and the right answer for most decorative and low-stress prints.
Nozzle 200-220 °CBed 55-60 °C
Which filament should I use for this print?
Choose at least one option to get a ranked shortlist, or browse by material.
New here? What does FDM mean?
FDM (fused deposition modeling) is the common home 3D printer: it melts plastic filament and builds the part one thin layer at a time. Resin printers work differently and do not use these filaments.
Browse by material
PLA
11 variantsPolylactic acid (polylactide)
The friendly default. Easy, cheap, and comes in every color and finish you can imagine.
Home-friendly
Open PLA →PETG
4 variantsGlycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate
The tougher all-rounder. More heat- and impact-resistant than PLA with only a little more fuss.
Home-friendly
Open PETG →ABS
2 variantsAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Tough and heat-resistant, and sands and smooths well. Needs an enclosure and good ventilation.
Home, with precautions
Open ABS →ASA
2 variantsAcrylonitrile styrene acrylate
Like ABS but built for the outdoors. Resists UV, weather, and heat without yellowing or cracking.
Home, with precautions
Open ASA →TPU
2 variantsThermoplastic polyurethane
Flexible, rubbery filament for parts that bend, squash, and absorb impacts.
Home-friendly
Open TPU →
Ranked results
PLA with toughening additives. Less brittle and a bit stronger, still easy to print.
Nozzle 205-225 °CBed 55-65 °C
PLA tuned to melt and flow quickly so high-speed printers can run fast without under-extruding.
Nozzle 210-230 °CBed 55-65 °C
The speed of Rapid PLA with the toughening of PLA+. A strong choice for fast functional prints.
Nozzle 215-235 °CBed 55-65 °C
PLA with a non-glossy, velvety finish that hides layer lines and fingerprints.
Nozzle 200-225 °CBed 55-65 °C
Shiny, pearlescent PLA with a metallic or satin sheen. Prints beautifully but is weaker than normal PLA.
Nozzle 215-230 °CBed 55-65 °C
PLA with fine glitter particles that catch the light. Easy to print and fun to look at.
Nozzle 200-225 °CBed 55-65 °C
PLA with a speckled, stone-like look. Easy to print and good at hiding layer lines.
Nozzle 200-225 °CBed 55-65 °C
PLA blended with wood fibers for a warm, sandable, stainable look. Fussy to print.
Nozzle 190-215 °CBed 50-60 °C
PLA with glow pigment that charges in light and glows for hours. Great for fun, poor for strength.
Nozzle 200-220 °CBed 55-60 °C
PLA filled with chopped carbon fiber. Very stiff, matte, and low-warp, but brittle and hard on nozzles.
Nozzle 210-240 °CBed 50-65 °C
The tougher everyday choice. More heat- and impact-tolerant than PLA, and decent outdoors in the shade.
Nozzle 230-250 °CBed 70-85 °C
PETG tuned for high-speed printing. Same toughness, faster flow, fewer compromises at speed.
Nozzle 240-260 °CBed 70-85 °C
Unpigmented, translucent PETG. Good for light covers, windows, and parts you want to see through.
Nozzle 230-250 °CBed 70-80 °C
PETG filled with carbon fiber. Stiffer, with a matte finish and cleaner prints.
Nozzle 240-270 °CBed 65-80 °C
Tough, heat-resistant, and easy to sand and smooth. The classic choice for enclosures and hot parts.
Nozzle 230-260 °CBed 90-110 °C
ABS filled with carbon fiber. Stiffer and less warp-prone than plain ABS, with a dry matte look.
Nozzle 240-270 °CBed 90-110 °C
UV- and weather-resistant, tough, and heat-tolerant. The go-to for parts that live outside.
Nozzle 240-270 °CBed 90-110 °C
ASA filled with carbon fiber. Stiff, matte, and weatherproof, for rigid outdoor and automotive parts.
Nozzle 245-275 °CBed 90-110 °C
Flexible but firm. The easiest TPU to print and the usual choice for grips, cases, and bumpers.
Nozzle 210-235 °CBed 30-60 °C
A softer, more rubbery TPU. Squishy and stretchy, but much harder to print than 95A.
Nozzle 210-235 °CBed 30-60 °C
Or see what people print
Best pick
Rapid PLA+A batch of identical parts
Dozens of parts, and print time is the main cost.
Best pick
PETGShower or bathroom hook
Warm, wet, and humid every day.
Best pick
PETGCar phone mount or vent clip
A dashboard in direct sun averages about 70 °C; cabin air about 45 °C.
Best pick
ASACar exterior trim or mirror cap
Direct sun, rain, road heat, and vibration.
Best pick
Matte PLACosplay helmet or armor
Big, visible, painted, and worn for a day.
Best pick
Silk PLADecorative vase
A showpiece where the finish is everything.