The 10 Most Common Filaments – A Complete Comparison

Which filament should you choose?

One of the most common questions when manufacturing custom components is: which material suits my project? The answer depends on a number of factors – mechanical load, temperature sensitivity, surface finish, flexibility, and cost. In this guide, we review the ten most commonly used filaments to help you make the right decision.

1. PLA – the natural choice for beginners

PLA (polylactide) is the most widely used filament in FDM manufacturing, and for good reason. It is bio-based, easy to process, yields a great surface finish, and requires neither a heated bed nor an enclosure. The drawbacks are low heat resistance (often softening around 60 °C) and a relatively brittle structure. PLA is exceptionally well-suited for models, prototypes, and decorative objects.

• Manufacturing temperature: 180–220 °C
• Strengths: Easy to handle, great surface finish, eco-friendly alternative
• Weaknesses: Low heat resistance, brittle under high loads

2. PETG – the balance between strength and ease of use

PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) combines PLA's ease of use with the strength and flexibility of ABS. It is chemical-resistant, withstands temperatures up to approx. 80 °C, and offers good impact resistance. PETG is a popular choice for functional parts, brackets, and mechanical components.

• Manufacturing temperature: 230–250 °C
• Strengths: Good strength, chemical resistant, slightly flexible
• Weaknesses: Stringing can be an issue, requires dry filament

3. ABS – the industry standard with challenges

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) was long the dominant material for functional prototypes. It withstands heat up to approx. 100 °C, is easy to sand and post-process, and can be acetone-smoothed for a glossy finish. The downside is that it requires an enclosure and tends to warp during production.

• Manufacturing temperature: 220–250 °C
• Strengths: High heat resistance, easy to post-process, impact-resistant
• Weaknesses: Warping, emits fumes – requires an enclosure and good ventilation

4. ASA – the outdoor alternative to ABS

ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is similar to ABS in strength and heat resistance, but is also UV-resistant and weather-resistant. It is an excellent choice for components mounted outdoors, such as signs, brackets, and automotive parts. ASA requires similar manufacturing settings to ABS.

• Manufacturing temperature: 230–260 °C
• Strengths: UV-resistant, weather-resistant, good strength
• Weaknesses: More expensive than ABS, requires an enclosure

5. Nylon – for demanding mechanical applications

Nylon (polyamide) is one of the most durable filaments and is widely used for gears, bearings, bushings, and other moving parts. It is flexible, chemical-tolerant, and withstands high loads. However, nylon is highly hygroscopic – easily absorbing moisture from the air – and must be stored dry.

• Manufacturing temperature: 240–270 °C
• Strengths: Extremely durable, flexible, chemical-resistant
• Weaknesses: Moisture-absorbing, requires a dry box and heated bed

6. TPU – flexibility in focus

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a rubber-like filament used for grips, gaskets, protective cases, and footwear. It is extremely impact-resistant and withstands repeated deformations without breaking. TPU is more difficult to manufacture quickly, but delivers unique properties that no other filaments can match.

• Manufacturing temperature: 220–240 °C
• Strengths: Flexible, impact-resistant, rubber-like feel
• Weaknesses: Requires low production speed, difficult to handle in direct drive setups

7. PC – the polycarbonate for extreme demands

Polycarbonate (PC) is one of the strongest and most heat-stable filaments on the market – it withstands temperatures up to 130 °C and offers exceptional impact resistance. PC is used industrially for safety glasses, electronic enclosures, and brackets in high-temperature environments. It requires a high-temperature production machine.

• Manufacturing temperature: 260–310 °C
• Strengths: High strength, heat-stable up to 130 °C, transparent options available
• Weaknesses: Requires advanced equipment, hygroscopic, expensive

8. HIPS – support material and more

HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) is primarily used as support material for ABS production, as it can be dissolved in limonene without affecting ABS. However, it can also be used as a primary material – it is lightweight, easy to sand, and paintable. HIPS is a great complement in dual-extrusion setups.

• Manufacturing temperature: 220–240 °C
• Strengths: Excellent support material, easy to post-process
• Weaknesses: Not as strong as ABS, requires limonene storage

9. PVA – water-soluble supports

PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) is a water-soluble filament used exclusively as support material. It enables the production of complex overhangs and internal geometries that would otherwise be impossible – the supports are subsequently dissolved in water. Perfect for dual-extrusion with PLA or PETG.

• Manufacturing temperature: 170–220 °C
• Strengths: Dissolves in water – perfect for complex geometries
• Weaknesses: Extremely moisture-absorbing, short shelf life once opened

10. Carbon fiber-reinforced filaments (CF) – lightweight meets strength

Carbon fiber-reinforced variants – typically CF-PLA, CF-PETG, CF-Nylon, or CF-PC – combine the properties of the base material with dramatically increased stiffness and reduced weight. CF filaments are popular in motorsports, drones, and industrial tools. The downside is that it causes heavy wear on the nozzle – a hardened nozzle is required.

• Manufacturing temperature: Depends on the base material
• Strengths: High stiffness, lighter than steel, professional appearance
• Weaknesses: Wears down standard nozzles, can be brittle

Summary – choose the right material from the start

Choosing the right filament is about matching the material's properties with your project's requirements. Here is a quick decision guide:

• Prototypes and models: PLA
• Indoor functional parts: PETG or ABS
• Outdoor use: ASA
• Moving and wear parts: Nylon
• Flexible applications: TPU
• Extreme temperatures and maximum strength: PC
• Support material for ABS: HIPS
• Support material for PLA/PETG: PVA
• Lightweight and stiffness: CF-reinforced filament

Unsure which material suits your specific project? On Race3D's services page, you can read more about our manufacturing capabilities, or contact us directly and we will help you find the optimal choice.