Materials for 3D printing
We print with two proven plastics — PLA and PETG. Here’s how they differ, and we’ll help you pick the right one for your part.
Scroll — the chamber heats up from 20 to 95 °C
PLA vs PETG
Tap a property to see what it means in practice
| PLA | Property | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| 190–220 °C | 230–250 °C | |
Prints at a lower temperature — sharp corners and fine details come out crisp. In practice Needs 230–250 °C: fine details are a little softer, but the layers bond together more strongly. | ||
| Medium | High | |
Stiff but brittle: a hard knock or bend can crack it. In practice Tougher: handles impacts and long-term loads better — it flexes slightly before it cracks. | ||
| Low | Medium | |
Thin walls barely bend — better not to use it for snap-fits and clips. In practice Thin features spring back — snap-fits and clips don’t break on first use. | ||
| Low | High | |
Not for constant moisture: in a bathroom or outdoors it can lose its shape and strength over time. In practice Copes with water and humidity easily — fine for bathrooms and kitchens. | ||
| Up to 60 °C | Up to 80 °C | |
Softens above 60 °C: not for a car interior in summer; near a radiator it’s borderline. Holds its shape up to 80 °C — suitable for car interiors and warm spots. | ||
| Down to 100 µm | Down to 100 µm | |
We print both with layers down to 0.1 mm (100 µm) — lettering and fine details are equally crisp. | ||
| Minimal | Smell when printing | Minimal |
| Sanding, painting | Sanding | |
Easy to sand, paint with acrylics and glue — handy for figurines and models you plan to paint. In practice Can be sanded, but paint holds less well — it’s better to pick the colour as the plastic itself. | ||
| Decor, prototypes | Best for | Functional parts |
PLA plastic
Precise and smooth — for decor, figurines and prototypes
PLA (polylactic acid) is the most popular plastic for 3D printing. It’s made from plant-based raw materials — corn starch — and prints at a relatively low temperature, so parts come out precise, with a smooth surface and crisp fine details.
It suits decor, prototypes, models and items that don’t need high strength or heat resistance. After printing, PLA is easy to sand, paint and glue.
Best for
- Decorative items and vases
- Prototypes for visual evaluation
- Miniatures and figurines
- Educational models
- Organisers and stands
Properties
- Print temperature
- 190–220 °C
- Strength
- Medium
- Flexibility
- Low
- Water resistance
- Low
- Heat resistance
- Up to 60 °C
- Accuracy
- Down to 100 µm
- Smell when printing
- Minimal
- Surface finishing
- Sanding, painting
PETG plastic
Strong and durable — for parts that do real work
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) combines the easy printing of PLA with strength closer to ABS. It handles impacts, moisture and many chemicals well, withstands heat up to 80 °C and has a light glossy sheen.
It’s the choice for functional parts under load: mounts, enclosures, spare parts and items that come into contact with water.
Best for
- Electronics enclosures
- Functional spare parts
- Parts in contact with water
- Kitchen accessories
- Mechanical joints and mounts
Properties
- Print temperature
- 230–250 °C
- Strength
- High
- Flexibility
- Medium
- Water resistance
- High
- Heat resistance
- Up to 80 °C
- Accuracy
- Down to 100 µm
- Smell when printing
- Minimal
- Surface finishing
- Sanding
TPU — on request
A flexible, rubber-like plastic for cases, gaskets and shock absorbers. We print it on request — describe the job and we’ll tell you whether it fits.
All about TPUAny colour
Put the colour you want in your request — if we don’t have that filament, we’ll buy it for your order.
Send a requestPrice
It depends on the weight, infill and complexity of the model. We’ll name the exact amount after a free quote.
See pricesMaterials FAQ
PLA or PETG — which should I choose?
PLA is for decor, figurines, models and prototypes that will stay indoors: it’s more precise and easier to paint. PETG is for parts that do real work: mounts, enclosures, spare parts and items that touch water or heat up to 80 °C. Not sure? Describe the part and we’ll advise.
Can PLA handle heat?
PLA holds its shape up to roughly 60 °C. A car interior in summer or a spot near a radiator can get hotter, so for such parts we recommend PETG — it withstands up to 80 °C.
Do you print TPU?
Yes, on request. Describe the part in your request, on Telegram or WhatsApp — we’ll tell you whether TPU fits and give you the lead time and price after a quote.
Which plastic colours are available?
A wide palette: put the colour you want in your request — if we don’t have that filament in stock, we’ll buy it for your order.
How much does printing in PLA or PETG cost?
The price depends on the weight, infill and complexity of the model. Typical prices are on the Prices page, and we’ll name the exact amount after a free quote.
More about materials
PLA filament for 3D printing: everything you need to know4 min read
PETG for 3D printing: properties, applications and printing tips6 min read
PLA vs PETG vs TPU — which material to print with6 min read
How eco-friendly is PLA — is the bioplastic really green?7 min read
How to store 3D printing filament properly6 min read
Not sure which material to choose?
Describe your part — we’ll suggest PLA or PETG and quote it for free.