Introduction


Choosing the right filament isn’t about picking the “best” one—it’s about picking the right one for the job. Whether you're printing functional parts, art pieces, or just getting started, each material is engineered for a specific usecase. This guide is designed to walk you through what each filament is made for, where it shines, and what challenges to watch out for—so you can make confident, informed decisions. Because when your prints succeed, we succeed too.


PLA / PLA+ PETG TPU ASA / ABS
Easy to Print
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Low Cost
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Strength
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Flexibility
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Life Span
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Recyclability
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UV Resistance
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No Fumes
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Heat Resistance
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PLA / PLA+

Polylactic Acid


PLA (Polylactic Acid) is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly 3D printing materials, known for its ease of use, low printing temperatures, and environmentally conscious origins—it’s derived from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane. It prints with minimal warping and offers a smooth surface finish, making it ideal for visual prototypes, decorative items, and functional prints that don’t require high heat or impact resistance. While it’s not the strongest or most heat-tolerant filament, its reliability, low odor, and crisp detail make it a great starting point for makers of all levels.


PLA+ (or PLA Plus) is an enhanced version of standard PLA, typically blended with additives to improve strength, durability, and flexibility without sacrificing ease of printing. It’s still low-warp and beginner-friendly, but it performs better under stress and can handle slightly higher temperatures. The exact properties can vary between manufacturers, but in general, PLA+ is a solid upgrade if you love printing with PLA and want just a bit more toughness for your parts.

  • Easy to Print

  • Minimal Fumes

  • Cost Effective

  • Recyclable

  • Good for indoor use

PETG

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol


PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) strikes a balance between strength, flexibility, and ease of printing, making it a favorite for functional parts that need durability and a bit of give. It’s more temperature- and impact-resistant than PLA, yet still easier to print than tougher materials like ABS. PETG has excellent layer adhesion, good chemical resistance, and produces prints with a slightly glossy finish. While it can be a bit stringy if not tuned properly, it’s a great choice for prints that need to withstand wear, outdoor conditions, or light mechanical stress.

Quackeon recommended for indoor prints.

  • Easy to Print

  • Minimal Fumes

  • Cost Effective

  • Indoor and Outdoor Use

  • Moderate Thermal Resistance

  • Moderate Impact Resistance

  • Moderate Chemical Resistance

ASA

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate


ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a tough, UV-resistant filament designed for outdoor use and long-term durability. It offers excellent weather resistance, making it a go-to choice for parts exposed to sunlight, moisture, or fluctuating temperatures. ASA prints similarly to ABS but with improved stability and less warping, especially when using an enclosed printer. It produces strong, impact-resistant parts with a matte finish and is commonly used for automotive components, signage, and functional outdoor prints. While it requires a bit more tuning than beginner materials, ASA rewards you with professional-grade performance built to last.

Quackeon recommended for outdoor prints.

  • Difficult to Print

  • Harsh Fumes

  • Cost Effective

  • Outdoor Use

  • Good Thermal Resistance

  • Good Impact Resistance

  • Built to Last

  • Moisture Resistant

ABS

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene


ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a strong, impact-resistant filament commonly used in industrial and engineering applications. Known for its durability and heat resistance, ABS is ideal for functional parts that need to withstand wear, stress, or higher temperatures. However, it can be more challenging to print than PLA or PETG due to its tendency to warp and emit fumes—using an enclosed printer and proper ventilation is recommended. Despite the learning curve, ABS remains a popular choice for prototyping and end-use parts thanks to its toughness, machinability, and post-processing flexibility like sanding, painting, or acetone smoothing.

  • Difficult to Print

  • Very Harsh Fumes

  • Outdoor Use

  • Excellent Thermal Resistance

  • Excellent Impact Resistance

  • Built to Last

  • Moisture Resistant

TPU

Thermoplastic Polyurethane


TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like filament known for its excellent elasticity, abrasion resistance, and impact durability. It’s perfect for parts that need to bend, stretch, or absorb shocks—think phone cases, gaskets, or wearable components. TPU prints slower than rigid filaments and can be tricky on some machines, especially those with Bowden-style extruders, but it rewards patience with tough, resilient prints that bounce back from stress. Its versatility makes it a favorite for functional prototypes and custom-fit parts where flexibility is key.

  • Difficult to Print

  • Minimal Fumes

  • Indoor Use

  • Good Thermal Resistance

  • Very Good Impact Resistance

  • Built to Last

  • Excellent Moisture Resistant

  • Excellent Flexibility