PLA vs PETG vs ABS: Which Filament Should You Choose?
Three filaments dominate desktop FDM printing. Each has a different balance of ease, strength, and temperature resistance.
Quick Comparison
| Property | PLA | PETG | ABS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print temp | 190–220°C | 230–250°C | 230–250°C |
| Bed temp | 50–60°C | 70–80°C | 100–110°C |
| Enclosure needed | No | Recommended | Yes |
| Difficulty | Easy | Medium | Hard |
| Heat resistance | Low (55–60°C) | Medium (70–80°C) | High (90–100°C) |
| Warping | Minimal | Low | High |
PLA — Start Here
PLA is the default choice for most prints. It's made from corn starch, requires no enclosure, and just works.
Use PLA for: decorative prints, models, prototypes, parts staying under 50°C. Avoid PLA for: anything left in a hot car, outdoor use, functional parts under heat.
PETG — The Practical Choice
PETG is where most makers settle for functional parts. Stronger, more flexible, far more heat-resistant than PLA.
Use PETG for: functional parts, brackets, tooling, food-contact containers. Avoid PETG for: tight tolerances (it strings/oozes), clear optical applications.
PETG sticks aggressively to PEI. Always use a release agent or you'll rip the surface.
ABS — Only If You Need It
ABS requires an enclosure, fumes need ventilation, but offers 90–100°C heat resistance and acetone smoothing.
Use ABS for: high heat resistance, acetone finishing, tough functional parts. Avoid ABS for: printing without an enclosure, large flat parts (extreme warping).
Decision Tree
- Decorative / prototype / low-stress? → PLA
- Functional part, warm environment, needs strength? → PETG
- Needs 90°C+ heat resistance or acetone finishing? → ABS or ASA
- Maximum stiffness / structural load? → CF variant of PETG or PLA