Types of 3D printing filament – materials and prices compared
Prices in this article update automatically – last update: today 18:20.
Filament is plastic in the form of a strand (most often 1.75 mm in diameter) that an FDM printer uses to build a model layer by layer. Materials differ in strength, heat resistance, ease of printing and price. Below is a short comparison of the most popular types along with current prices per kilogram from the shops we compare.
| Material | Difficulty | Key properties | Price today |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | easy | stiff, precise, softens at about 55–60°C | typically 101.03 zł/kg, from 36.63 zł/kg |
| PLA+ | easy | less brittle than PLA, better impact resistance | typically 71.87 zł/kg, from 40.98 zł/kg |
| PETG | easy–medium | tough, more flexible, withstands about 70–80°C | typically 92.24 zł/kg, from 31.33 zł/kg |
| PCTG | medium | a tougher, clearer alternative to PETG | typically 118.92 zł/kg, from 85.40 zł/kg |
| ABS | medium–hard | heat-resistant, needs an enclosure, gives off fumes | typically 107.35 zł/kg, from 39.99 zł/kg |
| ASA | medium–hard | like ABS but UV-resistant – for outdoor use | typically 124.98 zł/kg, from 53.00 zł/kg |
| TPU | medium | rubber-like and flexible, printed slowly | typically 204.40 zł/kg, from 64.50 zł/kg |
| PA (nylon) | hard | very strong and slippery, absorbs a lot of moisture | typically 292.00 zł/kg, from 114.16 zł/kg |
| PC | hard | strong and heat-resistant, high temperatures | typically 226.65 zł/kg, from 113.28 zł/kg |
| PLA-CF / PETG-CF | medium | carbon-fibre filled: stiff, matte, need a hardened nozzle | 119.38 zł/kg / 233.24 zł/kg |
"Typically" is the median price of single 0.5–3 kg spools available in shops today, calculated across product lines (a line with many colours counts once); "from" is the cheapest spool.
PLA – for beginners and most models
PLA is the most popular and usually the cheapest filament. It prints at a low temperature, barely warps and doesn't need an enclosed printer. It's great for figures, prototypes, organisers and decorations. Its downsides are low heat resistance – a model left in a hot car can deform – and brittleness on impact. Silk, matte and glitter variants differ mainly in appearance.
PETG – when a part has to hold up
PETG is tougher and less brittle than PLA and handles heat and moisture better. It's a good choice for holders, mechanical parts, enclosures and everyday items. It's a bit harder to print: it tends to string and sticks very strongly to some beds. Details in our PLA vs PETG guide.
ABS and ASA – heat resistance
ABS and ASA withstand higher temperatures than PETG, but shrinkage as they cool makes large prints lift off the bed and crack. They're best printed in an enclosure in a well-ventilated room, because they give off fumes. ASA also doesn't yellow or become brittle in sunlight, which is why it's chosen for parts mounted outdoors.
TPU – flexible parts
TPU is a rubber-like filament: seals, pads, cases, tyres for models. Hardness is given on the Shore scale – the lower the number (e.g. 85A), the softer the material. It's printed slowly, ideally on a printer with a direct-drive extruder.
Engineering materials: nylon, PC and composites
Nylon and polycarbonate are for demanding parts – gears, hinges, load-bearing components. They need high temperatures, drying before printing and usually an enclosure. Carbon-fibre (CF) or glass-fibre (GF) composites are stiffer and have a matte surface, but they wear brass nozzles – you need a hardened nozzle.
How to choose?
- You're starting out or printing decorations and prototypes – PLA.
- Functional parts, holders, something for the kitchen or workshop – PETG.
- Outdoors, in the sun – ASA.
- Something flexible – TPU.
Before your first print, check the printing temperatures table, and if the filament has been sitting open for a long time, read the guide on drying.