High quality filament

Which material suits your project?

We print with PLA, PETG and TPU. Below we help you choose, or compare them yourself.

Not sure which material you need?

Three short questions about your part.

Where will the part be used?
Indoors
Decoration, prototypes, everyday indoor use
Outdoors or damp environment
Garden, bathroom, exposed to weather or moisture
Does the part need to flex or be flexible?
No, rigid is fine
The part does not need to flex
Yes, it needs to be flexible
For example a case, seal or grip
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How much load will the part bear?
Light, mainly decorative
It does not need to absorb forces
Functional, needs to be sturdy
The part must be able to bear force or weight
← Previous question
OUR ADVICE
PLA
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The three materials

Choose a material for the details, the uses and the specifications.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)
The most widely used 3D printing material in the world. Made from renewable raw materials such as corn starch. Ideal for decorative objects, prototypes and hobby projects. Easy to process and available in the most colours.

ADVANTAGES

  • Available in the most colours
  • Sharp details and a smooth finish
  • Eco-friendly, based on plant-derived raw materials
  • Cheapest option

LIMITATIONS

  • Not suitable for high temperatures (max. ±60°C)
  • Less resistant to moisture and UV
  • Less strong than PETG under mechanical load
IDEAL FOR
Prototypes & models
Decorations & figurines
Educational projects
Cosplay & props
Creative designs
Hobby projects
SPECIFICATIONS
190–220°C
Print temperature
±60°C
Max. operating temperature
15 colours
Available
AVAILABLE COLOURS
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Stronger than PLA, resistant to moisture and higher temperatures. The best choice for functional parts that need to withstand more. Combines good printability with professional strength and a slightly glossy finish.

ADVANTAGES

  • Stronger and tougher than PLA
  • Resistant to moisture and mild chemicals
  • Higher heat resistance (up to 80°C)
  • Professional, slightly glossy finish
  • Less brittle, does not break easily on impact

LIMITATIONS

  • Slightly fewer colour options than PLA
  • Not suitable for prolonged UV exposure
  • Slightly higher price than PLA
IDEAL FOR
Functional parts
Electronics enclosures
Mechanical components
Damp environments
Car parts
Technical applications
SPECIFICATIONS
230–250°C
Print temperature
±80°C
Max. operating temperature
14 colours
Available
AVAILABLE COLOURS
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Rubber-like and flexible material that bends, springs back and absorbs shocks without breaking. Wear-resistant and durable. The ideal choice when you need a part that flexes and returns to its original shape.

ADVANTAGES

  • Flexible and shock-absorbing
  • Wear-resistant, stays looking good with intensive use
  • Good resistance to moisture and oils
  • Springs back to its original shape
  • Safe for skin contact

LIMITATIONS

  • Higher price due to slower print time
  • Fewer colour options than PLA
  • Not suitable for rigid constructions
IDEAL FOR
Protective cases
Vibration dampers
Handles & grips
Seals & rings
Soles & bumpers
Flexible joints
SPECIFICATIONS
210–230°C
Print temperature
±80°C
Max. operating temperature
2 colours
Available
AVAILABLE COLOURS

The three side by side

The same points for all three, so you do not have to switch.

PLAPETGTPU
What forDecorations, prototypes, indoorsFunctional parts, outdoors as wellCases, grips, seals
StrengthSufficientHighFlexible
Heat resistant up to±60 °C±80 °C±80 °C
Moisture and UVModerateGoodGood
Detail and finishVery sharpSharpReasonable
Colours15142
PriceLowestSlightly higherHighest

Frequently asked questions about materials

The questions we get most often by phone.

PETG. It is tougher than PLA and less likely to break on impact. If the part needs to bend, TPU is the right choice: that is flexible rather than strong.
PETG and TPU handle moisture well. Long exposure to sunlight is unfavourable for all plastics: over time they discolour and become brittle. For something that has to stay outside for years, let us know and we will think along.
Then PLA is out: it deforms around 60 °C and a car in the sun gets warmer than that. PETG holds up to about 80 °C.
If the colour you want is not listed, send us a message. It can often be ordered, and otherwise we will look for the closest match.
PLA is made from plant-based raw materials, so it does not depend on crude oil. It is industrially compostable, not in your garden waste bin at home.

Still not sure?

Send us your model and describe what the part is for. We will look at it and advise on the material free of charge, usually within one working day.

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