3D Printer Filament Types Explained: PLA, PETG, PP and More
Choosing a filament affects how easy your print is, how strong it is, and what it's good for. Here's a plain-English comparison of the most common materials for home FDM printers.
PLA: the easy starter
The most beginner-friendly filament. It prints at relatively low temperatures, rarely warps and comes in countless colours. It's great for models, toys, décor and prototypes, but it can soften in heat (don't leave prints in a hot car).
PETG: tough and practical
Stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA, with a little flexibility so it's less brittle. Good for functional parts, brackets and outdoor items. It can be a bit stringy, so tuning retraction settings helps.
PP (polypropylene): light and flexible
Very tough and fatigue-resistant, which makes it ideal for living hinges and clips that bend repeatedly. It's notoriously hard to stick to the print bed, so a dedicated PP build surface or tape is often needed.
Flexible filaments (TPU, PEBA)
Rubber-like materials for phone cases, seals, wheels and squishy parts. Print slowly, and a direct-drive extruder makes them much easier.
Fibre-reinforced (carbon fibre, glass fibre)
Nylon, PP or PETG mixed with short fibres for extra stiffness. These filaments are abrasive and wear down standard brass nozzles, so use a hardened steel nozzle.
Tips for any filament
- Check the diameter matches your printer (1.75 mm is the most common).
- Follow the temperature range on the spool, and print a temperature tower to find the sweet spot.
- Keep filament dry in a sealed box with desiccant. Many materials absorb moisture, which causes stringing and weak prints.
Struggling with prints not sticking? Read our guide to fixing bed adhesion problems. Browse our 3D printer filament.
