Filament Guide

Choosing the Right Material for Your Project

PLA – Great for Looks

  • Best for: Display pieces, decorative parts, light-duty items

  • Feel: Smooth, clean finish

  • Impact on your project:

    • Great for visual appeal

    • Not ideal for heat or stress

  • Common Names & Blends:

    • PLA+ – Slightly stronger and less brittle than standard PLA

    • Silk PLA – Glossy, reflective finish for vibrant or shiny parts

    • Wood-Filled PLA – Contains real wood fibres; has a wood-like feel

    • Marble or Stone PLA – Decorative, speckled appearance

    • Glow-in-the-Dark PLA – Ideal for novelty or kids’ items

  • Colours Available:

    • Wide range: matte, glossy, metallic, transparent

    • Fun specialty colours and effects available

PETG – Tough & Weather-Resistant

  • Best for: Functional parts, light mechanical use, outdoor items

  • Feel: Slight gloss, smooth and strong

  • Impact on your project:

    • Withstands sunlight, water, and moderate wear

    • A solid choice for strength and reliability

  • Common Names & Blends:

    • PETG – Most common, great balance of strength and flexibility

    • PETG-CF – Carbon-fibre reinforced PETG for stiffer parts

    • Recycled PETG (rPETG) – Eco-friendly, similar properties

  • Colours Available:

    • Solid, translucent, and transparent

    • Typically available in a clean, modern palette

ABS – Strong & Heat-Resistant

  • Best for: Utility parts, enclosures, items under stress or heat

  • Feel: Matte, sturdy, slightly grainy

  • Impact on your project:

    • Withstands knocks, pressure, and higher temperatures

    • Common in automotive, tools, and enclosures

  • Common Names & Blends:

    • ABS+ – Less shrinkage and warping than standard ABS

    • ASA – UV-resistant version of ABS (great for outdoors)

    • ABS-PC – Blend of ABS with polycarbonate for added strength

  • Colours Available:

    • Mostly solid colours (black, white, grey, red, blue)

    • Matte and sometimes textured finishes

TPU – Flexible & Rubber-Like

  • Best for: Cushioned or flexible parts like seals, bumpers, grips

  • Feel: Soft, rubbery, bendable

  • Impact on your project:

    • Stretches, flexes, and absorbs impact

    • Great for tactile or wearable parts

  • Common Names & Blends:

    • TPU 95A – Most common; flexible but still strong

    • TPU 85A – Softer and more stretchy

    • TPU 98A – Firmer; more shape-holding

    • TPE – Similar to TPU, but even softer (less common)

  • Colours Available:

    • Bright colours, translucent options, black/white

    • Some matte, some glossy depending on brand

Nylon – Strong, Durable & Wear-Resistant

  • Best for: Moving parts, mechanical components, impact-resistant designs

  • Feel: Textured, tough, and slightly flexible

  • Impact on your project:

    • Withstands friction, impact, and flexing over time

    • Long-lasting and wear-resistant

  • Common Names & Blends:

    • Nylon 6 (PA6) – Tough and flexible, absorbs moisture

    • Nylon 12 (PA12) – More dimensionally stable, absorbs less moisture

    • Carbon Fibre Nylon (PA-CF) – Extra strong and stiff

    • Glass-Filled Nylon (PA-GF) – Higher wear resistance and rigidity

    • Co-Polyamide (PA6/66, PA12 blends) – Balanced strength/flexibility

  • Colours Available:

    • Mostly black, grey, and natural (off-white)

    • Limited bright colour options

My Recommendation

From my experience, ABS-GF (glass-filled ABS) is a standout choice for most projects. It offers a great balance of strength, heat resistance, and clean aesthetics. The finish is surprisingly smooth for a technical filament, making it ideal for parts that need to look good and perform well.

If you're after something that feels a bit more premium, glass-filled or carbon fibre-filled options across any material will elevate the look and rigidity of your prints. These blends reduce visible layer lines, giving your parts a more professional, almost injection-moulded finish.

Whether you're building something functional or just want a cleaner look, these advanced filaments take things to the next level.