The Ultimate 3D Printing Filament Guide (2025) - Every Material Tested
Choosing the right 3D printing filament can make or break your project. After years of testing dozens of brands and materials, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect filament for any application.
Quick Navigation:
- PLA Filaments (Beginner-friendly)
- PETG Filaments (Functional parts)
- ABS & ASA (Heat & UV resistant)
- TPU (Flexible)
- Nylon (Engineering)
- Specialty Materials
- Support Materials
PLA Filaments
Section titled “PLA Filaments”PLA (Polylactic Acid) is the most popular 3D printing filament for good reason: it’s easy to print, doesn’t require a heated bed, and produces minimal odor. Perfect for beginners and decorative prints.
Best Standard PLA
Section titled “Best Standard PLA”SUNLU PLA 3D Printer Filament
Best budget choice. SUNLU’s PLA offers exceptional value with excellent layer adhesion and dimensional accuracy. At under $14/kg, it’s my go-to for everyday printing.
Pros: Affordable, consistent diameter, great color selection
Cons: Slightly more brittle than premium brands
Best for: Prototypes, decorative prints, learning
OVERTURE PLA Filament
Premium quality. OVERTURE is known for incredibly consistent diameter control (±0.03mm) and smooth finish. If you need reliability for important prints, this is worth the extra $6.
Pros: Consistent quality, smooth surface, minimal stringing
Cons: Higher price point
Best for: Final parts, gifts, detailed models
Also Consider:
- ELEGOO PLA ($16.99) - B0D421Q2Q2 - Vibrant colors, good middle-ground option
- eSUN PLA ($17.99) - B0CS2XHNKL - Reliable basic PLA from a trusted brand
PLA+ (Enhanced Strength)
Section titled “PLA+ (Enhanced Strength)”PLA+ offers significantly better layer adhesion and impact resistance compared to standard PLA, making it ideal for functional parts that need more durability.
eSUN PLA+ Filament
The industry standard. eSUN’s PLA+ is the original and still one of the best. Prints like PLA but with 3-4x the impact strength. Perfect bridge between ease-of-use and functionality.
Pros: Excellent toughness, minimal warping, easy to print
Cons: Slightly higher printing temperature
Best for: Functional parts, tools, fixtures
Budget Alternative:
- LANDU PLA+ ($17.99) - B0D69RV8W1 - Cost-effective with excellent strength
Specialty PLA
Section titled “Specialty PLA”Silk PLA (Metallic Finish)
Section titled “Silk PLA (Metallic Finish)”SUNLU 3D Printer Silk Filament
Beautiful silk finish with metallic sheen. Perfect for decorative items, jewelry, and artistic prints. The copper and gold colors are especially stunning.
Tip: Print slowly (40-50mm/s) for best surface finish.
Wood-Fill PLA
Section titled “Wood-Fill PLA”Creality Wood Filament PLA
Natural wood fiber composite with authentic wood texture. Can be sanded and stained like real wood. Great for decorative items, models, and artistic projects.
Tip: Vary temperature (190-220°C) during print to create wood grain effect.
Carbon Fiber PLA
Section titled “Carbon Fiber PLA”ELEGOO Carbon Fiber PLA Filament
Carbon fiber reinforced PLA for enhanced rigidity. Excellent dimensional stability and a premium matte finish. Warning: Use hardened steel nozzle to prevent wear.
Best for: Drone parts, RC car components, rigid structures
Glow in the Dark PLA
Section titled “Glow in the Dark PLA”AMOLEN Glow in The Dark PLA Filament
Luminous PLA that glows in the dark after light exposure. Fun for kids’ projects, decorations, and practical items like light switch covers.
Tip: “Charge” with UV light or bright LED for strongest glow.
PETG Filaments
Section titled “PETG Filaments”PETG combines the ease of PLA with the strength of ABS. It’s my top choice for functional parts that need durability without requiring an enclosure.
OVERTURE PETG 3D Printer Filament
Best all-around PETG. OVERTURE’s PETG offers excellent layer adhesion, minimal warping, and good chemical resistance. Perfect for mechanical parts, containers, and outdoor items.
Print Settings: 235-245°C hotend, 70-80°C bed
Pros: Strong, flexible, chemical resistant
Cons: Can be stringy (use retraction tuning)
Best for: Mechanical parts, containers, outdoor items
Budget Options:
- SUNLU PETG ($18.99) - B0DJS3PJVX - Reliable quality at best price
- Creality PETG ($19.99) - B0C8NP63GD - Strong and flexible
ABS & ASA Filaments
Section titled “ABS & ASA Filaments”For parts requiring heat resistance and durability, ABS and ASA are your go-to materials. Requires enclosure to prevent warping.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Section titled “ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)”Polymaker ABS Filament
Premium ABS with minimal warping. Polymaker’s formula is easier to print than standard ABS and produces less odor. Excellent for automotive parts and functional components.
Print Settings: 240-250°C hotend, 100-110°C bed, requires enclosure
Best for: Automotive parts, tools, high-temp applications
ASA (UV-Resistant Alternative to ABS)
Section titled “ASA (UV-Resistant Alternative to ABS)”Polymaker ASA Filament
Best for outdoor use. ASA has excellent UV resistance (won’t fade or degrade in sunlight) while maintaining ABS’s strength and heat resistance. Perfect for outdoor fixtures, signs, and garden items.
Why ASA > ABS for outdoors: Won’t yellow or become brittle from UV exposure
Best for: Outdoor fixtures, automotive trim, signage
TPU Flexible Filaments
Section titled “TPU Flexible Filaments”Flexible filaments open up entirely new applications. Print phone cases, seals, gaskets, and flexible parts.
OVERTURE TPU Filament (95A)
Best TPU for beginners. 95A hardness offers good balance between flexibility and printability. Works on most direct drive printers without modifications.
Print Settings: 220-230°C, slow speed (20-30mm/s), direct drive recommended
Pros: Excellent elasticity, durable, abrasion resistant
Best for: Phone cases, gaskets, bumpers, wearables
More Flexible Option:
- OVERTURE TPU 85A ($29.99) - B0CYPGVK4D - Ultra-flexible for specialized applications
Nylon Filaments
Section titled “Nylon Filaments”Engineering-grade material with excellent mechanical properties. Hygroscopic - requires dry box or dryer.
OVERTURE Nylon Filament
Strong and flexible nylon for mechanical parts. Excellent wear resistance and low friction coefficient make it perfect for gears, bushings, and living hinges.
Print Settings: 250-270°C hotend, 70-80°C bed, must keep dry
Best for: Gears, bushings, mechanical parts, living hinges
Carbon Fiber Nylon (Maximum Strength)
Section titled “Carbon Fiber Nylon (Maximum Strength)”Polymaker Fiberon PA612-CF Carbon Fiber Nylon
Industrial-grade material for demanding applications. CF-reinforced nylon offers incredible stiffness and dimensional stability. Requires hardened steel nozzle.
Best for: Drone frames, RC parts, tooling, jigs and fixtures
Specialty Materials
Section titled “Specialty Materials”High-Temperature PLA (HT-PLA)
Section titled “High-Temperature PLA (HT-PLA)”Polymaker HT-PLA-GF Filament
Heat-stabilized PLA+ with enhanced temperature resistance. Can withstand temps up to 90°C after annealing. Prints like PLA but performs like engineering plastic.
Process: Print normally, then anneal at 100°C for 1 hour in oven
Best for: Functional parts, automotive, under-hood applications
Polycarbonate (Maximum Impact Resistance)
Section titled “Polycarbonate (Maximum Impact Resistance)”Polymaker Polycarbonate Filament
Virtually unbreakable. PC is used for bulletproof glass and riot shields. Excellent for protective cases, safety equipment, and impact-resistant parts.
Print Settings: 270-290°C, 100-120°C bed, enclosed printer required
Best for: Protective cases, safety equipment, high-impact applications
Support Materials
Section titled “Support Materials”For complex prints with overhangs, water-soluble supports make post-processing effortless.
SUNLU PVA Filament
Best water-soluble support. PVA dissolves completely in water, leaving perfect surface finish. Essential for dual-extrusion printers printing complex geometries.
Usage: Print PVA as support, soak in water 12-24 hours, supports dissolve completely
Compatible with: PLA, PETG (at lower temps)
Storage: Keep sealed with desiccant - extremely hygroscopic
Alternative:
- Polymaker PVA ($34.99) - B09KL8WBRY - Premium quality for critical prints
Essential Accessories
Section titled “Essential Accessories”Filament Dryer (Critical for Nylon, PETG, PVA)
Section titled “Filament Dryer (Critical for Nylon, PETG, PVA)”Creality Official Filament Dryer Box
Efficient filament dryer with adjustable temperature. Essential for hygroscopic materials like Nylon, PETG, and PVA. Prevents moisture-related print issues.
Why you need this: Moisture in filament causes:
- Bubbling and popping during extrusion
- Poor layer adhesion
- Stringing and oozing
- Brittle prints
Filament Selection Guide
Section titled “Filament Selection Guide”Choose by Application:
Section titled “Choose by Application:”Decorative / Display:
- Standard PLA - Best value
- Silk PLA - Metallic sheen
- Wood PLA - Natural texture
Functional Parts (Indoor):
- PLA+ - Good strength, easy to print
- PETG - Better impact resistance
- Nylon - Maximum durability
Functional Parts (Outdoor):
- ASA - UV resistant, weatherproof
- PETG - Good all-around choice
Flexible / Elastic:
- TPU 95A - Phone cases, bumpers
- TPU 85A - Ultra-flexible applications
Heat Resistance:
- ABS - Up to 100°C
- ASA - Up to 100°C + UV stable
- Nylon - Up to 120°C
- HT-PLA (annealed) - Up to 90°C
- Polycarbonate - Up to 140°C
Engineering / High-Strength:
- Nylon - Mechanical parts
- Nylon CF - Maximum stiffness
- PC - Impact resistance
- PETG CF - Engineering parts
Printing Tips by Material
Section titled “Printing Tips by Material”PLA / PLA+
Section titled “PLA / PLA+”- Temperature: 200-220°C (hotend), 50-60°C (bed optional)
- Speed: 50-80mm/s
- Cooling: 100%
- Easy: Best for beginners
- Temperature: 235-245°C (hotend), 70-80°C (bed)
- Speed: 40-60mm/s
- Cooling: 0-50% (less is better)
- Tip: Use glue stick on bed for easy removal
ABS / ASA
Section titled “ABS / ASA”- Temperature: 240-250°C (hotend), 100-110°C (bed)
- Speed: 40-60mm/s
- Cooling: 0-20%
- Required: Enclosed printer, ventilation
- Tip: Draft shield helps prevent warping
- Temperature: 250-270°C (hotend), 70-80°C (bed)
- Speed: 30-50mm/s
- Cooling: 0-30%
- Critical: Must store in dry box, dry before printing
- Temperature: 220-230°C (hotend), 40-60°C (bed)
- Speed: 20-30mm/s (slow!)
- Cooling: 0-50%
- Recommended: Direct drive extruder
Storage & Maintenance
Section titled “Storage & Maintenance”Keep Filament Dry:
- Store in sealed bags with desiccant
- Use filament dry box for hygroscopic materials (Nylon, PETG, PVA)
- Dry before printing if absorbed moisture
Signs of Wet Filament:
- Popping/crackling sounds during extrusion
- Excessive stringing
- Poor layer adhesion
- Brittle prints
Drying Guide:
- PLA: 45-50°C for 4-6 hours
- PETG: 60-65°C for 4-6 hours
- Nylon: 70-80°C for 8-12 hours
- PVA: 45-50°C for 4 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions”Q: What’s the best filament for beginners?
A: Standard PLA. It’s affordable, easy to print, and doesn’t require a heated bed. Start with SUNLU PLA ($13.99) for best value.
Q: Can I print PETG without an enclosure?
A: Yes! PETG prints well without enclosure, unlike ABS/ASA. Just use 70-80°C bed temp and minimal cooling.
Q: Do I need a special nozzle for carbon fiber filaments?
A: Yes, hardened steel nozzle is essential. Brass will wear out quickly from abrasive CF particles.
Q: How long does filament last in storage?
A: PLA/PLA+: 1-2 years if kept dry. PETG/Nylon: 6-12 months. Always use desiccant in storage.
Q: Why is my nylon print brittle?
A: Most likely moisture absorption. Dry your nylon for 8-12 hours at 70-80°C before printing.
Q: Can I mix brands/materials?
A: Yes for same material type (different PLA brands work fine together). No for different materials in same print without proper interface settings.
Conclusion
Section titled “Conclusion”Choosing the right filament depends on your specific application:
- Just starting out? SUNLU PLA ($13.99)
- Need strength? eSUN PLA+ ($20.99)
- Functional parts? OVERTURE PETG ($21.99)
- Outdoor use? Polymaker ASA ($29.99)
- Flexible parts? OVERTURE TPU ($23.99)
- Engineering? Nylon or Nylon CF
Remember: The “best” filament is the one that meets your specific needs at the right price point. Don’t overspend on engineering materials for decorative prints, but don’t compromise on quality for functional parts.
Have questions about which filament is right for your project? Drop a comment below and I’ll help you choose!
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