Which 3D Printing Filament Should You Choose?

Choosing the right filament is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a 3D printing project. At BritForge3D, we work with a wide range of materials daily — but three of the most popular are PLA, PETG, and ABS. Each has unique characteristics that make it ideal for different applications. This guide will help you decide which is right for you.

1. PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Overview: PLA is the most beginner-friendly filament. It’s derived from renewable sources like corn starch and is biodegradable under the right conditions.

Pros:

• Easy to print with – low warping
• Low printing temperature (180–220°C)
• Minimal odour during printing
• Great for detailed, cosmetic prints

Cons:

• Brittle – not ideal for functional parts
• Low heat resistance – softens at 60°C

Best for: Prototypes, toys, models, beginner projects

2. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

Overview: PETG strikes a balance between ease of printing and strength. It’s strong, slightly flexible, and more durable than PLA.

Pros:

• High strength and good impact resistance
• Better temperature resistance than PLA
• Water-resistant and food-safe (when printed cleanly)
• Good layer adhesion, minimal shrinkage

Cons:

• Prone to stringing
• Can absorb moisture quickly

Best for: Functional parts, mechanical components, containers, outdoor items

3. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Overview: ABS is a strong industrial plastic known for its durability. It’s widely used in the automotive and engineering industries but can be trickier to print.

Pros:

• High impact strength
• Better temperature resistance (up to 100°C)
• Can be smoothed with acetone vapour for glossy finish

Cons:

• Requires a heated bed and enclosure to avoid warping
• Strong odour – needs ventilation

Best for: Functional parts, automotive parts, enclosures, mechanical assemblies

4. Environmental Considerations

If sustainability is a concern, PLA is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly. PETG is recyclable, while ABS is made from petroleum and poses the biggest environmental impact. However, ABS’s durability often means fewer reprints.

5. Printing Requirements

Filament	Print Temp	Bed Temp	Ease of Use	Strength
PLA	180–220°C	20–60°C	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
PETG	220–250°C	70–90°C	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
ABS	230–260°C	90–110°C	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. Which Filament is Right for You?

It depends on your goals:

• PLA if you’re just starting or need high-detail models
• PETG for strong, flexible, and water-resistant parts
• ABS if you need heat resistance and industrial-level durability

For most hobbyists and small UK businesses, PLA and PETG cover 90% of use cases. ABS is great, but needs more control and safety considerations.

7. Let BritForge3D Help You Choose

If you’re unsure which filament suits your project best, feel free to contact us. We’ll help guide you based on strength, flexibility, budget, or even weather-resistance. You can even upload your 3D file and we’ll recommend the best material to get you the best results.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between PLA, PETG, and ABS is key to getting great results in your 3D prints. Each filament has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your application. No matter your material, BritForge3D is here to help bring your ideas to life — reliably, affordably, and right here in the UK.