Introduction

When it comes to 3D printing, the type of filament you choose plays a major role in the quality, durability, and performance of your final print. Not all filaments are created equal — they vary in strength, flexibility, heat resistance, ease of printing, and cost. Whether you’re new to 3D printing or looking to expand your material knowledge, this guide breaks down the most common types of filament, organized from basic to advanced grades.

Basic Filaments — Affordable and Beginner-Friendly

These materials are perfect for hobbyists, beginners, and quick prototypes. They are generally easy to print, require lower print temperatures, and work well with most consumer 3D printers.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is the most popular filament for good reason. It’s biodegradable, easy to print with, and offers a smooth finish with vibrant colors. However, PLA lacks durability and heat resistance, meaning it’s best suited for decorative or low-stress parts.

PLA+
An enhanced version of PLA, PLA+ offers improved toughness and reduced brittleness, making it a better choice for functional parts that still need the easy printing characteristics of regular PLA.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG combines some of the ease of PLA with better impact resistance and higher temperature tolerance. It’s also naturally more resistant to moisture, making it suitable for parts exposed to humidity or light outdoor use.

Mid-Grade Filaments — Increased Durability and Specialized Use

These materials offer a step up in strength, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors. They require slightly more tuning and sometimes specialized printing environments.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS is a common choice for durable parts, offering good impact resistance and the ability to withstand higher temperatures than PLA. However, it’s prone to warping and requires a heated print bed and enclosed print area for best results.

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
Similar to ABS in terms of strength and heat resistance, ASA adds excellent UV and weather resistance, making it ideal for outdoor applications. Like ABS, it benefits from a heated chamber to avoid warping.

TPU & TPE (Thermoplastic Polyurethane / Elastomer)
Flexible filaments like TPU and TPE allow for rubber-like parts that bend and stretch. These materials are great for grips, seals, and wearable parts but can be tricky to print, requiring slow speeds and specialized extruders.

High-Grade Filaments — Engineered for Strength and Performance

These materials are used for functional prototypes, high-performance parts, and demanding environments. They often require more advanced printer setups, including all-metal hotends and heated chambers.

Nylon
Known for its impressive strength, flexibility, and wear resistance, nylon is ideal for mechanical parts like gears and hinges. It is also hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air, which can affect print quality if not stored properly.

Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate offers excellent impact strength and temperature resistance, making it a top choice for structural and load-bearing parts. However, it requires very high print temperatures and an enclosed print chamber to prevent warping and ensure layer adhesion.

PCTG
A close relative of PETG, PCTG offers improved impact resistance and chemical resistance, making it suitable for industrial applications where toughness is key. It prints similarly to PETG but with better overall durability.

Advanced & Industrial Filaments — The Peak of Performance

These materials are used in highly specialized fields, including aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. They require specialized 3D printers capable of extremely high temperatures and controlled environments.

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
PEEK is one of the strongest, most chemically resistant materials available for 3D printing. It can withstand continuous use at temperatures over 250°C and is often used in medical implants, aerospace parts, and high-performance engineering applications. Printing PEEK requires industrial-grade machines.

PEI (Polyetherimide) / Ultem
PEI, often sold under the brand name Ultem, shares many properties with PEEK — high strength, heat resistance, and chemical stability — but is slightly easier to print. Like PEEK, it is used in high-end engineering and aerospace applications.

Carbon Fiber Infused Filaments
These are typically composites, combining materials like nylon or PETG with chopped carbon fibers. The result is a filament with excellent stiffness, lower weight, and improved dimensional stability. However, carbon fiber filaments are abrasive and require a hardened nozzle to prevent excessive wear.

Metal & Specialty Composites
There are also composite filaments filled with metal, wood, or other particles. While these are more about aesthetic and surface properties than structural performance, they add unique finishes and textures to printed parts.

Summary Table — Filament Grades at a Glance

Choosing the Right Filament for Your Project

When selecting filament, consider these key factors:

• Printability — Is your printer capable of handling the temperatures and conditions required for advanced materials?
• Strength & Durability — Does your part need to withstand heavy loads, impacts, or high temperatures?
• Flexibility — Does the part need to bend without breaking?
• Environmental Resistance — Will the part be exposed to moisture, UV, or chemicals?
• Aesthetics — Does surface finish or color matter for your project?

At Steady Flow Supplies, we’re proud to offer a wide range of filaments to meet the needs of hobbyists, makers, and professionals alike. Whether you’re creating your first 3D print or engineering parts for real-world applications, we’re here to help you find the perfect material for the job. If we don’t supply what you need, feel free to let us know!

Have questions about filament types or need recommendations for your next project?
Contact our team — we’re always happy to share our expertise and help you achieve better prints.