Filament Selection Guide

Select PLA

PLA is the right choice for most first-time prints: boxes, organizers, decorations, school projects, or shape prototypes.

• When is it ideal: When you learn the first layer, slicer and basic workflow. You want as few extra variables as possible.

Choose PETG

PETG is the natural next step. It offers better toughness, chemical resistance, and higher heat resistance without being as demanding as ABS or ASA.

• When to switch to it: Once you have a stable PLA print and want a holder, console or functional component for normal operation.

Choose ASA or ABS only if you have an enclosure and experience

These materials are excellent, but they are often unnecessarily hard for absolute beginners. The problem isn't just printing, but also the environment, storage, and ventilation.

• Important rule: Use this recommendation while configuring your print.

👉 We recommend: PLA in a neutral color (gray or white)

PLA is the most widely used filament in the world—and for good reason. It’s easy to print with, doesn’t require a heated bed or an enclosed chamber, and the results are great right from the very first print.

• Why gray or white? Errors such as stringing, warping or a bad first layer are best visible on neutral colors. This will make it easier for you to discover what needs to be set.

• When to switch to another material? Only after you have mastered stable PLA printing. Each material adds new challenges – drying, enclosure, different retraction profiles.

• Price and availability: You can get PLA in any e-shop from 400 Kč /kg. We recommend brands such as Prusament, Bambu, Polymaker or Sunlu.

Dry, closed box and as little unnecessary time in the air as possible

Filament isn't just a spool of plastic. It's a material that's sensitive to humidity, temperature, and time. The more carefully you store it, the more predictable the results will be.

• A good standard for home: Sealable box or bag with zipper and silica gel. This is often enough for normal home use.

• When to start dealing with the dryer: As soon as you print PETG, TPU, ASA or nylon often, or when you notice cracking, bubbling and a worse surface even on a previously reliable spool.

Cracking, stringing, rough surface and restless extrusion

Moisture doesn't manifest itself as just one problem. It often appears as a combination of stringing, a poor court surface, and random minor defects that are hard to explain away as being caused by a slicer.

• Typical symptoms: Nozzle hissing or popping, dull or rough finish, excessive riveting and less consistent layers.

Recommended values ​​for PLA

Basic temperature settings for reliable PLA printing.

Nozzle temperature

392 - 419 °F

Pad Temperature

32 - 140 °F

Cooling

100% (required)

Print Speed

2.0 – 5.9 in/s

Price

400 – 600 Kč /kg

Enclosed chamber

❌ Does not require

Drying Before Printing

❌ Usually not necessary

Difficulty: ⭐ (1/10) | Strength: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Biodegradable, odorless, and with sharp detail right out of the printer.

• ✅ Very easy printing: Minimal warping, no smell, prints even without a heated pad.

• ✅ Sharp detail: A beautiful finish right out of the printer - ideal for decorative objects and prototypes.

• ✅ Ecological: Biodegradable material from renewable sources.

• ❌ Low heat resistance: It already softens at ~131 - 140 °F - not suitable for cars or hot environments.

• ❌ More fragile during impacts: Compared to PETG or ABS, it is more prone to cracking when dropped.

Decorations · Prototypes · Figurines · Models

PLA performs exceptionally well in any environment where it is not exposed to heat or impact.

• Decorations and figurines The most popular material for collectibles, sculptures and ornaments.

• Prototypes and presentation models: Quick validation of shape and design without manufacturing costs.

• School projects: Safe, simple, affordable - ideal for education.

• Small extras: Holders, organizers, key rings and everything that stays in the interior.

Recommended values ​​for PETG

PETG requires higher temperatures and proper retraction settings.

Nozzle temperature

446 - 473 °F

Pad Temperature

158 - 185 °F

Cooling

30-50% (less than PLA)

Print Speed

1.6 – 3.9 in/s

Price

500 – 700 Kč /kg

Enclosed chamber

❌ Does not require

Drying Before Printing

⚠️ Recommended (162 °F / 6-8 h)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/10) | Strength: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

More durable than PLA, but still relatively easy to print.

• ✅ Higher heat resistance: Safe up to ~176 °F - also suitable for car interiors in summer.

• ✅ Chemical resistance: It resists moisture, weak acids and oils well.

• ✅ Firmer and tougher: Better impact resistance than PLA – suitable for functional parts.

• ❌ Stringing: Tendency to form cobwebs - retraction and temperature must be set correctly.

• ❌ Bad gluing without settings: Without the correct Z-offset, the first layer does not stick or is too compressed.

Functional parts · Containers · Outdoor use in shade

PETG is the go-to material for functional printing when PLA isn't enough.

• Functional mechanical parts: Clamps, mountings, brackets - everything that has to withstand the load.

• Vessels and containers: Food-safe versions are suitable for contact with food.

• External components: Moisture resistance - suitable for shaded outdoor use.

• Electronic enclosures: Slightly flexible, impact resistant - protects electronics.

Recommended values ​​for ABS

ABS requires the highest temperatures and a closed printing chamber.

Nozzle temperature

464 - 500 °F

Pad Temperature

212 - 230 °F

Cooling

0% (no part cooling)

Print Speed

1.6 – 3.1 in/s

Price

450 – 700 Kč /kg

Enclosed chamber

✅ Necessary (enclosure)

Drying Before Printing

❌ Usually not necessary

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) | Heat: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An industry standard with heat resistance up to 212 °F and the option of acetone smoothing.

• ✅ High heat resistance: Safe up to ~212 °F - the only choice for parts inside the car in the sun.

• ✅ Acetone smoothing: A few minutes in acetone vapors will create a perfectly smooth, shiny surface.

• ✅ Tenacity: Good mechanical properties - withstands impacts better than PLA.

• ❌ Strong warping: Without a closed chamber and a heated chamber, the corners of the model lift and crack.

• ❌ Styrene smell: It emits unpleasant and harmful vapors - ventilation or a filter is necessary.

Auto · Electronics · Hot environment

Use ABS only when PLA or PETG do not have the necessary properties.

• Automotive parts: Interior mounts, brackets and parts near the engine.

• Electronic enclosures: Hard boxes for Arduino, Raspberry Pi and industrial electronics.

• Spare parts: Original material for LEGO and many household appliances.

• Functional prototypes: For environments with temperatures above 140 °F where PETG is not enough.

Recommended values ​​for TPU

TPU requires very slow printing and a direct extruder for the best results.

Nozzle temperature

428 - 464 °F

Pad Temperature

86 - 140 °F

Cooling

50 – 100 %

Print Speed

0.6–1.6 in/s (slow!)

Price

600 – 1,000 Kč /kg

Enclosed chamber

❌ Does not require

Drying Before Printing

✅ Recommended (140 °F / 4–6 h)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10) | Flexibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A flexible material with exceptional resistance to abrasion, oil, and impact.

• ✅ Flexibility and elasticity: It bends, compresses and returns to its original shape - ideal for seals and protectors.

• ✅ Abrasion resistance: It withstands intense friction better than any other common filament.

• ✅ Chemical resistance: Resistant to oil, petrol and many industrial fluids.

• ❌ Very slow printing: Maximum 0.6-1.6 in/s - the model takes several times longer than from PLA.

• ❌ Bowden extruder = problems: A flexible filament twists in a Bowden tube. Direct drive is almost a must.

Cases · Seals · Shoes · Protectors

TPU is indispensable whenever flexibility is required.

• Phone cases Protective covers that absorb shocks and are pleasant to the touch.

• Seals and vibration dampers: Ideal for industrial seals and vibration damping in machinery.

• Footwear and insoles: Custom ergonomic pads and tailor-made soles.

• Protector Parts: Furniture corners, protective wheel covers, safety features.

Recommended values ​​for ASA

ASA prints similarly to ABS—it requires an enclosure.

Nozzle temperature

464 - 500 °F

Pad Temperature

194 - 230 °F

Cooling

0 – 20 %

Print Speed

1.6 – 3.1 in/s

Price

550 – 800 Kč /kg

Enclosed chamber

✅ Necessary (enclosure)

Drying Before Printing

✅ Recommended (149 °F / 4–6 h)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) | UV resistance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A modern alternative to ABS with significantly better UV stability for outdoor applications.

• UV stability The color does not fade, the material does not crack even after months in direct sunlight.

• ✅ Weather resistance: It resists rain, frost and UV radiation – ideal for permanent outdoor installations.

• ✅ Heat resistance: Similar properties to ABS – safe up to ~212 °F.

• ❌ Enclosure required: Without a closed chamber, the same warping as with ABS is at risk.

• ❌ Less availability: Fewer brands and colors than ABS or PLA, higher price per kg.

Garden · Car exterior · Meteorology · Signaling

ASA is the only sensible choice for parts that are constantly exposed to the sun.

• Outdoor signs and signaling: Tables, name tags, house numbers - colors last for years.

• Garden holders: Attachment for pipes, cables, flower beds - durable even in winter.

• Car exterior: Spoilers, covers, accessories - UV radiation will not cause degradation.

• Weather stations: Covers for sensors and electronics in the exterior.

Recommended values ​​for Nylon

Nylon requires the most preparation—drying is absolutely essential.

Nozzle temperature

464 - 518 °F

Pad Temperature

158 - 194 °F

Cooling

20 – 50 %

Print Speed

1.2 – 2.8 in/s

Price

700 – 1,200 Kč /kg

Enclosed chamber

✅ Necessary (enclosure)

Drying Before Printing

✅ Absolutely necessary (176 °F / 8–12 h)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10) | Strength: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The highest strength, toughness, and wear resistance of any commonly available material.

• ✅ Highest strength: The best tensile strength and toughness of any common filament.

• ✅ Wear resistance: Ideal for gears and components exposed to intense friction.

• ✅ Heat resistance: PA12 safe up to 248 °F – the highest of the materials listed here.

• ❌ Extremely hygroscopic: Absorbs air moisture in 12-24 hours. Must be stored in a dry box.

• ❌ Drying even during printing: Ideally, print directly from the dryer. Damp Nylon bubbles, cracks and loses strength.

Gears · Industry · Sports · Wear

Nylon is the choice for professionals who won't compromise on strength.

• Gears and gears: Nylon combines strength, toughness and low friction - ideal for mechanics.

• Industrial jigs and fixtures: Preparations and tools for production that must survive intensive operation.

• Sports equipment: Light and strong parts for cycling, mountain climbing, skiing.

• Wear parts: Slide guides, inserts and bushings where other materials fail.

Difficulty: 2 | Strength: 5 | Heat: 3 | UV: 3

The easiest material to print with—the perfect start for anyone.

Printing Difficulty

2 / 10 ⭐ (easiest)

Mechanical Strength

5 / 10

Heat resistance

3 / 10 (~131 °F)

UV resistance

3 / 10

Price (availability)

💚 The lowest (400 – 600 Kč /kg)

Difficulty: 4 | Strength: 7 | Heat: 6 | UV: 5

A great compromise—stronger than PLA, easier to work with than ABS.

Printing Difficulty

4 / 10

Mechanical Strength

7 / 10

Heat resistance

6 / 10 (~176 °F)

UV resistance

5 / 10

Price (availability)

💛 Medium (500 – 700 Kč /kg)

Difficulty: 8 | Strength: 7 | Heat: 8 | UV: 4

Industry standard – high heat resistance, demanding printing.

Printing Difficulty

8 / 10 (enclosure required)

Mechanical Strength

7 / 10

Heat resistance

8 / 10 (~212 °F)

UV resistance

4 / 10 (degrades)

Price (availability)

💛 Medium (450 – 700 Kč /kg)

Difficulty: 7 | Strength: 6 | Heat: 5 | UV: 6

A unique, flexible material—in a class of its own.

Printing Difficulty

7 / 10 (direct drive required)

Mechanical Strength

6 / 10 (different character - flexibility)

Heat resistance

5 / 10

UV resistance

6 / 10

Price (availability)

🟠 Higher (600 – 1,000 Kč /kg)

Difficulty: 8 | Strength: 7 | Heat: 8 | UV: 9

Best UV resistance – for all outdoor applications.

Printing Difficulty

8 / 10 (enclosure required)

Mechanical Strength

7 / 10

Heat resistance

8 / 10 (~212 °F)

UV resistance

9 / 10 ⭐ (the best)

Price (availability)

🟠 Higher (550 – 800 Kč /kg)

Difficulty: 9 | Strength: 10 | Heat: 8 | UV: 5

Maximum strength – for professional and industrial use.

Printing Difficulty

9 / 10 (drying + enclosure)

Mechanical Strength

10 / 10 ⭐ (the best)

Heat resistance

8 / 10 (up to 248 °F)

UV resistance

5 / 10

Price (availability)

🔴 Highest (700 – 1,200 Kč /kg)