PLA vs PETG vs ABS
Published · Updated
PLA, PETG and ABS are the three most common materials for FDM 3D printing. They look alike as filament but behave very differently in a finished part. This guide walks through the differences so you can choose correctly before uploading your model.
Quick recommendation
Pick by how the part will be used:
- Prototype, model or appearancePLAVery stiff and strong, barely bends but can be brittle. Best finish and easiest to print, but low heat resistance.
- Functional part at normal temperaturesPETGA bit less stiff but bends without snapping. That toughness makes it versatile, and it resists moisture and chemicals.
- Heat, outdoors or weatherASAIn between on stiffness and toughness, but clearly best for heat, UV and weather. Our pick for outdoor use (replaces ABS).
Unsure? Describe how the part will be used when you upload the model and we'll come back with a recommendation before anything goes into production.
Material comparison
This table compares the materials on the same scale. The band shows each material's typical range and the line marks its average. For the measured properties higher is better, except water absorption where lower is better. The practical properties at the bottom are a relative rating (1–5).
| PLA | PETG | ABS | ASA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ToughnessImpact strength (XY) | 16–27 kJ/m² | 25–35 kJ/m² | 30–45 kJ/m² | 35–45 kJ/m² |
| StrengthBending strength (XY) | 76–100 MPa | 58–85 MPa | 60–75 MPa | 65–85 MPa |
| StiffnessBending modulus (XY) | 1900–2750 MPa | 1073–2100 MPa | 1800–2200 MPa | 1900–2300 MPa |
| Layer adhesionImpact strength (Z) | 8–15 kJ/m² | 10–15 kJ/m² | 6–10 kJ/m² | 4–8 kJ/m² |
| Heat resistanceHDT at 0.45 MPa | 55–60 °C | 69–80 °C | 85–100 °C | 95–110 °C |
| Water absorptionSaturated, 25 °C / 55% RH | 0.3–0.5 % | 0.1–0.4 % | 0.3–0.7 % | 0.3–0.5 % |
Typical ranges from manufacturer datasheets and industry standards. Real-world values vary ±10–20% by brand, geometry and settings.
| UV / weather | 2 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 | 5 out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical resistance | 2 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Printability | 5 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
Practical properties – relative rating (1–5), not measured values.
PLA: easy and dimensionally stable
PLA is the easiest material to print. It shrinks minimally, gives sharp detail and a stable surface, and usually delivers the best finish and cleanest surfaces of the materials. It suits prototypes, models, figures and parts not exposed to heat or load.
The limitation is heat resistance: PLA softens around 55-60 °C. A part left in a hot car or near a heat source can deform. PLA is also relatively brittle and handles impact worse than PETG and ABS.
PETG: tough and all-round
For functional parts at normal temperatures, PETG is often the best compromise. It is tougher than PLA, resists moisture and many chemicals, and tolerates higher temperature (softens around 80 °C). That makes it a strong first choice for brackets, housings, holders and other parts meant to be used, not just displayed.
It also works well outdoors in many everyday environments. The important distinction here is not indoor versus outdoor use, but normal temperature versus higher heat exposure.
Compared with PLA, it is slightly fussier to print and can leave fine strings on the surface, but for an ordered part we handle those settings for you.
ABS: heat resistant but needs control
When heat resistance and post-processing matter more than easy printing, ABS is often the right choice. It tolerates the highest temperature of the three (softens around 100 °C), is tough, and can be sanded, drilled and glued.
That makes it a good fit when the part sees heat or more serious mechanical stress, or when the finish after printing matters.
The tradeoff is that it shrinks more during printing and needs a more controlled environment to avoid cracking or lifting from the bed. We don't carry ABS in our lineup. Instead we use ASA, which prints in much the same way and has near-identical mechanical properties and heat resistance, but handles UV and weather far better. You get ABS-like performance without its weaknesses.
ASA: ABS performance that survives sun and weather
ASA is our choice whenever a part needs ABS's toughness and heat resistance. Mechanically the two are very close. ASA matches or exceeds ABS on impact strength, shares the same high heat resistance (softens around 100 °C) and has similar stiffness.
The deciding factor is UV and weather resistance. ABS yellows and turns brittle in sunlight, while ASA keeps its colour and properties outdoors for a long time. That makes ASA the first choice for parts that live outdoors, in vehicles, or are otherwise exposed to sun, rain and temperature swings.
ASA prints in an enclosed chamber just like ABS and needs the same controlled environment. Because it covers ABS's use cases and handles outdoor use on top, we've chosen to stock ASA instead of ABS.
FAQ
- Which material is strongest?
- It depends on the load case. PETG is the toughest and handles impact best in most everyday cases; ABS handles heat best; PLA is the stiffest but most brittle.
- Which material handles outdoor use?
- PETG works well for many outdoor parts and is often a better first choice than PLA. PLA degrades under UV and heat over time. If the part also sees higher temperatures or needs a specific finish or post-processing, ABS or ASA may be a better fit.
- What about ASA?
- ASA is similar to ABS in heat resistance and use case, but handles UV and long-term sun exposure much better. It is a good choice when a part needs both higher temperature resistance and long outdoor life. It prints with requirements similar to ABS, and we use it when ABS would otherwise age too quickly outdoors.
- Can you choose the material for me?
- Yes. Describe how the part will be used in the quote step and we suggest material and settings before production.