The 3D printing market is rapidly evolving, leading to a wider array of available materials. In this article, we focus on the most commonly used polymers for FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printing—PLA, PA12-CF, ABS, PET-G—highlighting their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages to help you quickly and confidently choose the best polymer for your 3D projects.
For each material, we assessed the following features:
Mechanical strength – The maximum stress a material can endure before breaking, rated on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 = very strong).
Stiffness – Material’s resistance to deformation, measured in MPa.
Elongation at break – The percentage increase in length a material undergoes when pulled until it breaks.
Hardness – Resistance to scratching, expressed on the Shore D scale.
Durability – The material’s ability to withstand degradation over time, rated 0–10 (10 = very durable).
Printability – How easy it is to print using FDM technology, rated 0–10 (10 = very easy).
PLA is a widely used bioplastic derived from renewable plant sources. It biodegrades and dissolves in water at temperatures above 70–80 °C, making it safe for food-contact objects like containers. With low shrinkage of around 2–3%, it’s less susceptible to warping compared to ABS.
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a petroleum-based thermoplastic—durable, somewhat flexible, and impact-resistant. It’s commonly used in rapid prototyping across various sectors, from automotive to product design.
PET-G (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a copolymer modified with glycol for enhanced chemical resistance, durability, and processability. It’s ideal for large flat prints, is food-safe, and water-resistant.
PA12-CF (Polyamide 12 reinforced with carbon fiber) is designed for FDM and delivers high mechanical strength, rigidity, and hardness—thanks to the carbon reinforcement. It’s perfect for structurally stable and wear-resistant applications.
| Material | Key Advantages | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Biodegradable, low shrinkage, food-safe | Eco-friendly, low-warping prints |
| ABS | Durable, impact-resistant, glossy finish | Functional prototypes, durable usage |
| PET-G | Chemically resistant, durable, easy to print, food-safe | Large surfaces, food containers |
| PA12-CF | High strength, rigidity, hardness | Functional parts requiring stiffness |
Each material offers specific strengths—from PLA’s sustainability to PA12-CF’s structural performance—catering to varied needs.