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Types of 3D filaments

Types of 3D filaments

3D Filament Comparison: PLA, PETG, TPU

Looking for the best 3D filament for your prints? This guide offers a detailed comparison of PLA, PETG, and TPU with a technical table and key descriptions to help you choose the best material for your needs. For even more details, you can consult each product's technical datasheet.

Technical Properties Comparison Table

 

Property
PLA MAX
Buy
PETG MAX
Buy
PETG Matte
TPU 85A
Buy
TPU 90A
Buy
TPU 60D
Buy
Density
1.24 g/cc
1.29 g/cc
1.29 g/cc
1.19 g/cc
1.19 g/cc
1.19 g/cc
Melting Temp.
165-180 ºC
210 ºC
220 ºC
225 ºC
225 ºC
225 ºC
Glass Transition
55-60 ºC
80 ºC
80 ºC
-38 ºC
-38 ºC
-38 ºC
Tensile Strength
51 MPa
50 MPa
50 MPa
37 MPa
42 MPa
44 MPa
Elongation
3.31 %
4 %
4 %
550 %
440 %
380 %
Print Temp.
200-220 ºC
230-240 ºC
240-260 ºC
220-240 ºC
220-240 ºC
220-240 ºC
Print Speed
< 300 mm/s
< 300 mm/s
< 300 mm/s
< 80 mm/s
< 80 mm/s
< 80 mm/s
Heated Bed
50 ºC
80-90 ºC
80-90 ºC
No
No
No
Cooling Fan
50-100%
0-60%
0%
50-100%
50-100%
50-100%
Pre-drying
Optional
Optional
Optional
Required
Required
Required

Filament Descriptions & Benefits

esFil PLA MAX

PLA MAX is one of the easiest 3D printing filaments to work with. Perfect for beginners, it doesn’t require a heated bed and offers great bed adhesion. Available in a wide variety of colors, it’s excellent for prototypes, decorative pieces, and general non-functional use.

  • Pros: Easy to use, good bed adhesion, no heated bed required.
  • Cons: Low thermal and moisture resistance.

esFil PETG MAX

PETG MAX is great for functional parts. It offers excellent thermal and chemical resistance with solid mechanical strength. It requires higher temperatures and careful tuning to prevent stringing, but it’s very strong and durable.

  • Pros: Chemical resistant, great for engineering and outdoor use.
  • Cons: More demanding to print, prone to stringing.

eFil TPU (85A, 90A, 60D)

TPU is a flexible filament ideal for shock-absorbing parts, phone cases, footwear, or connectors. Available in multiple hardness levels, it adapts to a wide range of needs. It’s harder to print, but excellent for flexibility and impact resistance.

  • Pros: Very flexible, shock-resistant, multiple hardness options.
  • Cons: Requires pre-drying and specific printer setup.