Materials for 3D Printing: Complete Guide to Filaments and Resins

Materials for 3D Printing

The choice of material is one of the most important factors within the world of 3D printing.

In fact, the same printer can offer completely different results depending on the material used.

Currently there are dozens of materials for 3D printing, each designed for specific applications.

Some stand out for their ease of use, others for their mechanical resistance, flexibility, heat resistance, or even their ability to withstand extreme conditions in industrial environments.

For this reason, knowing the characteristics of each material is essential to obtain good results and make the most of the possibilities of a 3D printer.

If you're a beginner, you've probably heard of materials like:

• PLA
• PETG
• ABS
• TPU

However, the current ecosystem goes much further.

Today there are also advanced materials such as:

• Nylon.
• ASA.
• Polycarbonate.
• Carbon fiber.
• Technical resins.
• Dental resins.
• Composite materials.

In this complete guide you will discover which ones are the main ones materials for 3D printing, its advantages, disadvantages, applications and which one you should choose according to your needs.

What are 3D printing materials?

3D printing materials are the raw materials used by printers to manufacture physical objects layer by layer.

Depending on the technology used, these materials can be presented in different formats.

The FDM 3D printers They use thermoplastic filaments wound on coils.

The resin 3D printers They use photosensitive liquid resins that solidify using ultraviolet light.

In industrial environments there are also technologies that use:

• Metallic powders.
• Plastic powders.
• Ceramic materials.
• Advanced compounds.

Each material possesses unique properties that directly influence:

• Endurance.
• Flexibility.
• Durability.
• Surface finish.
• Ease of printing.
• Thermal resistance.

Therefore, choosing the right material is just as important as choosing the printer itself.

Types of materials for 3D printing

We can divide 3D printing materials into two main categories:

Materials for filament 3D printers (FDM)

They are the most popular and used by home users, makers and small businesses.

Materials for resin 3D printers

They offer superior levels of detail and are especially geared towards miniatures, jewelry, dentistry and professional applications.

Next, we will analyze the most important materials currently used.

PLA (Polylactic Acid) – The best material to start with in 3D printing

The PLA (Polylactic Acid or Polylactic Acid) It is, without a doubt, the most widely used material in the world of 3D printing.

If you've just bought your first printer or are thinking about getting started in this exciting hobby, chances are your first coil will be from PLA.

And it's no coincidence.

The enormous popularity of this material is due to a combination that is very difficult to match:

• Ease of printing.
• Low cost.
• Excellent visual finish.
• Wide availability.
• Wide variety of colors and finishes.

Currently, virtually all filament manufacturers produce multiple variants of PLA.

Furthermore, it is compatible with the vast majority of FDM printers on the market.

That is why it is usually the main recommendation when someone asks:

What is the best material for 3D printing if I am a beginner?

The answer is usually always the same:

👉 PLA.

What exactly is PLA?

PLA is a thermoplastic derived from renewable resources such as:

• Corn starch.
• Sugarcane.
• Beet.

Unlike other materials derived directly from petroleum, PLA has a relatively more favorable environmental footprint.

Although we should not consider it completely biodegradable under domestic conditions, it does represent a more sustainable alternative to other traditional polymers.

Advantages of PLA

Very easy to print

This is probably its main advantage.

The PLA presents very few problems of:

• Warping.
• Cracking.
• Contraction.

That is why it is perfect for users who are learning.

Excellent surface quality

Prints made with PLA usually show:

• Uniform layers.
• Good level of detail.
• Clean finishes.

Even with inexpensive printers.

Wide variety of colors

Currently, PLAs of virtually every color imaginable exist.

We can also find special variants:

• PLA silk.
• PLA mate.
• WOOD PLA.
• PLA marble.
• Metallic PLA.
• Rainbow PLA.
• PLA brilliant.

Economical price

PLA continues to be one of the cheapest filaments on the market.

Therefore, it is ideal for:

• Learn.
• Do tests.
• Manufacture decorative pieces.

Disadvantages of PLA

Lower thermal resistance

PLA begins to deform at relatively low temperatures.

It is not usually recommended for parts subjected to:

• Direct sun.
• Vehicle interior.
• Industrial environments.

Lower mechanical resistance

Although it is durable enough for many uses, superior materials exist when we need demanding functional parts.

What is PLA for?

The PLA is ideal for:

• Decoration.
• Figures.
• Visual prototypes.
• Domestic organization.
• Education.
• Learning.
• Models.
• 3D printing for beginners.

Recommended temperatures PLA

• Hotend: 190ºC – 220ºC
• Hot bed: 0ºC – 60ºC
• Ventilation: High

Our recommendation

If you are starting out in 3D printing, buy PLA.

No other material offers such a simple learning experience.

PETG – The perfect balance between strength and ease of printing

If PLA is the king of beginners, the PETG It is probably the most balanced material that currently exists within 3D printing.

Many users consider PETG to be the perfect middle ground between:

• Ease of printing.
• Mechanical resistance.
• Thermal resistance.
• Durability.

For this reason, it has become one of the favorite filaments for manufacturing functional parts.

When a person begins to master PLA, the next natural step is usually precisely PETG.

What is PETG?

PETG is a modified variant of PET, the same material used in numerous plastic bottles.

The incorporation of glycol improves certain properties and facilitates its use in 3D printing.

The result is a material:

• Resistant.
• Flexible.
• Durable.
• Relatively easy to print.

Advantages of PETG

Greater mechanical resistance

Compared to PLA, PETG supports better:

• Blows.
• Vibrations.
• Mechanical stresses.

Better thermal resistance

It tolerates significantly higher temperatures.

This makes it an excellent choice for functional applications.

Chemical resistance

PETG exhibits good resistance against:

• Humidity.
• Mild chemicals.
• Adverse environmental conditions.

Excellent for functional parts

That is why it is one of the most used materials for:

• Supports.
• Casing.
• Mechanical components.
• Tools.
• Robotics projects.

Disadvantages of PETG

More difficult to print than PLA

Although it is still relatively simple, it requires a little more experience.

Tendency to stringing

It is common to observe small threads of material if the configuration is not optimized.

Less clean finish

In certain prints the finish may be somewhat less refined than PLA.

What is PETG used for?

PETG is ideal for:

• Functional parts.
• Mechanical projects.
• Components exposed to the outside.
• Robotics.
• Engineering.
• Electronic cases.

Recommended temperatures PETG

• Hotend: 220ºC – 250ºC
• Hot bed: 70ºC – 90ºC
• Ventilation: Medium

Our recommendation

If you already master PLA and want to manufacture stronger parts, PETG is probably the best natural evolution.

ABS – The classic material of the industry

For many years, the ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) It was the dominant material within 3D printing.

Before the popularization of PETG and other modern materials, many professional printers worked primarily with ABS.

And although there are currently more convenient alternatives to use, it is still an extremely relevant material.

What is ABS?

ABS is an engineering thermoplastic used for decades in many industrial sectors.

In fact, many everyday products contain ABS:

• Automotive components.
• Household appliances.
• Toys.
• Tools.
• Electronic cases.

Its popularity is due to a very interesting combination of:

• Endurance.
• Durability.
• Thermal resistance.

Advantages of ABS

Excellent mechanical resistance

ABS withstands significant mechanical stresses.

Good thermal resistance

It tolerates much higher temperatures than PLA.

Widely tested material

Decades of industrial use guarantee its reliability.

Ideal for functional parts

Widely used in:

• Automotive.
• Robotics.
• Engineering.
• Industrial manufacturing.

Disadvantages of ABS

Warping

It is one of the materials with the greatest tendency to deform during printing.

Needs closed camera

Open printers often have more difficulty working correctly with ABS.

Odor emission

During printing it generates vapors that require good ventilation.

What is ABS for?

• Mechanical parts.
• Engineering.
• Automotive.
• Tools.
• Industrial applications.

Recommended temperatures ABS

• Hotend: 230ºC – 260ºC
• Hot bed: 90ºC – 110ºC
• Closed camera: Highly recommended

Our recommendation

Currently, many users prefer PETG or ASA for general use.

However, ABS remains an excellent choice when mechanical and thermal strength is needed in demanding applications.

ASA – The best material for outdoor 3D printing

The ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) It is one of the most interesting materials for users looking to manufacture parts capable of withstanding adverse environmental conditions.

In fact, many experts consider ASA to be the natural evolution of ABS.

Both materials share numerous properties, but ASA incorporates a fundamental advantage:

👉 Excellent UV resistance.

This feature makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications where PLA or even ABS can deteriorate over time.

What is ASA?

ASA is a technical thermoplastic developed to offer:

• High mechanical resistance.
• Chemical resistance.
• Thermal resistance.
• Stability in the face of sun and weather.

That is why it is widely used in sectors such as:

• Automotive.
• Construction.
• Engineering.
• Exterior signage.
• Industrial components.

Advantages of ASA

Excellent UV resistance

Unlike ABS, ASA does not degrade easily from sun exposure.

Very resistant to the outside

Tolerates perfectly:

• Rain.
• Humidity.
• Temperature changes.
• Solar radiation.

Good mechanical resistance

Its structural properties make it an excellent functional material.

Professional finish

It produces pieces with a very good visual appearance.

Disadvantages of ASA

Requires experience

It is not a material especially aimed at beginners.

You need suitable printers

Ideally, you should have:

• Closed camera.
• Hot bed.
• Stable thermal control.

What is ASA for?

• Outer casings.
• Industrial components.
• Signage.
• Automotive.
• Parts exposed to the outside.

Recommended temperatures ASA

• Hotend: 240ºC – 260ºC
• Hot bed: 90ºC – 110ºC
• Closed camera: Recommended

Our recommendation

If you need to manufacture outdoor parts, ASA is probably one of the best options currently available.

TPU – The most widely used flexible material in 3D printing

The TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) It is one of the most amazing materials within the 3D printing ecosystem.

Unlike PLA, PETG or ABS, TPU is flexible.

This allows parts to be manufactured that are capable of bending, absorbing impacts, and returning to their original shape.

Thanks to these properties it has become an extremely popular material.

What is TPU?

TPU belongs to the family of thermoplastic elastomers.

Combine:

• Flexibility.
• Elasticity.
• Wear resistance.
• Durability.

All while maintaining good printing capacity.

Advantages of TPU

Great flexibility

It allows the manufacture of parts that are impossible to produce with rigid materials.

Wear resistance

Excellent performance in the face of:

• Friction.
• Blows.
• Vibrations.

Good chemical resistance

Suitable for numerous functional applications.

Durability

It maintains its properties for long periods of use.

Disadvantages of TPU

More difficult to print

Material flexibility can cause problems in poorly optimized printers.

Slower impressions

It usually requires reduced speeds.

What is TPU used for?

• Device cases.
• Together.
• Wheels.
• Shock absorbers.
• Flexible components.
• Robotics.

Recommended temperatures TPU

• Hotend: 210ºC – 240ºC
• Hot bed: 40ºC – 60ºC
• Speed: Low

Our recommendation

If you need flexible parts, TPU is the most popular and versatile material currently available.

Nylon – One of the most resistant materials for 3D printing

When we talk about technical materials for 3D printing, the Nylon occupies a privileged position.

For years it has been one of the favorite materials in engineering applications thanks to its extraordinary mechanical strength.

Many advanced users consider Nylon the next step after mastering:

• PLA.
• PETG.
• ABS.

What is Nylon?

Nylon is a technical polymer widely used in industrial applications.

It stands out especially for:

• Endurance.
• Controlled flexibility.
• Durability.
• Wear resistance.

Advantages of Nylon

Excellent mechanical resistance

Ideal for parts subjected to significant stress.

Very resistant to wear

Perfect for moving components.

Good chemical resistance

Suitable for numerous industrial environments.

Lightness

It allows you to manufacture robust parts without excessive weight.

Disadvantages of Nylon

Absorbs moisture

It must be stored correctly.

Complex printing

It requires experience and appropriate equipment.

High temperatures

You need printers capable of working at high temperatures.

What is Nylon used for?

• Gears.
• Mechanical components.
• Robotics.
• Engineering.
• Tools.

Recommended temperatures Nylon

• Hotend: 240ºC – 280ºC
• Hot bed: 80ºC – 110ºC
• Closed camera: Highly recommended

Our recommendation

If you're looking to manufacture high-performance functional parts, Nylon is one of the best options available.

Carbon Fiber – Advanced material for professional users

The carbon fiber for 3D printing It is not really a pure material.

These are composite filaments that combine base materials such as:

• PLA.
• PETG.
• Nylon.

with short carbon fibers.

The result is pieces:

• More rigid.
• More resistant.
• Lighter.

For this reason, carbon fiber has become one of the favorite materials in sectors such as:

• Engineering.
• Automotive.
• Aeronautics.
• Robotics.

Advantages of carbon fiber

Excellent rigidity

The parts exhibit great structural stability.

Weight reduction

Ideal for applications where every gram counts.

Professional finish

It produces surfaces with a very attractive appearance.

Technical performance

It allows the manufacture of advanced functional components.

Disadvantages of carbon fiber

Abrasive material

It can wear out conventional nozzles.

Premium price

It is considerably more expensive than PLA or PETG.

Requires advanced printers

Not all machines are compatible.

What is carbon fiber used for?

• Drones.
• Robotics.
• Engineering.
• Automotive.
• Aeromodelling.

Recommended temperatures

They depend on the base material used.

Our recommendation

Carbon fiber is an excellent choice for advanced and professional users seeking maximum mechanical performance.

Materials for resin 3D printers

Although filaments dominate much of the domestic market, the resin 3D printers They have experienced spectacular growth over the past few years.

Its main advantage is the ability to produce parts with a level of detail extremely higher than that of FDM printers.

That is why they are especially popular in:

• Miniatures.
• Modeling.
• Jewelry.
• Dentistry.
• Collectible figures.
• High precision prototyping.

However, as with filaments, there are different types of resins for 3D printing, each designed for specific needs.

Standard resin

The standard resin It is the equivalent of PLA within the world of resin 3D printing.

It is the most used material by:

• Beginners.
• Fans.
• Model makers.
• Home users.

Its main objective is to offer:

• Good visual quality.
• Ease of use.
• Competitive price.

Advantages

• Excellent level of detail.
• Easy to find.
• Wide variety of colors.
• Relatively inexpensive price.

Disadvantages

• Fragility superior to other types of resin.
• Lower impact resistance.

Applications

• Miniatures.
• Decorative figures.
• Modeling.
• Visual prototypes.

Our recommendation

The best option to get started in the world of resin 3D printers.

ABS Resin Like

The ABS Like resin It has been developed to solve one of the main problems with standard resins:

its fragility.

This material attempts to replicate some of the mechanical properties of ABS used in FDM printing.

Advantages

• Greater mechanical resistance.
• Less fragility.
• Better impact response.
• Excellent level of detail.

Disadvantages

• Slightly higher price.
• Lower availability than standard resin.

Applications

• Functional parts.
• Mechanical prototypes.
• Components subjected to stress.

Our recommendation

Probably the best generalist resin for most users.

Water washable resin

The water washable resins They have gained a lot of popularity thanks to the simplification of post-processing.

Traditionally, printed parts had to be cleaned using isopropyl alcohol.

Water-washable resins reduce this need.

Advantages

• Easier cleaning.
• Less handling of chemical products.
• Ideal for beginners.

Disadvantages

• They tend to be somewhat more fragile.
• The water used must be managed correctly.

Applications

• Domestic use.
• Learning.
• Miniatures.
• Modeling.

Our recommendation

An excellent option for users looking for comfort.

Flexible resin

The flexible resins They allow the manufacture of elastic and deformable parts.

They represent the equivalent of TPU within the FDM world.

Advantages

• Flexibility.
• Elasticity.
• Resistance to deformation.

Disadvantages

• More complex to print.
• Superior price.

Applications

• Together.
• Covers.
• Flexible components.
• Damping elements.

Our recommendation

Perfect for specific applications where flexibility is important.

Dental and professional resin

Dental resins represent one of the most advanced segments of professional 3D printing.

Sectors such as: have revolutionized

• Dentistry.
• Dental prostheses.
• Orthodontics.
• Medical applications.

Advantages

• Extreme precision.
• Specific certifications.
• Excellent dimensional stability.

Disadvantages

• High cost.
• Specialized professional use.

Applications

• Dental models.
• Surgical guidelines.
• Prosthesis.
• Orthodontics.

Our recommendation

Focused exclusively on professional environments.

Comparative table of materials for 3D printing

Which 3D printing material should you choose according to your needs?

Choosing the right material is just as important as choosing your own printer.

These are our recommendations.

Best material for beginners

🥇 PLA

Easy to print, economical and compatible with virtually any FDM printer.

Best quality-price material

🥇 PETG

It combines strength, ease of use and durability.

Best outdoor material

🥇 ASA

Excellent performance against UV rays and adverse weather conditions.

Better flexible material

🥇 TPU

The current reference for elastic parts.

Better material for engineering

🥇 Nylon

Great mechanical resistance and excellent technical performance.

Best professional material

🥇 Carbon Fiber

Ideal for advanced applications where maximum rigidity and lightness are required.

Best resin for general use

🥇 ABS Resin Like

Excellent balance between strength and detail.

Best resin for beginners

🥇 Standard resin

The easiest way to get started in resin 3D printing.

Tips for storing filaments and resins correctly

One of the most common mistakes in 3D printing is storing materials incorrectly.

Humidity can seriously affect print quality.

Therefore, we recommend:

For filaments

• Store them in airtight bags.
• Use moisture-resistant silica.
• Avoid direct sun exposure.
• Maintain stable temperature.

Especially important for:

• Nylon.
• TPU.
• PETG.

For resins

• Keep containers closed.
• Avoid exposure to UV light.
• Store in cool, dry places.
• Shake before use.

Proper storage can greatly extend the lifespan of materials.

Common mistakes when choosing materials for 3D printing

Choosing the right material can make the difference between a successful print and a real nightmare full of failures, deformations and unusable parts.

In fact, many problems that users attribute to the printer stem from a poor choice of material.

Therefore, before buying a coil or a bottle of resin, it is advisable to know some of the most common mistakes.

Choose PLA for heat-subjected applications

PLA is a fantastic material for beginners, but it has one major limitation:

Its low thermal resistance.

For this reason, it is not usually recommended for:

• Vehicle interior.
• Pieces exposed to the sun.
• Components close to heat sources.

In these cases, materials such as:

• PETG.
• ASA.
• ABS.

They usually offer better results.

Use ABS without a suitable printer

Many users buy ABS thinking it is the best option for durable parts.

However, they forget that this material usually requires:

• Closed camera.
• Stable temperatures.
• Good ventilation.

If your printer is basic, PETG is probably a much simpler alternative.

Ignore filament moisture

Humidity is one of the most important enemies of 3D printing.

Filaments such as:

• Nylon.
• TPU.
• PETG.

They absorb water relatively easily.

When this happens, the following may appear:

• Bubbles.
• Threads.
• Poor adhesion.
• Loss of surface quality.

Buying advanced materials too soon

Many beginners are curious about materials such as:

• Nylon.
• Carbon fiber.
• Polycarbonate.

However, they often require more experience and equipment prepared to work at elevated temperatures.

Our recommendation is always:

👉 Start with PLA.

👉 Then switch to PETG.

👉 Explore technical materials later.

Choose standard resin for functional parts

Standard resins offer excellent visual quality.

However, they are not the best option for components subjected to mechanical stress.

In those cases they usually work better:

• ABS Like Resins.
• Technical resins.
• Reinforced resins.

Future of 3D printing materials

The evolution of materials is proving to be as important as the evolution of printers themselves.

Every year new developments appear that allow the manufacture of more resistant, lighter and more sustainable parts.

Some of the most interesting trends are the following.

More sustainable materials

Environmental concerns are driving the development of materials:

• Recycled.
• Biobased.
• More sustainable.

We are finding more and more filaments manufactured from renewable resources.

Advanced composite materials

The combination of polymers with:

• Carbon fiber.
• Fiberglass.
• Kevlar.

it allows obtaining increasingly impressive mechanical properties.

Accessible industrial materials

Technologies that were previously reserved for large companies are beginning to reach the domestic market.

This allows small workshops and makers to work with increasingly advanced materials.

Next generation technical resins

The new resins are significantly improving aspects such as:

• Endurance.
• Elasticity.
• Durability.
• Security.

This greatly expands its professional applications.

Multimaterial printing

More and more printers allow different materials to be combined in the same piece.

This trend will be one of the main protagonists in the coming years.

Conclusion

The materials for 3D printing They are one of the fundamental pillars of any additive manufacturing project.

Choosing the right material correctly can greatly improve print quality, part strength, and overall user experience.

If you are starting out, our recommendation is to bet on it PLA, since it offers the simplest learning curve.

Once you gain experience, you can explore more advanced materials such as:

• PETG.
• ABS.
• ASA.
• TPU.
• Nylon.
• Carbon fiber.

On the other hand, if you use resin printers, the right choice between standard resin, ABS Like or technical resins will be key to obtaining the desired results.

The most important thing is to understand that there is no single perfect material.

Each project has different needs.

And therein lies one of the greatest strengths of modern 3D printing: the enormous variety of materials available to manufacture virtually any type of part.

Keep learning about 3D printing

We recommend you visit our related guides:

👉 Everything you need to know about 3D printing

👉 3D printers for beginners

👉 Filament 3D printers

👉 Resin 3D printers

👉 Best professional 3D printers

👉 PLA vs ABS vs PETG

👉 Software for 3D printing

👉 How to calibrate a 3D printer

Frequently asked questions about 3D printing materials