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Which Filament Should I Use? A Beginner's Guide

Choosing the right filament can feel overwhelming. But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be complicated. Let's break it down.

The Simple Rule: What Are You Making?

The type of filament you need depends on what you're printing. Here are the most common choices:

For Most Beginners: PLA

If you're just starting out and don't have a specific reason to use something else, PLA is your answer. It's:

  • Easy to print
  • Forgiving of mistakes
  • Works on almost any 3D printer
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly

Use PLA when: You're printing decorative objects, toys, models, or learning how to 3D print.

When You Need Something Tougher: PETG

Think of PETG as PLA's stronger sibling. It's harder to break and more flexible, but slightly trickier to print.

Use PETG when: You're printing something that needs to be durable or handle some stress (like tool handles, brackets, or parts you'll actually use).

When You Need Maximum Strength: ABS

ABS is the tough guy. It's strong, but also the most difficult to print. It requires a heated bed and careful handling.

Use ABS when: You're making functional parts that need to be really strong and can handle temperature (like replacement printer parts or engineering models).

Don't Overthink It

Here's what we want you to know: all our filament is sustainable and high-quality. You don't need to worry about whether you're making an environmental mistake. Just pick based on your project.

Still not sure? Start with PLA. It works for 99% of beginner projects, and you'll learn as you go.

The Next Step

Once you've chosen your filament type, you just need to pick a color and get printing. That's it.

Happy printing!

Arno1/26/2025