Compare 3D Printer Filament PLA, ABS, ASA and PETG

Banner Photo Courtesy of Jakub Zerdzicki

PLA excels in ease of printing and eco-friendliness, ABS offers toughness and heat resistance, PETG strikes a balance between strength and flexibility, and ASA stands out for outdoor durability and UV stability. Which 3D printer filament is best for you project?

Property Comparison Cheat Sheet

Use the following property table as a quick reference when selecting the right filament for your project.

PLA Filament

Composition and Key Properties

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. Its inherent rigidity and low melting point make it one of the easiest filaments to print.

Pros

Ease of printing with minimal warping and good bridging performance

Wide range of colors and specialty blends (wood, silk, glow-in-the-dark)

Biodegradable and low odor during printing

Cons

Lower heat resistance; prints can deform above 55 °C

Brittleness under impact; limited toughness compared to ABS or PETG

Hygroscopic nature; absorbs moisture and may require drying before use

As-printed Part Surface Finish

PLA prints exhibit a glossy, smooth surface out of the nozzle.

Applications

Rapid prototyping of concept models

Educational projects and demonstration pieces

Decorative items, figurines, and cosplay props

Low-stress mechanical parts where heat exposure is limited

ABS Filament

Composition and Key Properties

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a petroleum-based thermoplastic prized for toughness and thermal stability. The grafted rubber (butadiene) phase enhances impact resistance while acrylonitrile and styrene contribute rigidity and formability.

Pros

Exceptional impact strength and toughness ideal for functional parts

Heat resistance up to 95–100 °C

Wide color range and consistent filament diameter

Post-processes easily with solvents and paints

Cons

Emits strong fumes; requires proper ventilation

High shrinkage leads to warping and layer separation

Poor UV stability limits outdoor use

As-printed Part Surface Finish

As-printed ABS parts typically have a matte, slightly grainy texture with clearly visible layer lines. The finish is neither glossy nor smooth, reflecting the layer-by-layer deposition process and the filament’s inherent characteristics.

Ideal Applications

Functional prototypes and end-use components under load

Automotive parts, electronic housings, and enclosures

Gears, jigs, fixtures, and tool handles

Mechanical assembly aids where toughness is key

ASA Filament

Composition and Key Properties

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a terpolymer similar to ABS but modified with acrylate rubber to enhance UV resistance and long-term outdoor stability.

Pros

Excellent UV and weather resistance for prolonged outdoor use

Mechanical properties on par with ABS, with less yellowing

Lower odor emission compared to ABS during printing

Cons

Higher cost than ABS and PETG

Enclosure strongly recommended to minimize warping

Fewer color and specialty blends than PLA or ABS

As-printed Part Surface Finish

ASA prints exhibit a matte surface with visible layer lines, similar to ABS but more color-stable under UV exposure.

Ideal Applications

Outdoor fixtures, signage, and garden tools

Automotive exterior parts and trim prototypes

UV-exposed light diffusers and enclosures

Functional housings demanding weather and chemical resistance

PETG Filament

Composition and Key Properties

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is a copolyester that adds glycol to PET, reducing brittleness and improving layer adhesion. It combines chemical resistance with toughness.

Pros

Excellent layer adhesion and minimal warping compared to ABS

Good chemical and moisture resistance, food-safe grades available

Balanced rigidity and impact resistance for functional parts

Prints with glossy finish and can be clear/translucent

Cons

Tendency to string and ooze if cooling or retraction not tuned

Requires drying (50 °C for 4–6 hrs) to avoid popping and poor finish

Can be sensitive to abrupt temperature changes; may delaminate in drafts

As-printed Part Surface Finish

As-printed PETG parts exhibit a smooth, semi-gloss surface with moderate sheen. Layer lines remain visible but are subtler than on PLA or ABS.

Ideal Applications

Mechanical parts requiring toughness and slight flexibility

Protective covers, brackets, and mounting hardware

Food-contact items with certified PETG formulations

Transparent or light-diffusing components (light covers, lenses)

Functional prototypes that balance strength and visual quality

Selection Recommendations

Choose PLA when…

You want the simplest setup and fastest prints

Your part won’t face high stress or heat (below 50 °C)

You prioritize eco-friendly, low-odor printing

You need bright colors or specialty blends (wood, silk, glow)

A smooth, glossy aesthetic is more important than toughness

Choose ABS when…

Impact resistance and toughness are critical

Your design must withstand temperatures up to 95 °C

You have an enclosed build chamber and proper ventilation

Post-processing (acetone smoothing, painting) is planned

Outdoor UV exposure is minimal or parts will be coated

Choose ASA when…

Your parts sit outdoors and face sun, rain, or temperature swings

UV stability and color retention are top priorities

You can print in an enclosure to reduce warping

You need ABS-level toughness with less yellowing

Higher material cost is justified by weather resistance

Choose PETG when…

You need a balance of strength and flexibility

Moderate heat resistance (up to 80 °C) and chemical resistance matter

You’re printing mechanical parts, brackets, or housings

You want a semi-gloss surface with good layer adhesion

You can manage stringing through fine-tuned retraction and drying