PLA or PETG? Choosing the right filament for your print
Both are everyday 3D printing plastics, but they behave very differently in the sun, under load and in your hands. Here is how we choose between them in the studio.
The short answer
Choose PLA for display pieces, prototypes you will look at and hold, and anything with fine detail. Choose PETG for parts that live outdoors, sit in a hot car, hold water or need to bend a little before they break.
What PLA is good at
- Crisp detail and sharp corners
- A wide range of colours, including silk and matte finishes
- Easy to sand, prime and paint
- Made from plant starch such as corn or sugarcane
PLA starts to soften at around 55 to 60°C. In Indonesia that matters: a PLA part left on a car dashboard can warp in a single afternoon.
What PETG is good at
- Handles heat better, softening at around 75 to 80°C
- Tougher: it bends before it snaps
- Better resistance to moisture and many household chemicals
- A good choice for outdoor fittings, clips, brackets and planters
The trade-off: PETG has a glossier surface, can show a few fine strings, and is harder to sand smooth.
A quick way to decide
- Will it sit in the sun, in a car or near heat? Choose PETG.
- Will it be screwed, clipped or flexed? Choose PETG.
- Is it mainly about looks, detail or painting? Choose PLA.
- Still not sure? Send us a photo of where it will be used.
Tell us where the part will live and we will pick the material for you. It is part of every quotation.
What about resin?
For very small, highly detailed pieces such as miniatures or jewellery masters, we print in resin instead. Ask us about it when your design has details finer than half a millimetre.
Ready to print? Request a free quote and we will reply with the material, lead time and price.