Every material prints on the same machine, so choosing isn't about wait time — it's about how the finished part needs to behave. Here's how PLA, PETG, and TPU compare, and when to reach for each.
| Property | PLAPolylactic acid | PETGGlycol-mod. PET | TPUThermoplastic PU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Models & display | Functional parts | Flexible parts |
| Stiffness | High | Medium | Low |
| Toughness | Low / brittle | High | High |
| Flexibility | Low | Slight | Very high |
| Heat resistance | Low (~60°C) | Medium (~80°C) | Medium |
| Detail & finish | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Outdoor / moisture | Poor | Good | Good |
The easy, crisp option. It prints sharp detail and clean surfaces, which makes it the go-to for figures, prototypes, miniatures, and display pieces.
Keep in mind: it softens in heat — don't leave a PLA part in a hot car or in direct sun — and it's stiff, so it can snap under sharp impact rather than bend.
The tough all-rounder. Stronger and slightly flexible, with better heat and moisture resistance, so it holds up as a real functional part indoors or out.
Keep in mind: fine detail is a touch softer than PLA, and overhangs can be slightly stringier — great for function, very good for looks.
The bendy one. Rubber-like and elastic, it's made for parts that need to flex, grip, or absorb shock without cracking.
Keep in mind: it's not for rigid or high-detail parts, and flexible prints take longer, so expect a bit more print time than the same shape in PLA.
[ coming soon ] More materials are on the roadmap as we add machines — including ABS, ASA, and specialty blends. For now, every order prints in PLA, PETG, or TPU on a single Creality Ender 3 V3 SE, so your model needs to fit the 220 × 220 × 250 mm build volume.
Drop in your STL, pick a material, and you'll see a fixed quote before you pay.
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