PLA vs PLA+ vs PETG vs TPU: How to Choose Five mainstream filaments in one table · Pick by use case in 30 seconds · Factory-tested data
The short answer for farms, makers, and buyers: pick by use case, not by price tag. This guide compares five mainstream filaments in one table and maps them to real scenarios — all figures come from our own factory testing.
Five mainstream materials, one table
Together these materials cover nearly every consumer and light-industrial FDM need: PLA/PLA+ for appearance and general functional parts, PETG for water and sun, TPU for flexibility and cushioning, ABS+ for heat-resistant structures.
| Item | PLA / PLA+ | PETG | TPU (95A) | ABS+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | ★★★★★ (best for beginners) | ★★★★ | ★★★ (print slow) | ★★★ (enclosure needed) |
| Strength / stiffness | Rigid; PLA+ tougher | Impact-resistant | Flexible, wear-proof | High, low warping |
| Heat resistance | ~55–60°C | ~80°C | ~80°C | ~90°C |
| Odor | Low (slightly sweet) | Low | Low | Noticeable, ventilate |
| Typical uses | Figures, props, lamps, toys | Waterproof parts, clips | Insoles, phone cases | Mechanical parts, jigs |
| Reference price (1kg) | ¥27–30 (~$4) | On request | ¥45 (~$6.3) | On request |
Choose in 30 seconds by scenario
Figures · Gifts · Decor
Silk PLA or Marble PLA — surface finish sells the print. Metallic or stone look with zero paint.
Silk ¥27–30 · Marble ¥32 /kgFunctional, load-bearing parts
PLA+ — a toughness class above basic PLA (60–65 MPa tensile, 20–30% elongation). Move to PETG for harsher duty.
¥30/kg (~$4.2)Waterproof · Outdoor
PETG for water and UV resistance; ASA if parts live in the sun long-term.
On requestFlexible · Cushioned parts
TPU 95A — balanced hardness, great rebound, bend-fatigue resistant. Insoles, wearables, ducts.
¥45/kg (~$6.3)Print farms
PLA+ — low failure rate is the real cost advantage. Factory-direct pricing keeps farms profitable.
1/3/5/10 kg, same unit priceTrophies · Gifts · Limited editions
Dual-color silk PLA: gradient in one print, no filament swap. Red-gold / blue-green / purple-gold in stock.
¥29–32/kgThree beginner mistakes that ruin prints
- Printing wet filament: stringing, bubbles and popping are moisture. Dry at 55°C for 8h before printing; store sealed with desiccant.
- Using PLA as an engineering plastic: it softens around 55–60°C — parts deform in a hot car. Use PETG or ABS+ for heat.
- Printing TPU fast: run 95A at 30–50 mm/s with low retraction and a direct-drive extruder, or you'll fight clogs.
How a source factory prices filament
We are a filament source factory in Kunshan, China — 10 production lines, in-house compounding, pricing 30%+ below comparable products. PLA starts at ¥27/kg (~$4) incl. tax & domestic shipping. Custom colors, diameters (1.75/2.85/3.0mm) and OEM packaging available. Sample spools supported before bulk orders.
Filament selection FAQ
What is the difference between PLA and PLA+?
PLA is standard polylactic acid filament — the most stable and cheapest to print, ideal for appearance parts and models. PLA+ adds toughening agents, reaching 60–65 MPa tensile strength and 20–30% elongation at break, so it survives drops and load-bearing duty better.
Which filament should I use for waterproof or outdoor parts?
PETG first: water-resistant, UV-tolerant and impact-proof. For long-term sun exposure choose ASA, which resists UV far better.
Is TPU hard to print?
95A TPU prints best at 30–50 mm/s with low retraction and a direct-drive extruder; printing it fast causes clogs. It suits insoles, phone cases and cushioning parts.
Does PLA need drying before printing?
Yes. Stringing, bubbles and rough surfaces are usually moisture. Dry at 55°C for 8 hours before printing and store sealed with desiccant.
Which filament is most cost-effective for print farms?
PLA+: a low failure rate is the real cost advantage. Factory-direct pricing runs ¥27–30/kg (~$4) incl. domestic shipping, same unit price for 1/3/5/10 kg spools, with samples available before bulk orders.
Not sure which material fits? Tell us the application
Describe your part's use, loads and environment — we'll recommend a material with its spec sheet. Replies within 12 working hours. Phone +86 188 1759 8503, email xiejinlong109@163.com.