Materials Guide
The Right Material
for Every Project
6 professional-grade filaments. 20+ colors. All printed on Bambu Lab hardware for precision results every time.
PLA
Most PopularPolylactic Acid
Price
$
Heat
Low (60°C)
Strength
Moderate
Flex
Rigid
Our most popular material — eco-friendly, made from renewable resources like cornstarch, and available in over 150 colors. Ideal for everyday items, decorative pieces, and prototypes. Most affordable option.
⚠ Not suited for high-temperature environments (e.g., car dashboards in summer).
Best For
- ✓Home décor & organizers
- ✓Figurines & display items
- ✓Educational models
- ✓Prototypes
- ✓Low-stress structural parts
PETG
Great StrengthPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
Price
$$
Heat
Medium (80°C)
Strength
High
Flex
Slightly flexible
Combines the easy printability of PLA with superior durability and water resistance. A great step up for functional parts. Fully recyclable.
⚠ Slightly flexible compared to PLA — beneficial for snap-fits but less rigid for structural spans.
Best For
- ✓Mechanical components
- ✓Water bottles & containers
- ✓Snap-fit assemblies
- ✓Outdoor fixtures (short-term)
- ✓Food-adjacent containers (not certified food-safe)
ABS
Heat ResistantAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Price
$$
Heat
High (100°C)
Strength
High
Flex
Rigid
The classic engineering plastic, favored for automotive and industrial applications. Can be smoothed with acetone for a polished surface. Requires an enclosed printer (Bambu Lab X1C/P1S) to prevent warping.
⚠ Printed in an enclosed chamber only — not available in all color options.
Best For
- ✓Automotive parts
- ✓Electronics enclosures
- ✓Tools & fixtures
- ✓High-temp environments
- ✓Parts requiring acetone finishing
TPU
FlexibleThermoplastic Polyurethane
Price
$$$
Heat
Low (60°C)
Strength
Flexible
Flex
Rubber-like
A rubber-like flexible filament with outstanding shock absorption and wear resistance. Perfect for any application where flexibility or impact resistance is needed.
⚠ Slower print speeds — may add 1 extra production day for large orders.
Best For
- ✓Phone cases & bumpers
- ✓Gaskets & seals
- ✓Grips & handles
- ✓Shoe insoles & orthotics
- ✓Vibration dampeners
ASA
UV ResistantAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Price
$$$
Heat
High (100°C)
Strength
High
Flex
Rigid
Everything ABS offers, plus excellent UV and weather resistance. The go-to material for outdoor applications that need to survive sun, rain, and temperature swings without fading or becoming brittle.
⚠ Also requires enclosed printing — color options vary.
Best For
- ✓Outdoor signage
- ✓Garden fixtures
- ✓Automotive exterior parts
- ✓Marine accessories
- ✓Equipment exposed to sunlight
PLA Silk
Lustrous FinishPLA Silk (Metallic)
Price
$$
Heat
Low (60°C)
Strength
Moderate
Flex
Rigid
PLA with a stunning metallic sheen. Available in gold, silver, copper, rainbow, and galaxy finishes. The same easy printing and eco-friendly nature as standard PLA, but dramatically more eye-catching.
⚠ Colors include: Gold, Silver, Copper, Bronze, Rainbow, Galaxy Blue, Silk Pink.
Best For
- ✓Trophies & awards
- ✓Jewelry & accessories
- ✓Gift items
- ✓Artistic sculptures
- ✓Cosplay props
Quick Comparison
| Material | Best For | Strength | Heat Resist. | Flexibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Everyday, Display | Moderate | Low | Rigid | $ |
| PETG | Functional Parts | High | Medium | Slight | $$ |
| ABS | Automotive, Tools | High | High | Rigid | $$ |
| TPU | Flexible Items | Flexible | Low | Rubber | $$$ |
| ASA | Outdoor Use | High | High | Rigid | $$$ |
| PLA Silk | Display, Gifts | Moderate | Low | Rigid | $$ |
Ready to Start Printing?
Not sure which material is right for your project? Our team is happy to help. Or dive right in with our Custom Print Studio.