PLA
Best all-round starting point. Lowest cost and easiest printability, but lower heat resistance.
3D Printing Filament Guide
Choose the right filament by cost, print difficulty, strength, and real-world use case.
Quick comparison
| Material | Typical cost/g | Nozzle temp | Best for | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | GBP 0.012-0.013 | 190-220C | General prints, beginners | Easy |
| PETG | GBP 0.016 | 220-250C | Functional and outdoor parts | Moderate |
| ABS | GBP 0.017 | 220-250C | Heat-resistant durable parts | Moderate-Hard |
| TPU | GBP 0.020+ | 210-230C | Flexible parts and cases | Hard |
PETG
Great for stronger, more durable parts with better moisture resistance than PLA.
ABS
Good for high-temp use, but requires better printer setup and warp control.
TPU
Use when flexibility matters. Slower print speeds and tighter tuning are common.
Pricing tip
Material choice changes direct cost and failure risk. Recalculate your quote whenever you switch filament family.
Continue with How to Price 3D Prints or use the Main Calculator.