How to choose plastic for a 3D printer

Picture this: you’re standing in front of your 3D printer, ready to craft an awesome Labubu figurine, a sturdy drone part, or a flexible phone case. But one question keeps nagging you: which filament should you pick? One smells bad, another’s brittle, and a third costs a fortune… Don’t stress! At Epic3D, we’ve got filaments figured out and put together this guide to help you choose the perfect material for your project. We’ll dive into PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU—their pros, cons, tips, and even real stories from our customers. Plus, we’ll show you how to order top-quality filaments from Epic3D with delivery across Ukraine and Europe starting at 300 UAH. Ready to create masterpieces? Let’s get started!

Contents

Why Bother Learning About 3D Printing Filaments?
PLA: Your First Step into 3D Printing
What is PLA?
Pros:
Cons:
Applications:
Beginner Tip:
Pro Tip:
PLA+: Stronger, Cooler
What is PLA+?
Pros:
Cons:
Applications:
Beginner Tip:
Pro Tip:
ABS: Built for Tough Jobs and Parts
What is ABS?
Pros:
Cons:
Applications:
Beginner Tip:
Pro Tip:
PETG: The Sweet Spot for Strength and Outdoor Use
What is PETG?
Pros:
Cons:
Applications:
Beginner Tip:
Pro Tip:
TPU: The Rubber-Like Hero for Flexible Ideas
What is TPU?
Pros:
Cons:
Applications:
Beginner Tip:
Pro Tip:
Which Filament Fits Your Project?
Tips for Flawless 3D Printing
Why Choose Epic3D Filaments?
Create Your Masterpiece with Epic3D!
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout 3D Printing Filaments
Which filament is best for beginners?
What’s the difference between PLA and PLA+?
Is ABS good for outdoor items?
Can I print a phone case with TPU?
Where can I buy 3D printer filaments?

Why Bother Learning About 3D Printing Filaments?

Filaments are like an artist’s paint—choosing the right one determines whether your model will shine with detail, survive a drop, or hold up in the rain. Pick the wrong filament, and your Labubu figurine might crack, or your drone part could melt. At Epic3D, we offer certified PLA, PLA+, ABS, PETG, and TPU filaments, perfect for everything from fan-made souvenirs to startup prototypes. Let’s break down each material so you can find the best fit for your dream project!

PLA: Your First Step into 3D Printing

What is PLA?

PLA (polylactic acid) is an eco-friendly “green” plastic made from corn or sugarcane. It’s biodegradable and the most beginner-friendly filament out there.

Pros:

Easy to print: works at 190–220°C, no heated bed required.
Odor-free: safe for home use, kids, and even curious cats who love sniffing around the printer.
Great detail: perfect for Labubu, Stitch, or “Squid Game” figurines.
Tons of colors: from neon to pastel. At Epic3D, PLA starts at 300 UAH per 1 kg.
Eco-friendly: breaks down in nature (though it takes a while).

Cons:

Brittle: doesn’t handle bumps or drops well.
Low heat resistance: melts at 60°C, so keep it away from radiators!
Not for outdoor use: gets soggy in rain.

Applications:

PLA is the king of decorative models. Want to print a Labubu for your collection, a Stitch for a friend, or a mini Titanic for your shelf? PLA delivers sharp details and vibrant colors. Our customer Sasha from Ukraine printed an entire “Game of Thrones” collection with PLA and raved: “The dragon’s scales were out of this world!”

Beginner Tip:

Start with PLA. It’s forgiving, doesn’t need fancy settings, and is ideal for your first 3D printing adventures.

Pro Tip:

Use PLA for quick test models or souvenirs, but tweak retraction settings to avoid stringy “cobwebs.”

PLA+: Stronger, Cooler

What is PLA+?

PLA+ is a beefed-up version of PLA with additives that make it tougher and less brittle.

Pros:

Stronger than PLA: handles stress better and cracks less.
Excellent detail: great for intricate figurines with fine features.
Easy to print like PLA: works at 200–230°C.
Price at Epic3D: from 350 UAH per 1 kg.

Cons:

More expensive than standard PLA.
Still not great for heat or outdoor use (up to 60–70°C).

Applications:

PLA+ is perfect for models that need both strength and beauty. Think a detailed dragon from “House of the Dragon” or a Bart Simpson figurine with delicate parts. Our customer Anya ordered a PLA+ Labubu for her son: “It survived a fall off the shelf, and he’s thrilled!”

Beginner Tip:

If you want something sturdier than PLA but without ABS’s complexity, go for PLA+.

Pro Tip:

PLA+ is great for models you plan to sand or paint—it holds its shape better than standard PLA.

ABS: Built for Tough Jobs and Parts

What is ABS?

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a rugged plastic used for LEGO bricks and car parts. It thrives in heat and heavy-duty tasks.

Pros:

Super tough: ideal for gears, casings, and spare parts.
Heat-resistant: withstands up to 100°C, unfazed by sunlight.
Easy to post-process: sand, paint, or glue it.
Price at Epic3D: from 400 UAH per 1 kg.

Cons:

Smells during printing: needs good ventilation or an enclosed printer.
Requires a heated bed (80–100°C) and stable temps.
Shrinkage: tricky for beginners to dial in.

Applications:

ABS is your go-to for functional parts like tech spares, mounts, or casings. Our customer Maksim printed ABS gears for his old printer: “They work like the originals but cost pennies!” Need a drone part or gadget holder? ABS won’t let you down.

Beginner Tip:

If your printer lacks an enclosed chamber, stick with PLA. ABS needs some know-how.

Pro Tip:

Fine-tune cooling and use bed adhesive to prevent warping.

PETG: The Sweet Spot for Strength and Outdoor Use

What is PETG?

PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a versatile plastic that blends PLA’s ease with ABS’s durability.

Pros:

Strong and slightly flexible: resists impacts.
Water-resistant: perfect for outdoor items like garden decor.
Easy to print: works at 220–250°C with fewer shrinkage issues.
Price at Epic3D: from 450 UAH per 1 kg.

Cons:

Can be sticky: needs precise retraction settings.
Less heat-resistant than ABS (up to 80°C).

Applications:

PETG is ideal for anything that needs to be tough and weatherproof: stands, outdoor signs, containers. Our customer Oleh ordered PETG garden figurines: “They’ve been out in the rain for a year and still look brand new!” Want a sturdy stand or decorative piece? PETG’s your pick.

Beginner Tip:

PETG is easier than ABS, but adjust print speed to avoid stringing.

Pro Tip:

Use PETG for large models with moderate stress—it won’t crack.

TPU: The Rubber-Like Hero for Flexible Ideas

What is TPU?

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like plastic that stretches and snaps back into shape.

Pros:

Elastic: perfect for phone cases, toys, or gaskets.
Durable: resists tearing and wear.
Oil- and chemical-resistant.
Price at Epic3D: from 600 UAH per 1 kg.

Cons:

Tricky to print: requires slow speeds and specific extruder settings.
Not for rigid structures.

Applications:

TPU shines for flexible items like phone cases, straps, or toys. Our customer Katya printed a custom TPU phone case: “It’s soft, comfy, and my friends are jealous!” Want a bendy figurine or seal? TPU’s got you covered.

Beginner Tip:

TPU is tough—start with PLA or PETG instead.

Pro Tip:

Ensure your printer supports flexible filaments and set a low speed (20–30 mm/s).

Which Filament Fits Your Project?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to keep it simple:

Figurines and souvenirs: PLA or PLA+ for Labubu, Stitch, or “Game of Thrones” characters—vibrant colors and crisp details.
Parts and functional items: ABS for heat resistance, PETG for weatherproofing.
Flexible items: TPU for cases, toys, or gaskets.
Prototypes: PLA for drafts, PETG or ABS for final models.

Still unsure? Drop us a line at Epic3D, and we’ll pick the perfect filament for your idea!

Tips for Flawless 3D Printing

Store filaments properly: Keep them in sealed bags with silica gel. Wet filament ruins prints, especially ABS and TPU.
Check your settings: PLA at 190–220°C, ABS at 230–250°C, PETG at 220–250°C, TPU at 210–230°C.
Test small models first: Print a tiny cube to nail adhesion and retraction.
Avoid drafts: Especially for ABS, to prevent cracking.
Trust the pros: If tweaking settings isn’t your thing, order custom 3D printing from Epic3D—we’ll handle it all.

Why Choose Epic3D Filaments?

At Epic3D, we don’t just sell 3D printer filament—we help you create masterpieces. Our filaments are:

Certified: Safe for home and office use.
Variety-packed: PLA, PLA+, ABS, PETG, TPU in dozens of colors.
Affordable: Starting at 300 UAH per 1 kg, with a 10% first-order discount (check the site).
Fast delivery: Across Ukraine and Europe in 1–3 days via Nova Poshta.

Our customer Ihor ordered PLA and PETG for his startup: “Printed prototypes and decor—quality’s top-notch, and delivery was faster than I expected!” Want the same? Order filaments from Epic3D and start creating!

Create Your Masterpiece with Epic3D!

Ready to dive into 3D printing? Epic3D has filaments for every idea: PLA for Labubu figurines, ABS for spare parts, PETG for outdoor models, TPU for flexible cases. Prices start at 300 UAH, with delivery across Ukraine and Europe in 1–3 days. Not sure what to choose? Contact us, and we’ll find the ideal filament for your project. Support Ukrainian creators and build with Epic3D!

Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printing Filaments

Which filament is best for beginners?

PLA is the easiest and eco-friendly choice. Perfect for figurines and souvenirs. Get it from Epic3D starting at 300 UAH with delivery across Ukraine and Europe!