3DKntA Icon
3DKntA Maker Hub
3DKntA / Filament Guide

Filament & Materials Encyclopedia

Comprehensive, scientifically grounded breakdown of all major 3D printing thermoplastics, composites, and support polymers.

Jump to: PLAPLA+PETGPETG-CFABSASATPU (95A)TPU (85A)PA-CFPA6PCPC-CFPPPVAHIPS
Standard Reviewed 2026-09

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Tg (Glass Transition): 55°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 53°C
Nozzle Recommended: 205°C
Bed Recommended: 55°C
Tensile Strength: 50 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 3.1 GPa
Drying Protocol: 45°C / 4h
Chamber Need: No

Recommended Applications

  • Prototyping
  • Decorative models
  • Cosplay
  • Concept models
  • Classroom projects

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Deforms inside hot cars (>50°C)
  • Brittle under continuous cyclic impact
  • Degrades with long-term outdoor UV exposure
Bed Adhesion: Textured PEI, Smooth PEI, Glass
Emissions: Low (Trace lactide, non-toxic)
Verified Sources: ISO 527 Tensile Standards, NatureWorks Ingeo TDS, Polymaker PolyLite PLA TDS
Standard Reviewed 2026-09

Toughened PLA (PLA+ / Pro) (PLA+)

Tg (Glass Transition): 58°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 57°C
Nozzle Recommended: 215°C
Bed Recommended: 60°C
Tensile Strength: 55 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 2.8 GPa
Drying Protocol: 45°C / 4h
Chamber Need: No

Recommended Applications

  • Snap-fit mechanisms
  • Functional brackets
  • Tool organizers
  • High-stress prototypes

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Still softens near 55-60°C
  • Moderate creep resistance under sustained mechanical load
Bed Adhesion: Textured PEI, Smooth PEI
Emissions: Low
Verified Sources: eSun PLA+ TDS, Polymaker PolyMax TDS
Standard Reviewed 2026-09

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG)

Tg (Glass Transition): 80°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 75°C
Nozzle Recommended: 240°C
Bed Recommended: 75°C
Tensile Strength: 50 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 2.1 GPa
Drying Protocol: 65°C / 6h
Chamber Need: No

Recommended Applications

  • Waterproof containers
  • Garden fixtures
  • Mechanical enclosures
  • Ductwork
  • Drone frames

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Prone to stringing and oozing if damp
  • Scratches easier than PLA
  • Over-adheres to smooth glass/PEI
Bed Adhesion: Textured PEI, Garolite (Avoid bare smooth PEI without release agent - bonds too strongly!)
Emissions: Low (Mild odor, non-toxic)
Verified Sources: Prusament PETG TDS, Bambu Lab PETG Basic TDS
Composite Reviewed 2026-09

Carbon-Fiber Reinforced PETG (PETG-CF)

Tg (Glass Transition): 82°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 80°C
Nozzle Recommended: 250°C
Bed Recommended: 80°C
Tensile Strength: 63 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 4.5 GPa
Drying Protocol: 65°C / 6h
Chamber Need: No

Recommended Applications

  • Rigid drone arms
  • Robotics chassis
  • Tool fixtures
  • Camera mounts

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Requires hardened steel or ruby nozzle
  • Lower z-layer impact strength than pure PETG
Bed Adhesion: Textured PEI with Hardened Steel Nozzle
Emissions: Low
Verified Sources: Bambu Lab PETG-CF TDS, MatterHackers CarbonX TDS
Engineering Reviewed 2026-09

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Tg (Glass Transition): 105°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 98°C
Nozzle Recommended: 255°C
Bed Recommended: 105°C
Tensile Strength: 42 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 2.2 GPa
Drying Protocol: 75°C / 6h
Chamber Need: Mandatory

Recommended Applications

  • 3D printer structural parts (Voron/RatRig)
  • Automotive interior brackets
  • Acetone-smoothed models
  • Power tool housings

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Severe warping without warm enclosure
  • Dangerous VOCs during melting
  • Poor UV resistance
Bed Adhesion: Textured PEI, Engineering Plate, ABS Juice / Dimafix
Emissions: High (Styrene gas & ultrafine particles; require carbon filtration & ventilation)
Verified Sources: Prusament ABS TDS, Bambu Lab ABS TDS, ISO 178 Flexural Standard
Engineering Reviewed 2026-09

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)

Tg (Glass Transition): 102°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 96°C
Nozzle Recommended: 260°C
Bed Recommended: 105°C
Tensile Strength: 45 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 2.3 GPa
Drying Protocol: 75°C / 6h
Chamber Need: Mandatory

Recommended Applications

  • Automotive exterior trim
  • Roof rack mounts
  • Weather stations
  • Marine equipment
  • Outdoor electrical enclosures

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Requires heated chamber to prevent delamination
  • Emits styrene vapors
  • Acetone vapor smoothing required for high gloss
Bed Adhesion: Textured PEI with Dimafix or Magigoo Original
Emissions: High (Styrene emissions; require carbon scrubber/ventilation)
Verified Sources: Polymaker PolyLite ASA TDS, Prusament ASA TDS
Flexible Reviewed 2026-09

Thermoplastic Polyurethane 95A (TPU (95A))

Tg (Glass Transition): -40°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 60°C
Nozzle Recommended: 230°C
Bed Recommended: 45°C
Tensile Strength: 35 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 0.12 GPa
Drying Protocol: 65°C / 6h
Chamber Need: No

Recommended Applications

  • RC tires & bumpers
  • Gaskets & O-rings
  • Phone & tablet cases
  • Vibration dampeners
  • Ergonomic grips

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Must be printed slowly (20-40 mm/s)
  • Requires direct drive extruder (Bowden setups struggle)
  • Extreme moisture absorption causes foaming
Bed Adhesion: Textured PEI with glue stick barrier (bonds extremely well!)
Emissions: Low
Verified Sources: NinjaTek NinjaFlex / Cheetah TDS, Bambu Lab TPU 95A TDS
Flexible Reviewed 2026-09

Ultra-Flexible TPU 85A (TPU (85A))

Tg (Glass Transition): -45°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 50°C
Nozzle Recommended: 225°C
Bed Recommended: 40°C
Tensile Strength: 26 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 0.04 GPa
Drying Protocol: 60°C / 6h
Chamber Need: No

Recommended Applications

  • Bellows & flexible seals
  • Shock absorbers
  • Wearable prosthetics
  • Custom shoe insoles

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Very soft; wraps around extruder gears if tension is too high
  • Requires very slow print speeds (15-25 mm/s)
  • Retraction must be disabled or minimized
Bed Adhesion: Blue Painter's tape or Textured PEI with release agent
Emissions: Low
Verified Sources: NinjaTek SemiFlex TDS, SainSmart TPU 85A Specs
High-Performance Reviewed 2026-09

Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Polyamide (Nylon CF) (PA-CF)

Tg (Glass Transition): 85°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 190°C
Nozzle Recommended: 290°C
Bed Recommended: 95°C
Tensile Strength: 110 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 7.5 GPa
Drying Protocol: 80°C / 8h
Chamber Need: Recommended

Recommended Applications

  • Under-the-hood automotive mounts
  • Industrial gears
  • CNC fixtures
  • Functional brackets
  • High-heat motor mounts

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Destroys standard brass nozzles within hours (needs hardened/ruby)
  • Absorbs moisture in under 20 minutes outside drybox
  • Requires high-temp all-metal hotend (>280°C)
Bed Adhesion: Garolite (G10), Engineering Plate with Magigoo PA
Emissions: Moderate (Caprolactam & VOCs; ventilation advised)
Verified Sources: Polymaker PolyMide PA6-CF TDS, Bambu Lab PAHT-CF TDS, MatterHackers NylonX TDS
Engineering Reviewed 2026-09

Pure Polyamide 6 / 6.6 (Nylon) (PA6)

Tg (Glass Transition): 50°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 160°C
Nozzle Recommended: 265°C
Bed Recommended: 85°C
Tensile Strength: 68 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 2.2 GPa
Drying Protocol: 80°C / 8h
Chamber Need: Mandatory

Recommended Applications

  • Low-friction sliding bushings
  • Snap-fit joints
  • Living hinges
  • Heavy impact parts

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Extreme warping without heated enclosure
  • Moisture causes instant bubbling and steam pops
  • Requires dedicated drybox feed during print
Bed Adhesion: Garolite (G10) or Wood glue slurry on Glass
Emissions: Moderate
Verified Sources: Taulman 3D Bridge Nylon TDS, BASF Ultrafuse PA TDS
High-Performance Reviewed 2026-09

Polycarbonate (PC)

Tg (Glass Transition): 147°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 138°C
Nozzle Recommended: 290°C
Bed Recommended: 115°C
Tensile Strength: 72 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 2.5 GPa
Drying Protocol: 85°C / 8h
Chamber Need: Mandatory

Recommended Applications

  • Bulletproof shields/lenses
  • High-heat lamp housings
  • Extreme impact tooling
  • Electronic enclosures

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Severe internal stresses and delamination below 50°C chamber
  • Bonds permanently to bare PEI (will rip PEI coating) without barrier glue
  • Requires all-metal hotend up to 300°C
Bed Adhesion: Engineering Plate or Smooth PEI with Magigoo PC adhesive
Emissions: Moderate-High (Requires high chamber & carbon air filtration)
Verified Sources: Prusament PC Blend TDS, Polymaker PolyLite PC TDS
High-Performance Reviewed 2026-09

Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Polycarbonate (PC-CF)

Tg (Glass Transition): 148°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 142°C
Nozzle Recommended: 300°C
Bed Recommended: 115°C
Tensile Strength: 85 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 6.8 GPa
Drying Protocol: 85°C / 8h
Chamber Need: Mandatory

Recommended Applications

  • Aerospace drone chassis
  • High-temp exhaust brackets
  • Robotic arms
  • Motorcycle fairing mounts

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Hardened steel nozzle mandatory
  • Requires chamber temp >50°C
  • High raw material cost
Bed Adhesion: Engineering plate with Magigoo PC & Hardened Steel Nozzle
Emissions: Moderate
Verified Sources: Prusament PC Blend Carbon Fiber TDS, 3DXTECH CarbonX PC-CF TDS
Engineering Reviewed 2026-09

Polypropylene (PP)

Tg (Glass Transition): -10°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 92°C
Nozzle Recommended: 235°C
Bed Recommended: 95°C
Tensile Strength: 32 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 1.4 GPa
Drying Protocol: 60°C / 4h
Chamber Need: Mandatory

Recommended Applications

  • Chemical-resistant lab equipment
  • Living hinge containers
  • Dishwasher-safe food clips
  • Bottle caps

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Will NOT stick to PEI, glass, or standard glues; requires pure polypropylene bed sheet or PP tape
  • Extremely prone to warping
Bed Adhesion: PP tape or specialized Magigoo PP adhesive on glass
Emissions: Low
Verified Sources: FormFutura Centaur PP TDS, Verbatim PP Filament Specifications
Support Reviewed 2026-09

Polyvinyl Alcohol (Water Soluble Support) (PVA)

Tg (Glass Transition): 85°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 55°C
Nozzle Recommended: 205°C
Bed Recommended: 55°C
Tensile Strength: 38 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 2.5 GPa
Drying Protocol: 50°C / 8h
Chamber Need: No

Recommended Applications

  • Dissolvable support for complex PLA/PETG overhangs
  • Internal cavities and enclosed ball bearings
  • Zero-scar support interfaces

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Dissolves in water; must be kept in sealed drybox with desiccant at all times
  • Will jam hotend if left idling at print temp (thermal cross-linking)
  • High cost per kg
Bed Adhesion: Smooth PEI with PLA interface
Emissions: Low
Verified Sources: MatterHackers Pro PVA TDS, UltiMaker PVA TDS
Support Reviewed 2026-09

High Impact Polystyrene (Limonene Soluble) (HIPS)

Tg (Glass Transition): 100°C
HDT (@0.45 MPa): 88°C
Nozzle Recommended: 240°C
Bed Recommended: 100°C
Tensile Strength: 32 MPa
Flexural Modulus: 2.0 GPa
Drying Protocol: 60°C / 4h
Chamber Need: Mandatory

Recommended Applications

  • Dissolvable support for ABS and ASA (dissolves in d-Limonene)
  • Lightweight standalone prototype casings
  • Thermoforming molds

Technical Limitations & Pitfalls

  • Requires d-Limonene chemical solvent to dissolve (flammable, strong citrus odor)
  • Warps if ambient chamber is unheated
Bed Adhesion: Textured PEI or Kapton Tape
Emissions: Moderate (Styrene odor)
Verified Sources: eSun HIPS TDS, Polymaker PolySupport TDS