PLA vs PETG vs ABS/ASA: which to print in
Choose PLA for indoor parts, models and decor: it is stiff and prints crisp detail. Choose PETG when the part takes knocks, moisture or sun. Choose ABS or ASA for heat near motors, lamps and dashboards; ASA also resists UV outdoors. Not sure? Pick “Not sure” on the quote form and we advise.
Three materials, side by side.
| PLA | PETG | ABS / ASA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Stiff, crisp detail, easy to print. Indoor parts, models, decor. | Tougher than PLA, handles moisture and some outdoor use. | Higher heat resistance; ASA adds UV stability for outdoor parts. |
| Toughness | Medium | High | High |
| Softens at | ≈ 55 °C | ≈ 70 °C | ≈ 95 °C |
| Outdoors | No | Yes, out of constant sun | Yes, as ASA (UV stable) |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ | 1.27 g/cm³ | 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Food contact | Not sold as food safe | Not sold as food safe | Not sold as food safe |
Values are typical figures for each material family, not measurements of our own prints. Our own heat and strength tests will replace them here.
Which should I use?
Answer three questions about where the part will live. The first yes decides.
- Will it sit in direct sun or rain?ASAUV stable; keeps strength and colour outdoors.
- Will it get hotter than 70 °C?ABS / ASANear motors, lamps, kettles and car dashboards.
- Will it carry load, flex or take knocks?PETGBends before it breaks. Clips, brackets, mounts.
- None of the above?PLASharpest detail and the most colours. Indoors.
Will PLA survive an Ahmedabad summer?
Indoors and out of direct sun, yes. In a parked car, no: PLA softens at around 55 °C, and a closed car in May gets hotter than that.
A dashboard phone mount, a bike part or anything left on a terrace should be PETG at the least, and ASA if it also sees sun all day. Indoors, PLA is stable for years.
PLA or PETG for a functional part?
PETG, in most cases. It is tougher, handles moisture and heat better, and flexes instead of snapping.
PLA still wins on stiffness and sharp detail, so a precise fit-check model or a display piece is better in PLA. The prototyping page shows which stage suits which.
Why does material change the price?
Each material has its own cost per kilogram and its own print speed. ABS/ASA prints slower and needs a warm, enclosed printer.
The quote shows the material it was priced in. If PLA would do the job for less, we say so in the reply.
Materials, answered.
Is PETG food safe?
We do not sell printed parts as food safe, whatever the filament. FDM layer lines trap moisture and bacteria that washing does not reach. For cookie cutters and similar short contact, ask and we advise on a sealed finish.
What is the difference between ABS and ASA?
They print and perform alike, but ASA resists UV: it keeps its strength and colour in the sun, where ABS yellows and turns brittle. For anything outdoors, we print ASA.
Which material is strongest?
For everyday parts, PETG: it bends before it breaks, which is what keeps a clip or bracket alive. PLA is stiffer but snaps. ABS/ASA is close to PETG and adds heat resistance.
Which colours can I choose?
It depends on what is on the shelf in each material. Write the colour on the quote form and the price reply confirms it, or suggests the closest match.
Not sure? Send the file and ask.
Tell us where the part will live. We pick the material and explain why in the price reply.