Which material should you choose?
PLA: the standard and cheapest choice
PLA is easy to print, barely warps and has the lowest price. It does not handle heat well (think of a car in the sun). Ideal for prototypes, figurines and decoration.
PETG: stronger and water resistant
PETG costs a little more, but is tougher and handles heat and moisture better. Good for functional parts, outdoor use and the kitchen (check the food safety of the specific brand).
ABS and ASA: resistant to heat and weather
Strong and heat resistant, but they warp without an enclosure and give off an unpleasant smell. ASA is the weather-resistant variant and therefore suited to outdoor use.
TPU: flexible
For phone cases, seals and shock absorbers. It prints slowly, so print time (and therefore electricity and depreciation) weighs more heavily than with PLA.
Nylon and PC: engineering materials
Very strong, but expensive and tricky: they absorb moisture and call for an enclosure and sometimes a hardened nozzle. Only choose them if you really need the strength.
Filament is not the only cost
A cheap material can turn out more expensive if it prints slower or fails more often. TPU and nylon are well-known examples. So always work with the full cost, including electricity, printer wear and failed prints.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest 3D printing material?
PLA is usually the cheapest and easiest material to print, at an average price of about 18 to 25 euros per kilo.
Is PETG more expensive than PLA?
PETG costs slightly more than PLA on average, about 20 to 25 euros per kilo. It is stronger and better at handling heat and moisture.
Why is nylon so expensive?
Nylon is an engineering material that absorbs moisture and must be stored and printed dry. It often costs 40 to 60 euros per kilo, and more prints fail.
Prices and temperatures are indicative. Always follow the recommended settings on your filament spool.