PLA, PETG, and More: What Should You Feed Your 3D Printer?

You’ve got the printer, you’ve got the design—now you need the "ink." In the world of 3D printing, your ink is Filament. But as you browse the Toner and Ink collection, you’ll notice a lot of acronyms: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS.

Which one do you need? Choosing the wrong material can lead to failed prints, while choosing the right one can make your project look and feel professional. Let’s break it down with the top 3 most common filament types.

PLA: The King of Ease (Best for Everyone)

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is the most popular 3D printing material in the world, and for good reason. It’s made from renewable resources (like cornstarch), it doesn't smell while printing, and it comes in every color imaginable.

• Use it for: Display models, toys, "useless" (but cool) gadgets, and prototypes.

• Pro Tip: Look for Silk PLA for a shiny, metallic finish, or Matte PLA for a modern, architectural look.

PETG: The Sturdy Step-Up

Think of PETG as the middle ground between ease of use and high strength. It’s the same plastic used in water bottles, but modified for 3D printing.

• Use it for: Items that need to be "functional." If you are printing a phone holder for your car (which gets hot in the sun) or a bracket for your garden hose, PETG is much more heat and UV-resistant than PLA.

• Characteristics: It’s a bit "stickier" to print with, but the results are incredibly tough.

TPU: The Flexible Rebel

Have you ever wanted to print your own phone case or a rubber tire for a toy car? That’s where TPU comes in. It is a flexible, rubber-like filament that can be squished and stretched.

• Use it for: Phone cases, gaskets, vibration dampeners, and wearable items.

Common Filament Overview

Filament	Ease of Use	Best For	Key Characteristics
PLA	★★★★★	Models, prototypes, decor	Easy to print, rigid, biodegradable, but low heat resistance.
PETG	★★★★☆	Functional parts, outdoor items	Strong, chemical/water-resistant, balances ease of use and durability.
ABS	★★☆☆☆	Mechanical parts, enclosures	High heat/impact resistance, requires an enclosure and ventilation.
TPU	★★☆☆☆	Flexible parts (seals, gaskets)	Rubber-like, durable, impact-absorbent, challenging to print.
Nylon	★☆☆☆☆	Industrial gears, hinges	Exceptionally strong, durable, absorbs moisture (needs drying).

How to Store Your Filament

Our South African climate can be humid, especially in coastal areas like Cape Town. Filament acts like a sponge—it absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause "popping" noises and poor print quality.

• The Fix: Store your spools in airtight containers with a few silica gel packets when you aren't using them!

Order Now and Get It Delivered Free!

Ready to stock up on your 3D printing supplies? At Toner and Ink, we carry a full range of high-quality filaments to feed your new ELEGOO machine. Best of all, every order comes with Free Nationwide Delivery, so you can keep creating without worrying about the shipping bill.