Choosing the right filament is one of the most important decisions in 3D printing. PLA and PETG are the two most popular materials, and each has distinct advantages. Here's everything you need to know.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is the most beginner-friendly filament and the most widely used material in FDM 3D printing. It's derived from renewable resources like corn starch.
PLA Strengths
- Easy to print — low warping, no heated bed required (though recommended)
- Great surface finish — smooth, vibrant colors
- Low odor — pleasant, slightly sweet smell during printing
- Wide color selection — Forgely manufactures PLA in 30+ colors right here in Roy, Utah
- Affordable — typically $18–25 per 1kg spool
PLA Limitations
- Low heat resistance (~60°C) — parts can warp in hot cars
- More brittle than PETG — snaps rather than flexes
- Not ideal for outdoor use without UV treatment
Recommended PLA Settings
| Nozzle Temp | 190–220°C |
| Bed Temp | 50–60°C |
| Speed | 40–60 mm/s |
| Cooling | 100% after first layer |
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG bridges the gap between PLA's ease of use and ABS's strength. It's the go-to for functional parts.
PETG Strengths
- Stronger than PLA — better layer adhesion and impact resistance
- Higher heat resistance — up to ~80°C
- Chemical resistant — good for containers and functional parts
- Flexible — bends before breaking
- Food safe — when printed properly with a stainless nozzle
PETG Limitations
- Stringier than PLA — requires retraction tuning
- Can be harder to get perfect surface finish
- Slightly higher printing temperatures needed
Recommended PETG Settings
| Nozzle Temp | 220–250°C |
| Bed Temp | 70–80°C |
| Speed | 30–50 mm/s |
| Cooling | 50% or lower |
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Strength | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Heat resistance | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Surface finish | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Flexibility | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | $18–25/kg | $20–30/kg |
When to Use Which
- Use PLA for: Prototypes, decorative items, figurines, cosplay props, gifts, anything that won't see heat or heavy stress
- Use PETG for: Functional parts, outdoor items, phone cases, mechanical components, food containers, anything that needs durability
Try Both at Forgely Roy
Not sure which is right for your project? Stop by our store in Roy, Utah and we'll help you pick the perfect filament. We carry both PLA and PETG in a wide range of colors, and our Forgely-brand PLA is manufactured right here in Utah.
Address: 5519 S 1900 W, Roy, UT 84067
Hours: Mon–Fri 11–6, Sat 11–3