Filament guideThe right 3D printing material can be the difference between a part that lasts and one that warps in a sunny window. We print in more than 30 Bambu Lab filaments in our Ridgewood, Queens studio. This guide sorts them by what they're good for, with a short explainer on each one.
Quick answer
The short answer
For most objects, PLA is the right start: crisp detail, the widest color range and lots of finishes. Step up to PETG for tougher, more heat-tolerant parts, TPU for flexible ones, ASA for parts that live outdoors, and carbon or glass fiber blends for stiff, functional parts.
Not sure? Tell us how the piece will be used, and we'll pick the material.
01
Quick picker
| If your piece needs to… | Start with |
|---|---|
| Look great, with fine detail and color | PLA, PLA Matte |
| Touch food, or be handled by kids | PLA Pure |
| Take some heat or rough handling | PETG, PLA Tough+ |
| Let light through (lamps, signs) | Translucent PLA, Translucent PETG |
| Bend and bounce back | TPU |
| Live outdoors in sun and rain | ASA, ASA-CF |
| Be stiff, strong and functional | Nylon CF/GF, PET-CF, PC |
| Be as light as possible | PLA Aero, ASA Aero |
02
PLA: detail, color and finishes
PLA is the everyday material for decor, sculpture, props, signs and prototypes. It prints cleanly and comes in more finishes than anything else.
- What is PLA? The basics, and where PLA falls short.
- PLA Pure: five food-contact-tested ingredients, and what "food safe" really means.
- PLA Matte: a flat finish that hides layer lines.
- Silk PLA: a glossy, metallic sheen.
- PLA Tough+ vs "PLA+": what tough PLA really means.
- Translucent PLA: a frosted glow for lamps and light pieces.
- Wood, Marble and Metal PLA: natural and metallic looks.
- Sparkle and Galaxy PLA: glitter and shimmer.
- Glow-in-the-dark PLA: how it charges and how long it glows.
- Multicolor and gradient PLA: printing in more than one color.
- PLA Aero: foaming PLA for very light parts.
- PLA-CF: stiffer PLA with a carbon fiber matte finish.
03
PETG and TPU: tougher and flexible
- What is PETG? Tougher and more heat tolerant than PLA. See also PETG vs PLA.
- PETG Matte: a soft, low-gloss finish with PETG's toughness.
- Translucent PETG: clearer than translucent PLA, and it handles more heat.
- PETG-CF: stiffer PETG with carbon fiber.
- TPU: flexible, rubber-like parts in several hardnesses.
04
ABS and ASA: heat and the outdoors
- ABS vs ASA: close cousins, but ASA handles UV and weather.
- ABS-GF: glass fiber ABS for stiffer, more stable parts.
- ASA Aero: lightweight ASA for RC planes and props.
- ASA-CF: carbon fiber ASA for stiff outdoor parts.
05
Engineering materials and supports
- Polycarbonate (PC and PC FR): tough and heat resistant, with a flame-retardant version.
- Nylon composites: PA6-CF, PA6-GF and PAHT-CF for functional parts.
- PET-CF: carbon fiber PET that barely absorbs moisture.
- Support materials and PVA: dissolvable and breakaway supports for cleaner surfaces.
06
Printing with IMPRESO
Everything above is printed in-house in Ridgewood, Queens, from one-off pieces to small runs. Every job is quoted, since price depends on size, material and print time. Send us your file or idea and how the piece will be used, and we'll recommend the material.
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