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PLA vs ABS vs PETG for 3D Printing Beginners

What Are PLA, ABS, and PETG?

PLA, ABS, and PETG are three of the most popular filaments used in 3D printing. Each has its own set of properties, making them suitable for different types of projects and printer setups.

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch. It's known for its ease of use, minimal warping, and lack of odor during printing. It's ideal for beginners and is often used for decorative items, prototypes, and educational models.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a strong, durable thermoplastic commonly used in industrial applications. It's more flexible than PLA and has better impact resistance. However, it requires a heated bed and proper ventilation due to the fumes it emits during printing.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a hybrid of PET and ABS. It offers the strength and durability of ABS with the ease of printing of PLA. It's also more resistant to moisture and chemicals than PLA, making it a good choice for functional parts and outdoor use.

Each filament has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and printer capabilities.

Worked Example: Calculating Filament Cost and Length

Let's say you want to print a small object that uses 100 grams of PLA filament. Here's how you can calculate the cost and length of filament used.

Step 1: Determine the cost per gram

Assume you have a 1 kg (1,000 grams) spool of PLA filament that costs $15. The cost per gram is:

(\$15 ÷ 1,000 grams) = \$0.015 per gram

Step 2: Calculate the total cost for 100 grams

100 grams × \$0.015 per gram = \$1.50

So, printing a small object that uses 100 grams of PLA filament would cost $1.50.

Step 3: Calculate the length of filament used

To calculate the length of filament used, you need to know the density of the filament and its diameter. For PLA, the density is approximately 1.24 g/cm³, and the standard diameter is 1.75 mm.

The formula to calculate the length of filament is:

Length (m) = (grams used ÷ density (g/cm³) × π × ((diameter (mm) ÷ 2))² / 1000)

Plugging in the numbers:

Length (m) = (100 ÷ 1.24 × π × ((1.75 ÷ 2))² / 1000)

Length (m) = (100 ÷ 1.24 × 3.1416 × (0.875)² / 1000)

Length (m) = (100 ÷ 1.24 × 3.1416 × 0.7656 / 1000)

Length (m) = (100 ÷ 1.24 × 2.397 / 1000)

Length (m) = (100 ÷ 2.972 / 1000)

Length (m) = (100 ÷ 0.002972) ≈ 33,650 mm = 33.65 meters

So, 100 grams of 1.75 mm PLA filament is approximately 33.65 meters long.

Cost and Performance Comparison

As you can see, PLA is the most user-friendly and affordable option, while ABS offers greater strength and durability but requires more setup. PETG is a good middle ground, offering a balance between ease of use and performance.

Which Filament to Pick If...

• You're a beginner: Choose PLA for its ease of use and affordability.
• You need a strong, durable part: Choose ABS with proper ventilation and a heated bed.
• You want a balance between strength and ease of use: Choose PETG.
• You're printing functional parts or outdoor items: Choose PETG for its chemical and moisture resistance.
• You're printing decorative or educational models: Choose PLA for its low cost and minimal warping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Printing ABS without a heated bed: ABS is prone to warping and requires a heated bed to ensure proper adhesion and reduce warping.
2. Ignoring ventilation when printing ABS: ABS emits fumes during printing, so it's important to follow the printer and filament maker's ventilation guidance.
3. Using the wrong nozzle size: Using a nozzle that's too small can increase print time and may cause clogging. Always use a nozzle size that matches your filament type and printer capabilities.
4. Not leveling the print bed: A poorly leveled print bed can lead to failed prints and poor adhesion.
5. Printing PETG without proper cooling: PETG requires proper cooling to prevent warping and ensure good layer adhesion.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help you achieve better results and reduce the risk of print failures.

Electricity Cost Estimation

Printing with a 3D printer also involves some electricity costs. The cost depends on the power consumption of your printer and the length of the print.

Assume your printer uses 100 watts and you print for 2 hours. The electricity cost can be calculated as follows:

Electricity Cost = (Printer Watts ÷ 1000) × Hours × Price per kWh

Using an average electricity rate of $0.12 per kWh:

Electricity Cost = (100 ÷ 1000) × 2 × 0.12 = 0.024 × 0.12 = \$0.00288

So, printing for 2 hours would cost approximately $0.00288, or about $0.003.

This is a very small cost, but it can add up over time, especially for long or frequent prints.

FAQ

Q: What should I check about PLA emissions indoors?
A: Emissions vary by filament and printer; check the filament SDS and maker guidance and ventilate. This site does not make health claims about fumes.

Q: Can I print ABS without a heated bed?
A: It's not recommended. ABS is prone to warping and requires a heated bed to ensure proper adhesion and reduce warping.

Q: What is the best filament for printing functional parts?
A: PETG is often considered the best choice for functional parts due to its strength, flexibility, and resistance to moisture and chemicals.

Q: How does the cost of PLA compare to ABS and PETG?
A: PLA is typically the most affordable, followed by PETG, and then ABS. Prices can vary depending on the brand and quality of the filament.

Q: Can I use the same nozzle for all three filaments?
A: Yes, you can use the same nozzle for all three filaments, but it's important to clean the nozzle thoroughly between filament changes to avoid contamination and clogging.

Who This Is Not For

This guide is not for users who are printing with advanced or industrial-grade filaments, such as nylon, carbon fiber, or metal-filled filaments. It's also not for users who are printing in environments with extreme temperatures or humidity, as these conditions can affect the performance and adhesion of the filaments discussed.

Additionally, this guide is not for users who are printing with large-scale or multi-extruder printers, as the recommendations and calculations are based on standard single-extruder printers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right filament for your 3D printing project depends on your specific needs, printer capabilities, and budget. PLA is the best choice for beginners and decorative prints, ABS is ideal for strong and durable parts, and PETG offers a good balance between strength and ease of use.

Always follow the printer and filament maker's guidance for ventilation and safety, and consider using a filament cost calculator to estimate your expenses. For more information on filament cost and print time estimation, check out our filament cost per print calculator and print time estimation guide.

Whether you're printing a small model or a large functional part, understanding the differences between PLA, ABS, and PETG can help you make the best choice for your project.

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