Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) is the most commonly used thermoplastic in FDM 3D-printing as it’s by far the easiest to print. With this benefit come some drawbacks, mainly poor chemical resistance and low heat resistance (Max Temp: ~50-60C).

PLA is commonly found in plastic products advertised as enviromentally friendly alternatives. PLA is synthesized from abundantly available renewable resources and is industrially compostable.

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is a popular FDM 3D-printing filament known for its excellent balance between ease of printing and enhanced mechanical properties. It offers greater chemical resistance and significantly higher heat resistance than PLA (Max Temp: ~70–80 °C).

PETG is widely used in applications requiring durability and clarity, such as FDA-compliant food storage containers.

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most chemically inert plastics—only surpassed by materials like PTFE. Its excellent resistance to solvents, acids, and bases makes it ideal for harsh chemical environments. However, its inert nature significantly reduces printability with FDM type 3D printers.

PP offers high fatigue resistance and good heat tolerance (Max Temp: ~100–110 °C). It’s widely used in labware, medical devices, and automotive parts.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a type of 3D printing that works by melting plastic and building objects one layer at a time. It’s one of the most accessible and affordable forms of 3D printing and its what allows us to keep costs low.