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PLA vs PETG vs ABS/ASA vs TPU: which material for your part

By Dynafabs

A practical Dynafabs guide to choosing filament, layer height, walls and infill when you order a UK 3D print.

Ordering a 3D print is easier when you know what the plastic is for. At Dynafabs you pick material alongside strength and layer detail, and the quote engine prices from a real slice of your file. This guide compares the four filament families people ask about most — PLA, PETG, ABS/ASA and TPU — with sensible starting points for layer height, walls and infill when you order from us.

These are practical rules of thumb for typical FDM parts, not laboratory datasheets. Always match the material to how the part will be used.

PLA — easy detail for display and light use

Best for: miniatures and figurines for display or gentle handling, visual prototypes, gifts, indoor decorative parts, and anything where fine surface detail matters more than heat or impact resistance.

PLA is the usual first choice for character models and tabletop pieces that live on a shelf or gaming board. It prints cleanly and holds crisp edges well. It is less ideal for parts that sit in a hot car, near a radiator, or take repeated knocks.

Sensible starting settings when ordering:

• Layer height: 0.12–0.16 mm for display miniatures; 0.20 mm for larger decorative shapes where speed matters more than ultra-fine layers.
• Walls (perimeters): 2–3 for display; 3–4 if the piece will be handled often.
• Infill: 10–20% for display; 20–30% if you want a sturdier figurine base or thicker solid feel.

PETG — tougher general-purpose parts

Best for: brackets, clips, enclosures, household fixes, mechanical prototypes and parts that need better toughness and layer adhesion than PLA, plus a bit more heat tolerance for everyday indoor use.

PETG sits between PLA and ABS for many hobby and workshop jobs. It is a strong default when the part must work, not only look good. Surfaces are usually a little glossier and less "crisp" than PLA at the same layer height, which is fine for functional geometry.

Sensible starting settings:

• Layer height: 0.20 mm for most functional parts; 0.16 mm if you need cleaner curves on a visible face.
• Walls: 3–4 for clips and brackets; 4+ where screw bosses or thin beams carry load.
• Infill: 20–40% depending on load; favour more walls over extreme infill for strength in FDM.

ABS and ASA — heat, toughness and outdoors

Best for: parts that see higher temperatures, more abuse, or outdoor UV and weather (ASA especially). Think automotive cabin fixtures, outdoor housings, workshop tools, and enclosures that must not soften as easily as PLA.

ABS is the classic engineering filament for heat and toughness; ASA is often preferred outdoors because it handles sunlight and weathering better than standard ABS. Both need more careful printing conditions than PLA or PETG, which is why a service print can be simpler than fighting warping at home.

Sensible starting settings:

• Layer height: 0.20 mm for strength-focused parts; 0.16–0.20 mm if appearance matters on an exterior face.
• Walls: 3–5; lean higher for structural housings.
• Infill: 25–50% for load-bearing work; keep critical load paths supported by walls and orientation, not infill alone.

If you are unsure between ABS and ASA, say how the part will be used (sun, rain, heat, indoor only) on your quote notes so we can steer the choice.

TPU — flexible and abrasion-resistant

Best for: grips, bumpers, flexible couplings, seals, protective sleeves and anything that must bend or absorb impact instead of staying rigid.

TPU is an elastomer. Design differently: thin walls flex more; thick sections feel firmer. Do not expect PLA-like sharp miniature detail at the same settings — flexibility is the point.

Sensible starting settings:

• Layer height: 0.20–0.28 mm for most flexible parts.
• Walls: 2–4 depending on how soft or firm you want the shell.
• Infill: 10–30% for soft feel; higher infill and more walls for firmer behaviour.

Quick chooser

| Need | Reach for | |------|-----------| | Crisp miniature / gift / indoor display | PLA | | Everyday functional bracket or enclosure | PETG | | Heat, abuse, or outdoor UV | ABS / ASA | | Bend, grip, cushion | TPU |

Orientation still matters: long thin beams are stronger along the layers' plane than across them. If a clip hinge or screw boss is critical, mention it when you upload.

FAQ

Can I mix materials in one order? Yes for separate parts. Multi-material in a single body depends on the file and process; ask on the quote if you need dual properties in one piece.

What layer height should I pick? Finer layers improve visible curves and miniature faces; coarser layers suit larger functional shapes and keep cost and time down. Start with the ranges above, then adjust.

Where do I compare options on a real file? Upload to https://dynafabs.uk/quote and change material, strength and layer detail — the price updates from a real slice. More on the service: dynafabs.uk.

Is resin the same as these filaments? No. Resin is a different process, often chosen for very fine miniature detail. This guide covers filament (FDM) materials: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA and TPU.

When you are ready, drop your model on dynafabs.uk/quote — STL, 3MF, STEP or ZIP — and pick the material that matches the job, not just the one that sounds familiar.

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