Is PETG stronger than PLA?

They have close tensile strength, near 50 MPa each. PETG is much tougher, so it takes hits and heat better. PLA is stiffer but brittle.

Is ABS stronger than PETG?

PETG pulls harder in tension (about 50 MPa vs 40 MPa). ABS wins on heat, up to about 98C. For most parts, we still pick PETG.

Which material is best for outdoor parts?

PETG and ABS both handle sun and rain better than PLA. PLA can soften and sag in heat, so we skip it outdoors.

Which is cheapest to print?

PLA is the cheapest and prints the fastest. Upload your STL to see the exact price for PLA and PETG.

Can I get an instant price for these?

Yes. PLA and PETG get an instant auto price. ABS gets a fast quote. Upload an STL to see the cost.

Guide

PLA vs PETG vs ABS: A Simple Guide

PLA, PETG, and ABS are the three most common FDM 3D printing plastics. PLA is cheap and prints clean, but it gets weak in heat. PETG is tough and resists water and chemicals, so it is our default for real parts. ABS handles the most heat and takes paint well, but big flat parts can warp. Each one fits a different job.

The quick answer for each material

Pick PLA when looks matter and heat does not. Think display models, indoor jigs, and prototypes.

Pick PETG for most working parts. It bends before it breaks and shrugs off water and many chemicals.

Pick ABS when the part sees real heat or needs paint and glue. Just keep large flat walls in mind.

Strength and toughness

PLA and PETG both pull to about 50 MPa in tension. So on paper they look close.

The real gap is toughness. PLA is stiff but brittle. Drop it and it can crack. PETG bends and takes a hit, then springs back.

ABS lands near 40 MPa in tension. It is a bit lower, but it stays tough across a wide heat range.

Heat resistance

Heat is where these plastics split apart. PLA softens near 57C. Leave it in a hot car and it can sag.

PETG holds up to about 73C. That covers most indoor and many outdoor uses.

ABS is the heat champ of the three at about 98C. Pick it for parts near motors, engines, or the sun.

Cost and print quality

PLA is the cheapest and easiest to print. It gives sharp corners and smooth walls.

PETG costs a little more and prints a touch stringy, but the strength is worth it for real parts.

ABS can warp on big flat parts as it cools. We plan around that, and paint sticks to it well.

How to get a price

PLA and PETG get an instant price. ABS gets a fast quote. Upload your STL to see the cost in seconds.

Your price is per part and flat. We hold it for 30 days and never reprice it.

Every part is made in the USA and ships in 2 to 5 days. There are no customs to slow you down.

Quick takeaways

PLA is cheap and clean but weak in heat and prone to cracking.
PETG is our default. It is tough and resists water and chemicals.
ABS takes the most heat (about 98C) and paints well, but can warp on big flat parts.
PLA and PETG pull to about 50 MPa; ABS to about 40 MPa.
All three get an instant price. Upload your STL to see it.

Have a part to print? Get an instant price.

Instant Quote

Common questions

Is PETG stronger than PLA?: They have close tensile strength, near 50 MPa each. PETG is much tougher, so it takes hits and heat better. PLA is stiffer but brittle.
Is ABS stronger than PETG?: PETG pulls harder in tension (about 50 MPa vs 40 MPa). ABS wins on heat, up to about 98C. For most parts, we still pick PETG.
Which material is best for outdoor parts?: PETG and ABS both handle sun and rain better than PLA. PLA can soften and sag in heat, so we skip it outdoors.
Which is cheapest to print?: PLA is the cheapest and prints the fastest. Upload your STL to see the exact price for PLA and PETG.
Can I get an instant price for these?: Yes. PLA and PETG get an instant auto price. ABS gets a fast quote. Upload an STL to see the cost.