Is PLA or PETG stronger?

They have close tensile numbers, near 50 MPa. PETG is far tougher and takes hits and heat better, so we rank it higher.

Is PA-CF stronger than ABS?

Yes, by a wide margin. PA-CF pulls to about 80 MPa versus about 40 MPa for ABS, and it takes much more heat.

Why is PLA ranked last for strength?

PLA is brittle and cracks on impact. It also softens near 57C. It is great for looks, not for stress or heat.

How do I get a price for the strongest option?

PA-CF gets a fast human quote. Upload your STL and we will send a flat per-part price held for 30 days.

Guide

The Strongest 3D Printing Material, Ranked

The strongest FDM 3D printing material we make is PA-CF, carbon fiber nylon. It pulls to about 80 MPa and stays stiff under load. Next come PETG and ABS, both tough for daily parts. PLA is the weakest here and is best for looks, not stress. Match the material to the job, and you get a part that lasts.

The honest ranking

PA-CF is the strongest. It is stiff, strong, and takes the most heat.

PETG and ABS sit in the middle. Both are tough and handle real, daily use.

PLA sits at the bottom for strength. It looks great but cracks under stress and heat.

1. PA-CF, the strongest

PA-CF pulls to about 80 MPa and holds shape up to about 140C. Nothing else we print comes close.

The carbon fibers make it very stiff, so parts stay rigid under load.

Pick it for brackets, mounts, jigs, and any part that must not flex or fail.

2. PETG and ABS, the tough middle

PETG pulls to about 50 MPa and is our default. It bends before it breaks and resists chemicals.

ABS pulls to about 40 MPa but takes more heat, up to about 98C. It also paints well.

Both are strong enough for most working parts. PETG is the safer pick unless you need extra heat.

3. PLA, for looks not stress

PLA pulls to about 50 MPa on paper, so it sounds strong. But it is brittle and cracks on impact.

It also softens near 57C, so heat is a real weak spot.

Pick PLA for display models, indoor jigs, and prototypes where looks beat strength.

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.

PA-CF gets a fast human quote, since carbon fiber parts need a quick check first.

Every price is flat and per part. We hold it 30 days. Parts are made in the USA and ship in 2 to 5 days.

Quick takeaways

PA-CF is the strongest material we print, at about 80 MPa and 140C.
PETG and ABS are the tough middle, good for most daily parts.
PLA is weakest for stress and heat, but best for looks.
Match the material to the job for a part that lasts.
PLA and PETG get an instant price; ABS, PA-CF, and TPU get a fast quote.

Have a part to print? Get an instant price.

Instant Quote

Common questions

What is the strongest 3D printing material?: For our FDM service, it is PA-CF, carbon fiber nylon. It pulls to about 80 MPa and stays stiff under load and heat.
Is PLA or PETG stronger?: They have close tensile numbers, near 50 MPa. PETG is far tougher and takes hits and heat better, so we rank it higher.
Is PA-CF stronger than ABS?: Yes, by a wide margin. PA-CF pulls to about 80 MPa versus about 40 MPa for ABS, and it takes much more heat.
Why is PLA ranked last for strength?: PLA is brittle and cracks on impact. It also softens near 57C. It is great for looks, not for stress or heat.
How do I get a price for the strongest option?: PA-CF gets a fast human quote. Upload your STL and we will send a flat per-part price held for 30 days.