Materials
ABS vs PETG vs nylon vs TPU: which FDM material is best?
Choose PETG for general functional parts, ABS for impact loads and parts you will sand or paint, nylon for wear and moving parts, and TPU when the part must flex. For outdoor parts, use ASA instead of ABS. All four print on our FDM machines at ±0.5% (minimum ±0.3 mm), from 1 calendar day.
Reviewed by HenleyPrint3D engineers2 min readUpdated
Key takeaways
- PETG: default for functional parts.
- ABS: impact loads and parts you will sand or paint.
- Nylon: wear and moving parts; keep it dry.
- TPU: seals and grips; low stiffness.
Suits
Designers choosing between the four most common FDM materials.
Worth knowing
Each has one dominant trade-off: ABS warps on large flat parts, PETG has a softer surface, nylon takes up moisture, TPU has low stiffness.
ABS, PETG, nylon and TPU compared
| ABS | PETG | Nylon | TPU | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
| Stiffness | Medium | Medium | Medium | Very low |
| Heat | Medium | Moderate | Medium | Moderate |
| Flex | Rigid | Rigid | Some | Yes |
| Main watch-out | Warps on large parts | Soft surface | Absorbs moisture | Less fine detail |
Which material for which application?
| If the part | Choose |
|---|---|
| Is general purpose or touches chemicals | PETG |
| Takes knocks, or will be sanded, glued or painted | ABS |
| Slides, wears or has hinges | Nylon |
| Must squash or flex | TPU |
| Sits outdoors | ASA instead of ABS |
FDM key figures
| Property | FDM on our service |
|---|---|
| Build volume | Up to 1000 × 1000 × 1000 mm |
| Tolerance | ±0.5% (min ±0.3 mm) |
| Layer height | From 50 microns |
| Lead time | From 1 calendar day |
| Outdoor option | ASA, working to about 100 °C |
All four print on the same FDM machines, so you can change material between iterations without changing the process. Print the first prototype in PETG, then move to ABS, nylon or TPU when the requirement is clear.
For materials beyond these four, including ASA, carbon-fibre PETG and resins, see the 3D printing materials guide or the full FDM materials list. To order, use our FDM 3D printing service.
Frequently asked questions
Is ABS or PETG stronger?
It depends on the load. ABS typically has better heat resistance and impact toughness; PETG has better layer adhesion and chemical resistance. For parts loaded across layers, PETG can outperform ABS; for hot environments, ABS is better.
Is nylon stronger than ABS?
Nylon PA12 is generally tougher, with higher elongation and better fatigue and wear performance. ABS is stiffer and easier to finish, while nylon absorbs moisture and shrinks more.
What is TPU used for?
TPU is used for flexible parts such as seals, gaskets, grips, bumpers and protective covers. At 95A Shore hardness it can deform fully and recover, with around 600% elongation at break.
Which FDM material is best for outdoor use?
ASA is generally the best choice for UV and weather exposure, with around 100 °C heat resistance. Among the four here, ABS and nylon are acceptable for short-term exposure; PETG is better coated.
Which material is cheapest to print?
PETG and ABS are typically the lowest cost of the four, followed by nylon and TPU. Total cost depends on print time, supports and finishing as well as filament price.
Is ASA the same as ABS?
No. ASA is similar to ABS, but it adds the UV resistance that ABS lacks and works to about 100 °C.
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