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As 3D printing technology becomes more sophisticated, so does the range of materials available to creators and engineers. While PLA remains a beginner-friendly standard, advanced users and industrial applications often require filaments with higher durability, flexibility, temperature resistance, or specialised chemical properties.
In this guide, we explore seven powerful and versatile filaments—PETG, ABS+, ASA, HIPS, Nylon (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), and PVA—available at 3DMeta. Each material brings unique strengths to the table, helping you choose the right one for your next high-performance project.
PETG Printing Filament
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) combines the printability of PLA with the strength of ABS, making it one of the most popular materials for functional and mechanical parts.
Key Benefits:
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Stronger than PLA, more flexible than ABS
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Excellent chemical resistance
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Minimal warping and easy to print
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Transparent and glossy finishes
Best For: Enclosures, mechanical parts, food containers, and outdoor prints.
ABS+ Printing Filament
ABS+ is an enhanced version of traditional ABS with improved stability and less warping, designed for stronger, more impact-resistant parts.
Key Benefits:
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Heat-resistant and durable
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Tougher than standard ABS
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Improved layer adhesion and reduced cracking
Best For: Automotive parts, tools, structural components.
ASA 3D Printing Filament
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a UV-resistant alternative to ABS, ideal for outdoor use due to its excellent weatherability.
Key Benefits:
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Outstanding UV and weather resistance
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High impact strength and dimensional stability
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Matte finish and low shrinkage
Best For: Automotive trim, outdoor fixtures, technical enclosures.
HIPS 3D Printing Filament
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) is commonly used as a support material for ABS and other high-temp filaments due to its solubility in limonene.
Key Benefits:
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Lightweight and easy to sand or paint
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Excellent as a support material for dual extrusion
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Biodegradable and recyclable
Best For: Support structures, casings, prototyping, packaging.
Nylon (PA) 3D Printing Filament
Nylon (Polyamide) is known for its exceptional strength, durability, and flexibility. It’s often used in industrial settings where mechanical strength is essential.
Key Benefits:
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High abrasion resistance
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Tough and flexible
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Strong layer adhesion
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Excellent chemical resistance
Best For: Gears, hinges, load-bearing parts, jigs and fixtures.
Polycarbonate (PC) 3D Printing Filament
PC (Polycarbonate) is one of the strongest 3D printing materials available. It requires high printing temperatures but delivers top-tier mechanical performance.
Key Benefits:
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Superior impact resistance
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Withstands temperatures up to 110°C+
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High transparency and optical clarity
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Flame-retardant properties
Best For: Engineering-grade components, protective gear, and electronic housings.
PVA 3D Printing Filament
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) is a water-soluble filament mainly used as a support material in multi-extruder 3D printing setups.
Key Benefits:
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Fully dissolves in water—ideal for complex models
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Non-toxic and biodegradable
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Pairs well with PLA, Nylon, and TPU
Best For: Support structures in detailed or enclosed prints.
🔗 Explore PVA 3D Printing Filament
Comparison Chart: Which Filament Is Right for You?
| Filament | Strength | Flexibility | Heat Resistance | Best For |
| PETG | High | Medium | Medium | Functional prints |
| ABS+ | High | Low | High | Structural parts |
| ASA | High | Medium | High (UV-safe) | Outdoor use |
| HIPS | Medium | Medium | Medium | Support material |
| Nylon | Very High | High | High | Mechanical parts |
| PC | Very High | Low | Very High | Industrial-grade components |
| PVA | Low | N/A | Low | Dissolvable supports |
Final Thoughts
When your 3D printing needs go beyond hobby-level experimentation, advanced filaments like PETG, ABS+, ASA, Nylon, and Polycarbonate allow you to produce strong, resilient, and functional components. And for complex models, PVA and HIPS provide the ideal support solutions.
At 3DMeta, you’ll find a comprehensive selection of high-performance 3D printing filament materials tailored for everything from rapid prototyping to industrial manufacturing. Browse our collections today to elevate your next project with materials that match your ambition.