PLA vs PETG: which should I use?
PLA and PETG are the two filaments most people use. Both print on every Bambu Lab printer. The short version: PLA for looks and ease, PETG for tougher, practical parts.
By GRP 3D, Aberbeeg · Updated · Facts from Bambu Lab, sources below
Side by side
| PLA | PETG | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Medium | High |
| Flexibility | Low | Medium |
| Durability | Medium | High |
| Ease of printing | Easy | Medium |
| Nozzle temperature | 190–230 °C | 220–250 °C |
| Bed temperature | 35–55 °C | 50–80 °C |
| Warping | Minimal | Minimal |
| Moisture | Copes well, but keep it dry | Absorbs moisture – keep it sealed and dry |
| Drying (AMS 2 Pro) | 45 °C, 12 h | 65 °C, 12 h |
| Main downside | Brittle; weaker mechanical properties | Damp filament prints badly; surface scratches easily |
Choose PLA when…
- You're new to 3D printing – Bambu Lab's advice is to start with PLA.
- The print is a model, toy, decoration or prototype for indoors.
- The look matters most: PLA comes in the widest range of finishes – matte, silk, marble, wood, glow and more.
Start with Bambu Lab PLA Basic (from £15.99) or PLA Matte (from £15.99).
Choose PETG when…
- The part has to be tough: holders, brackets, clips and tools.
- It will live outdoors or get wet. Bambu Lab says its PETG Basic has improved resistance to water, UV and temperature and suits outdoor accessories.
- You print fast: PETG HF is made for high-speed printing.
Our PETG: PETG Basic (from £15.99), PETG HF (from £15.99), PETG Matte (from £13.99) and PETG Translucent (from £16.99).
Something in between
- PLA Tough+ is PLA made to take knocks and repeated flexing – Bambu Lab says it has up to twice the layer adhesion of standard PLA.
- PLA-CF and PETG-CF are carbon-fibre filled for stiff parts. They need a hardened steel nozzle (standard on the P2S and H series).
- For outdoor parts on an enclosed printer, look at ASA.
Printers, AMS and spools
- Both print on every Bambu Lab printer we sell, from the A1 mini to the H3C.
- Bambu Lab lists PLA Matte and PETG HF as compatible with all its AMS units – check each filament's page for others.
- Both fit on the Low Temp (white) reusable spool if you buy refills.
Questions we get asked
Is PETG stronger than PLA?
Generally, yes. Bambu Lab rates PETG's strength and durability as high and PLA's as medium. PLA is stiffer but more brittle. For a tougher PLA, look at PLA Tough+.
Is PETG harder to print than PLA?
A little. It prints hotter (220–250 °C against 190–230 °C for PLA) and absorbs moisture, so it needs to be kept dry. On a Bambu Lab printer with the right profile, most people find it straightforward.
Which is better for beginners?
PLA. Bambu Lab recommends starting with PLA and moving to other materials once you're confident.
Can I print PETG on an A1 mini?
Yes. PLA, PETG and TPU are the right materials for the A1 mini, A1 and A2L.
Which is better outdoors, PLA or PETG?
PETG. Bambu Lab says its PETG Basic has improved resistance to water, UV and temperature. If you have an enclosed printer, ASA is made for outdoor parts.
Related
Still not sure?
Call us on 01495 820215 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), email hello@grp3d.shop, or visit our shop in Aberbeeg.
Sources
- Bambu Lab Wiki – Filament guide for beginners (PLA, PETG, ABS properties)
- Bambu Lab Wiki – Filament drying recommendations
- Bambu Lab Wiki – A1 mini FAQ (materials)
- GRP 3D product pages (Shopify): PLA Basic, PETG Basic, PETG HF, PLA Tough+, PLA-CF, PETG-CF
Specifications are Bambu Lab's own figures. Prices and stock come live from our shop and can change.