Most Common 3D Printing Material

Why Everyone Starts with This 3D Printing Material

If you're new to 3D printing, you might be wondering:
What material do most people use to print with? Is there a standard filament or something I need to buy first?

Great question—and yes, there is a “default” material that the 3D printing world overwhelmingly relies on. It’s called PLA. We introduced it in our last post, but this time, we’re going deeper to help you understand why it’s the most popular and how it stacks up against other common materials.

Let’s unpack everything you need to know.

What Is PLA, Again?

PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a type of plastic derived from natural sources like corn starch or sugarcane. It's used in thousands of 3D printing projects around the world every day.

Think of PLA as the number one choice for beginners—and even many experts. It’s what most people print with when they get their first printer, and it’s likely the material you’ll use for your first prints, too.

Why Is PLA So Popular?

There are several key reasons why PLA dominates the world of 3D printing:

✅ 1. It’s Easy to Print

PLA has a low melting point, which means your printer doesn’t need to get super hot to work with it. It also sticks well to the print bed, doesn’t warp much as it cools, and doesn’t require fancy equipment like a heated enclosure.

Bottom line? Fewer errors. Smoother first-time experiences.

✅ 2. It’s Safe and Low-Odor

Unlike some plastics, PLA doesn’t give off harsh fumes when it melts. It has a mild, sweet smell, and because it's made from plants, it’s considered less toxic and safer for indoor use, especially around kids or in classrooms.

✅ 3. It’s Affordable and Everywhere

PLA is one of the cheapest filaments you can buy. It’s also available in a massive range of colors, finishes, and even special effects (like glow-in-the-dark or wood blends). Almost every 3D filament store carries PLA, often in more varieties than any other material.

✅ 4. It’s Great for Learning

When you’re learning to 3D print, you’ll make mistakes. PLA makes those mistakes less costly—both in time and money. It’s ideal for learning how your printer works, how to tune your settings, and how to go from idea to finished object.

But Are There Other Common Materials?

Yes! While PLA is #1, there are a few other popular materials you’ll see again and again. Here’s a quick overview:

🔶 ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Tougher and more heat-resistant than PLA
• Used for functional parts (like car parts or phone cases)
• Smells bad and can emit fumes—needs good ventilation
• More prone to warping, so harder to print with

🔷 PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

• More flexible and durable than PLA, and more temperature-resistant
• Good for mechanical parts, kitchen tools, and outdoor use
• Easier to print than ABS, but still more advanced than PLA
• Less brittle, but stringier during printing

🔶 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

• Flexible and rubbery
• Used for things like phone cases, shoe soles, or toys that bend
• Can be tricky to print due to flexibility

So… Why Start with PLA?

Even though the materials above have their strengths, they each come with challenges—higher temperatures, stronger smells, or more precise settings.

That’s why PLA is the go-to material for nearly every beginner. It gives you a smooth, low-risk way to learn the basics before diving into tougher terrain.

And unless you need your print to handle heat, bend, or take a beating, PLA will do the job beautifully. You can use it to make:

• Toys and collectibles
• Phone stands and holders
• Custom organizers
• Prototypes and cosplay props
• Art pieces and sculptures

Is PLA the Best Material?

That depends on what you’re trying to do. PLA is the best starting point, but as your projects grow, you may want materials that are:

• Stronger (like PETG or ABS)
• Flexible (like TPU)
• Food-safe (PETG is better for that than PLA)
• Outdoor-friendly (PLA can degrade in sunlight)

So while PLA is the most common, it’s not the only option—and it’s worth learning about others as you go.

What About Exotic Materials?

As you get deeper into 3D printing, you’ll find even more options like:

• Wood-filled PLA (prints that look like wood grain)
• Carbon fiber-reinforced filament (super strong)
• Glow-in-the-dark, silk, or metal-infused PLA
• Even flexible neon or translucent filaments
  

These are often based on PLA but mixed with special additives to get new effects.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve got a handle on PLA and the other major players, you might be wondering...

Can you 3D print with materials other than plastic—like metal? The answer is yes… but it’s a whole different world.