It’s the most common question from beginners (and not only): PLA or PETG? The short answer: PLA is easier and prettier, PETG is stronger and more resistant. The longer answer — below.
PLA — the king of easy printing
PLA (polylactide) prints at low temperatures (for Porima: 200–230 °C), needs no heated bed or enclosure and shows almost no shrinkage. Details come out sharp, colours are vivid and the printing odour is minimal.
- Pros: the easiest start, great aesthetics, a huge choice of colours and editions (Silk, Rainbow, Wood, Stone), low price.
- Cons: softens at around 55–60 °C, brittle under impact, doesn’t like direct sun or a hot car in summer.
- Typical uses: figurines, prototypes, decorations, display models, interior accessories.
PETG — everyday durability
PETG (a copolyester) needs higher temperatures (for Porima: 240–260 °C, bed 60–80 °C), but in return gives you a springy, chemical-resistant part that can take far more abuse than PLA.
- Pros: high impact strength, heat resistance up to about 75–80 °C, resistance to moisture and chemicals, good layer adhesion.
- Cons: prone to stringing, slower printing, less “decorative” than PLA.
- Typical uses: brackets, housings, mechanical parts, garden and garage items, containers.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Nozzle temperature | 200–230 °C | 240–260 °C |
| Bed | optional 0–60 °C | 60–80 °C |
| Mechanical strength | good (brittle) | very good (springy) |
| Heat resistance | up to ~55 °C | up to ~75–80 °C |
| Detail aesthetics | very high | good |
| Use case | decorations, models | functional parts |
Which one to choose?
Choose PLA if you’re just starting your 3D-printing journey, you print models, figurines and decorations, or you care about a flawless-looking print. See Porima PLA filaments — from classic PLA, through Silk PLA, to the high-speed Hyper PLA+.
Choose PETG when the part has a job to do: hold, hang, click and survive sun and moisture. See Porima PETG filaments, including PETG and the high-temperature HT PETG.
Tip: many makers simply keep both materials on the shelf — PLA for “pretty”, PETG for “durable”. You’ll find the full temperature ranges for all Porima materials in our printing temperature chart.
FAQ
Is PETG harder to print than PLA?
A little — it needs a heated bed, higher temperatures and slower printing, but on modern printers the difference is small.
Is PLA suitable for outdoor use?
For a short time, yes, but in summer it can deform. Outdoors, PETG is better — and ultimately ASA.
Which material is cheaper?
Prices are similar; in our store both are also available in the Eco version (spool-free), which is about 10 zł cheaper.