PLA
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources, such as cornstarch. It is a popular material for FDM 3D printing because it is easy to use, produces little odor during printing, and is available in a wide range of colors. PLA is a good choice for non-functional models and prototypes, such as figurines and architectural models because it has glossy, semi-gloss and matte finishes and it's easy to print.
ASA
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate). ASA is a thermoplastic that is very similar to ABS, but it has a higher UV-resistance and a better weather resistance. It is a great material for outdoor applications and parts that will be exposed to sunlight, making it a great option for automotive, and other outdoor applications that require high-quality prints with a good surface finish and high resistance to UV rays. It also has high impact strength, high temperature resistance and its suitable for prolonged outdoor use, It is stiffer than ABS and more brittle.
PETG
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol). PETG is a flexible, durable and easy-to-print thermoplastic that is often used for creating products that are intended for use in the consumer market. It is strong, impact-resistant and more flexible than ABS and PLA. It is also food-safe and widely used in the food industry. Also, PETG has very low warping, and it's more resistant to chemicals and high temperatures than ABS and PLA. It is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of applications, such as food packaging, consumer goods, and industrial applications. However, it tends to require higher printing temperature, and it is not recommended for large parts due to its high thermal expansion.
TPU
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible and durable thermoplastic that is often used for creating products that require flexibility, such as phone cases, shoe soles, and flexible mechanical parts. It has excellent flexibility and toughness, making it a great choice for products that will be subject to stress or impact. It's a rubber-like material, which makes it suitable for applications that require a high level of flexibility, it is also resistant to oils and chemicals, and it can withstand high and low temperatures. TPU is also a good choice for applications that require good abrasion resistance, it's a good choice for applications where the part will be subject to a lot of movement, and it also can be used to create flexible hinges, gears and similar mechanical elements.
Nylon carbon Fiber
PA-CF (Polyamide-Carbon Fiber) is another popular material that can be used in FDM 3D printing. PA-CF is a thermoplastic composite material that combines the strength and durability of polyamide (PA, commonly known as Nylon) with the stiffness and high-temperature resistance of carbon fiber. This results in a material that is extremely strong, stiff and heat-resistant. It is widely used for applications that require high mechanical strength, low thermal expansion, and resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. PA-CF parts are commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. It is a more expensive material and it requires a high-performance 3D printer with a capable extruder, and it also requires higher printing temperatures than standard PA filaments. The printed parts are usually black or dark grey due to the carbon fibers, and post-processing like sanding or polishing may be needed to achieve a smooth surface finish.
Polycarbonate
PC (Polycarbonate) is a thermoplastic material that is known for its strength, durability and transparency. It is a type of engineering plastic that is commonly used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products. It is an excellent material for printing parts that require high mechanical strength, stiffness and heat resistance and it is also widely used for transparent parts that require good light transmission. PC can be used for a variety of applications, including automotive parts, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial components, it is also good for creating gears, transparent covers and similar mechanical parts that require high strength and resistance to heat. PC filament is usually more expensive than other filaments, it also has high printing temperature, and it requires a high-performance 3D printer and a capable extruder to print it with the right properties. Also, it can be difficult to obtain a perfect surface finish on printed parts, and post-processing techniques like sanding and polishing may be required to obtain a smooth surface.