We offer two materials at PrintRush — PLA and PETG. The choice between them isn't about which is "better." It's about what your part is going to do.
The quick version
- PLA for parts that sit pretty: prototypes, display models, art, decorative objects.
- PETG for parts that earn their keep: brackets, enclosures, outdoor items, anything that gets touched, dropped, or stressed.
PLA, in plain terms
PLA is the friendliest filament ever made. It prints beautifully, comes out with a crisp surface, and doesn't off-gas anything weird. It's biodegradable (in industrial composters — not in your back yard), and it's cheaper than PETG.
Its weakness: heat. PLA starts softening around 60°C. A PLA part left on a dashboard in summer becomes a sad puddle. A PLA phone case touching a hot wireless charger warps. If your part will see sun, heat, or sustained load, skip PLA.
PETG, in plain terms
PETG is the same material as a Coca-Cola bottle. It's tougher than PLA — bends instead of snapping, handles heat up to about 80°C, and shrugs off UV. It's also food-safe in the right formulations, which is why it's everywhere in the soda industry.
Its catch: stringing. PETG can leave little hairs between parts of a print. We dial it in on our printers so this is barely noticeable, but the very finest detail is sometimes a touch softer than PLA.
The decision tree
If a friend will only see it, print PLA. If a friend will use it, print PETG.
A few real examples from our queue last week:
- Architectural model of a building → PLA
- Replacement knob for an oven dial → PETG
- Decorative vase for a bookshelf → PLA
- Wall hook to hang a backpack → PETG
- Cosplay armor piece → PETG (because it'll get bumped)
- Display stand for a model car → PLA
One more thing — color
Both materials come in Arctic White and Midnight Black at PrintRush. We standardized on two colors so we can keep prices honest. If you need a different color for a specific job, email us — we can usually source it as a one-off.
Still unsure? Send us a quick note from the contact page. We answer everything from a real human inbox.