Windsor 3D printer filament selection guide

Pick the right filament

New to 3D printing or just dialing in a new project? Here’s a plain-English guide to the filaments we carry — what each is best at, and the temperatures to start with. Some specialty materials are stocked seasonally or available by request. Not sure what to pick? Bring your project by the Windsor shop — we’re happy to help you choose.

PLA+

PLA+ (Everyday workhorse)

Best used for: Display models, prototypes, toys, signage, decor, and anything that lives indoors. The easiest material to print.

Pros
  • Easiest to print — great for beginners
  • Minimal warping, no enclosure needed
  • Sharp detail and bright colors
  • Low odor, biodegradable base
Cons
  • Softens in hot cars / direct sun
  • More brittle than PETG or TPU
  • Not ideal for outdoor or load-bearing parts
Nozzle 200–220°CBed 50–60°C
Silk PLA

Silk PLA (Show-stopper finish)

Best used for: Decorative prints, gifts, vases, and craft-show pieces where a glossy, metallic sheen makes the model pop.

Pros
  • Lustrous, metallic-looking surface
  • Prints almost as easily as PLA
  • Hides layer lines beautifully
Cons
  • Slightly weaker than standard PLA+
  • Best printed a touch hotter & slower
  • Shows stringing if under-tuned
Nozzle 210–230°CBed 50–60°C
PETG

PETG (Tough & weather-ready)

Best used for: Functional parts, brackets, outdoor items, water-resistant pieces, and anything that needs more durability than PLA.

Pros
  • Strong, slightly flexible — resists cracking
  • Good heat & UV resistance for outdoors
  • Food-contact friendly grades available
Cons
  • More stringing than PLA — needs tuning
  • Sticks hard to the bed (use a release)
  • Slower print speeds recommended
Nozzle 230–250°CBed 70–85°C
TPU

TPU Flex (Bend, don’t break)

Best used for: Phone cases, gaskets, straps, grips, wearables — anything that needs to flex, stretch, or absorb shock.

Pros
  • Rubber-like flexibility & impact resistance
  • Excellent grip and durability
  • Won’t shatter like rigid plastics
Cons
  • Trickiest to print — print slow
  • Needs a direct-drive extruder for best results
  • Not suited for rigid structural parts
Nozzle 220–240°CBed 40–60°C
ABS

ABS (Heat-tough & durable)

Best used for: Automotive parts, enclosures, tool handles, and functional pieces that see heat or mechanical stress. Can be acetone vapor-smoothed for a glossy finish.

Pros
  • High heat resistance — survives hot cars
  • Strong and impact-resistant
  • Smooths and glues easily (acetone)
Cons
  • Warps easily — enclosure & heated bed needed
  • Fumes require good ventilation
  • Harder to print than PLA or PETG
Nozzle 230–250°CBed 90–110°C
ASA

ASA (Outdoor-proof)

Best used for: Outdoor signage, planters, automotive trim, and anything left in sun or weather. Like ABS, but built to hold up to UV.

Pros
  • Excellent UV & weather resistance
  • Strong and heat-tolerant like ABS
  • Holds its color outdoors
Cons
  • Warps — enclosure recommended
  • Fumes require good ventilation
  • A bit pricier than ABS
Nozzle 240–260°CBed 90–110°C
CF

Carbon-Fiber Reinforced (Stiff & pro-grade)

Best used for: Rigid functional parts, jigs & fixtures, drone frames, and brackets that need stiffness with low weight. Available on PLA or PETG bases.

Pros
  • Very stiff and dimensionally stable
  • Premium matte finish
  • Lightweight strength
Cons
  • Highly abrasive — hardened steel nozzle required
  • More brittle than its base material
  • Best with a 0.5mm+ nozzle
Nozzle 220–250°CBed 60–85°C
Glow PLA

Glow-in-the-Dark PLA (Lights-out fun)

Best used for: Night signage, toys, Halloween & cosplay pieces, and novelty decor that glows after soaking up light.

Pros
  • Charges under light, then glows in the dark
  • Prints much like standard PLA
  • Fun for gifts and craft-show pieces
Cons
  • Abrasive — hardened nozzle recommended
  • Slightly weaker than plain PLA
  • Glow fades over time and needs recharging
Nozzle 205–225°CBed 50–60°C
Wood Fill

Wood-Fill PLA (Real wood look)

Best used for: Rustic decor, picture frames, signage, and gifts that should look and feel like real wood.

Pros
  • Looks & smells like wood
  • Can be sanded and stained
  • Warm, matte natural finish
Cons
  • Abrasive — hardened nozzle recommended
  • Can clog — use a 0.5mm+ nozzle
  • More brittle than plain PLA
Nozzle 195–220°CBed 50–60°C

At a glance

MaterialEase of printingStructural strengthHeat & UV resistanceFlexibility
PLA+★★★★★★★★★★★
Silk PLA★★★★★★★★★
PETG★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
TPU Flex★★★★★★★★★★★★★
ABS★★★★★★★★★★★★
ASA★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Carbon-Fiber★★★★★★★★★★★
Glow PLA★★★★★★★★★★
Wood-Fill PLA★★★★★★★★

Need help dialing in your settings?

Tell us your printer and what you’re making — we’ll share a starting profile and answer any questions, free. Local to Windsor? Stop by the shop.

Ask Us a Question → Browse Filament