PLA — Polylactic Acid
PLA is the default starting material for most FDM printers. It is derived from plant starch and is generally considered biodegradable under industrial composting conditions. From a printing perspective, PLA is the most forgiving: it adheres well to glass and PEI build plates, requires no heated enclosure, and rarely warps on standard print beds heated to 50–60°C.
Print Settings
Nozzle temperature for PLA typically falls between 195–220°C depending on brand and colour. A bed temperature of 50–60°C is standard, though some manufacturers recommend printing on an unheated bed with adhesion aids. Print speeds of 40–60 mm/s produce reliable results on most entry-level printers.
Mechanical Properties
PLA is relatively stiff and has moderate tensile strength, but it is more brittle under impact than PETG or ABS. It performs adequately at room temperature but softens in the range of 60°C, which means it is unsuitable for parts that will be left in direct sunlight inside a car or near a heat source. For outdoor Canadian summers, parts in direct sun can deform over time.
Best Applications
- Indoor cable management clips and holders
- Drawer and cabinet hardware replacements
- Decorative or display parts
- Prototypes and test fits before using a more expensive material
- Parts used in climate-controlled indoor environments
PETG — Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
PETG bridges the gap between PLA's printability and ABS's mechanical performance. It is more flexible than PLA, resists impact better, and tolerates higher temperatures — typically up to 70–80°C before significant deformation. The glycol modification reduces the brittleness of standard PET, making it more reliable for layer bonding.
Print Settings
PETG prints at higher nozzle temperatures than PLA — typically 230–250°C — and benefits from a heated bed at 70–85°C. It tends to string more than PLA, which creates thin threads between retracted moves. Increasing retraction distance and lowering print speed reduces stringing, though some trial-and-error with specific brands is expected.
Mechanical Properties
PETG parts are tougher than PLA in most impact scenarios. The material is also food-safe to varying degrees depending on the specific compound and pigments used — though layer adhesion in FDM printing creates surface pores that can harbour bacteria, which limits practical food-contact use without post-processing. For non-food applications, PETG is generally considered more chemically resistant than PLA and suitable for light contact with water or mild household chemicals.
Best Applications
- Outdoor hardware components exposed to temperature variation
- Parts near heat sources (e.g., close to appliance exhausts or in unconditioned spaces)
- Lightweight structural brackets in moderate-load applications
- Replacement parts for items stored in unheated garages during Canadian winters
- Water-resistant housings for electronics in non-pressurised applications
ABS — Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
ABS was one of the earliest materials used in FDM printing and is known for its higher temperature resistance and post-processing options. It is the material used in many original manufactured parts — LEGO bricks, automotive interior components, and various household appliance housings. This makes it suitable when replicating parts that were originally ABS, since the thermal and mechanical properties will be similar.
Print Difficulties
ABS is significantly harder to print reliably than PLA or PETG. It requires a heated bed at 100–110°C and benefits strongly from an enclosed print chamber to prevent warping. Without an enclosure, ABS parts frequently delaminate at layer boundaries as the outer surface cools faster than the interior. It also emits styrene vapour during printing, which requires ventilation beyond what PLA demands.
Print Settings
Nozzle temperature for ABS: 230–250°C. Bed temperature: 100–110°C, usually with ABS juice (ABS dissolved in acetone) or hairspray for adhesion. An enclosed printer or DIY enclosure is strongly recommended. Fan cooling should be minimal or disabled during printing.
Post-Processing Advantage
ABS can be smoothed with acetone vapour, which dissolves the outer surface slightly and creates a glossy, fused finish. This can reduce surface porosity and improve aesthetics. For functional parts that need to look machined, acetone smoothing on ABS produces a noticeably different result than sanding PLA or PETG.
Best Applications
- Replacement parts where the original was ABS and thermal performance must match
- Automotive interior trim pieces exposed to summer heat
- Parts that will be acetone-smoothed for appearance
- Components in environments above 80°C where PETG would deform
| Property | PLA | PETG | ABS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 195–220°C | 230–250°C | 230–250°C |
| Bed temperature | 50–60°C | 70–85°C | 100–110°C |
| Enclosure required | No | Optional | Recommended |
| Heat deflection | ~55–60°C | ~70–80°C | ~95–100°C |
| Impact resistance | Low–Medium | Medium–High | High |
| Print difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Difficult |
| Ventilation needed | Light | Moderate | Required |
| Cost (approx. CAD) | $25–$35/kg | $28–$40/kg | $25–$38/kg |
Storage Considerations in Canadian Climate
All common filaments absorb moisture from ambient air to varying degrees. Nylon absorbs moisture fastest; PLA and ABS are more tolerant. PETG falls between the two. Absorbed moisture causes bubbling and popping sounds during extrusion, inconsistent layer adhesion, and surface defects on finished prints.
In Canadian winter conditions, indoor relative humidity can drop to 20–30% in homes with forced-air heating. This is actually lower than ideal for people but is not problematic for filament storage. Summer conditions — particularly in humid provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick — introduce more moisture risk, particularly for open spools stored for extended periods.
Airtight containers with silica gel desiccant are the standard approach for filament storage. Resealable zipper bags work for short periods. Commercial filament dryers (essentially low-temperature ovens) can restore moisture-affected spools before printing.
Where to Source Filament in Canada
Several Canadian-based suppliers sell filament directly, reducing shipping time and avoiding brokerage fees on cross-border shipments. Filaments.ca, based in Ontario, offers a range of materials including specialty filaments. Amazon.ca carries major brands such as Hatchbox, eSUN, and Polymaker, typically from warehouses within Canada.
For in-person purchase, some Canada Computers locations stock filament, and Creatology at Michaels carries basic PLA in standard colours. Availability varies by province and store format.
Updated: June 12, 2026