Filament Comparison Tool
Compare two filament types side by side — nozzle temp, bed temp, fan, retraction, and printability. Data averaged across 744 profiles for PLA and 122 profiles for TPU.
Print settings (averaged from real profiles)
| Setting | PLA | TPU |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle temp (recommended) | 215°C | 225°C |
| Nozzle temp (range) | 190–230°C | 210–240°C |
| Bed temp (recommended) | 59°C | 53°C |
| Bed temp (range) | 54–69°C | 47–63°C |
| Cooling fan | 38–97% | 16–93% |
| Print speed | 66 mm/s | 53 mm/s |
| Retraction distance | 0.54 mm | 0.77 mm |
| Retraction speed | 40 mm/s | 39 mm/s |
Based on 744 PLA profiles and 122 TPU profiles in the database.Browse all material settings →
Material properties
| Property | PLA | TPU |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance (HDT) | ~55°C | ~80°C |
| Enclosure needed | Not needed | Not needed |
| Moisture sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Ease of printing | ★★★★★ Easiest | ★★☆☆☆ Hard |
| Post-processing | Sand, prime, paint | Minimal |
| Nozzle requirement | Brass OK | Brass OK |
| Typical cost | $18–25/kg | $25–40/kg |
PLA
Best starter material. Brittle under impact.
View PLA settings database →TPU
Flexible. Very slow print speeds required.
View TPU settings database →