PLA, PETG, or ABS — Which Material Should You Choose?

At NMT's Workshop, every part is made to order using 3D printing. You can choose between three materials, each with its own advantages depending on your use case. Here's the complete guide to help you make the right choice.

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🟢 PLA — The Standard Choice

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is the entry-level material and the most commonly used in 3D printing. It's also the easiest to print, which guarantees an optimal surface quality.

Advantages

• Most affordable price
• Excellent surface finish — easy to sand and paint
• Rigid and lightweight
• Ideal for decorative pieces and indoor conventions
• Bio-based material (made from corn starch)

Drawbacks

• Heat sensitive — can warp above 60°C (avoid leaving it in a car in summer)
• Less impact-resistant than PETG or ABS
• Not ideal for heavy outdoor use

Best for

Convention helmets and armor, display pieces, budget-conscious orders. Recommended for 90% of cosplayers.

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🔵 PETG — The Best Balance of Quality and Strength

PETG (Glycol-Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a mid-range material that combines the ease of PLA with increased strength. It's our recommendation for active cosplayers.

Advantages

• More impact-resistant than PLA
• Better heat tolerance (up to ~80°C)
• Slightly flexible — absorbs impacts without cracking
• Good adhesion for paints and primers
• Ideal for parts subject to mechanical stress

Drawbacks

• Slightly higher price than PLA
• Slightly glossier surface (worth considering for painting)

Best for

Armor worn at long conventions, parts with attachments or straps, cosplays you wear often. The best balance for a regular cosplayer.

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🔴 ABS — The Most Durable

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is an engineering-grade material offering the best thermal and mechanical resistance. It's the material used in automotive and industrial parts.

Advantages

• Very impact-resistant
• Excellent heat tolerance (up to ~100°C)
• Ideal for outdoor use or extreme conditions
• Can be acetone-smoothed for an ultra-smooth finish

Drawbacks

• Harder to print — slightly more variation possible
• Highest price of the three materials

Best for

Cosplays worn during shoots, outdoors, or in hot environments. Parts that need to last for years under heavy use.

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📊 Comparison Table

Criteria	PLA	PETG	ABS
Price	€	€€	€€€
Impact resistance	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat tolerance	~60°C	~80°C	~100°C
Surface quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Recommended use	Convention / display	Regular use	Heavy use

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I paint the pieces myself?

Yes, all our pieces are shipped with a raw (unpainted) finish unless stated otherwise. PLA and PETG are very easy to paint with acrylic or spray paint, after a light coat of primer. ABS can be acetone-smoothed for an even smoother finish before painting.

Which material is best for a helmet?

We recommend PETG for a helmet — it absorbs impacts better if the helmet is dropped, and holds up better to heat during long conventions. PLA is perfect if you mainly plan to use it for display or photos.

Does the material affect the dimensions?

No — the dimensions remain the same regardless of the material chosen. Use our sizing guide to get pieces perfectly fitted to your body.