Materials guide
What each filament is good at, where we'd recommend it, and the Bambu Lab colors we stock it in.
PLA Basic
Heat resistance~55-60°C
Properties
- Easiest material to print, minimal warping
- Rigid, but brittle under sharp impact
- Made from renewable plant starch
Best for
- Display models, sculptures & decorative prints
- Low-stress indoor parts
- Rapid prototyping
Available colors
PLA Silk
Heat resistance~55-60°C
Properties
- Glossy, silk-like sheen instead of a matte finish
- Slightly more brittle than PLA Basic
- More visible layer lines on curved surfaces
Best for
- Decorative art pieces & display models
- Gifts and eye-catching showpieces
- Anything meant to catch the light
Available colors
PETG HF
Heat resistance~70-80°C
Properties
- Strong with some flexibility, resists cracking
- Good layer adhesion, low warping
- Resists moisture and many chemicals
Best for
- Functional mechanical parts
- Outdoor brackets (moderate UV exposure)
- Containers & enclosures
Available colors
ABS
Heat resistance~85-100°C
Properties
- Good impact resistance and toughness
- Higher heat resistance than PLA
- Can be vapor-smoothed with acetone
- Prone to warping, prints best in an enclosure
Best for
- Automotive interior trim & clips
- Enclosures and housings
- Tools & functional prototypes
Available colors
ASA
Heat resistance~90-100°C
Properties
- Excellent UV and weather resistance
- Similar strength to ABS, less warping
- Keeps its color under long sun exposure
Best for
- Outdoor automotive parts
- Brackets & housings exposed to sunlight
- Mirror mounts, badges, license plate frames
Available colors
ASA-CF (carbon fiber)
Heat resistance~95-105°C
Properties
- Carbon-fiber reinforced for extra stiffness
- Higher strength-to-weight than plain ASA
- Matte, low-gloss finish
- Abrasive, printed with a hardened nozzle
Best for
- Lightweight structural automotive parts
- Jigs & fixtures
- High-stiffness outdoor brackets
Available colors
TPU 95A HF (flexible)
Heat resistance~60-80°C
Properties
- Rubber-like flexibility (95A hardness, firm but bendy)
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Absorbs impact and vibration well
- High-flow formula prints faster than standard TPU
Best for
- Phone cases & protective covers
- Gaskets, seals & bushings
- Vibration dampeners, wearable parts
Available colors
Polycarbonate (PC)
Heat resistance~110-130°C
Properties
- Very high strength and impact toughness
- Excellent heat resistance
- Translucent, smoked finish
- Needs high nozzle/bed temps and an enclosure
Best for
- Engineering & load-bearing parts
- High-heat housings
- Protective covers and guards
Available colors
PAHT-CF (high-temp nylon, carbon fiber)
Heat resistance~120-150°C
Properties
- Very high strength and stiffness
- Excellent heat resistance
- Low friction, wear resistant
- Absorbs moisture, filament needs drying; abrasive on nozzles
Best for
- High-performance mechanical parts
- Engine-bay components
- Metal-replacement load-bearing brackets
Available colors
Not sure which material fits your project? Upload your model on the quote page or get in touch about a business order and we'll help you choose.