Resources
Guides
Straight comparisons and practical advice. We'd rather tell you a material isn't right for your job than sell you the wrong spool.
Comparison
Tough PLA+ V3 vs Naked PLA
Both are PLA. The difference is what they are optimised for: durability and everyday reliability versus speed and reduced packaging.
| Property | Tough PLA+ V3 | Naked PLA |
|---|---|---|
| Material | PLA+ with additives | PLA |
| Print speed | 30–90 mm/s | Up to 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle temperature | 205–225 °C | 190–220 °C |
| Diameter tolerance | Not published | ±0.02 mm |
| Colours | 14 | 27 |
| Packaging | Boxed | No outer box |
| Enclosure | Not required | Not required |
| Best for | Functional parts needing extra toughness | High-speed printing, print farms, schools |
Comparison
PLA+ vs PETG vs ABS vs ASA
The four workhorse materials, and the trade-off each one makes. Roughly: ease of printing decreases and durability increases as you move right.
| Property | Tough PLA+ V3 | Tough PETG | ABS | ASA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easiest | Straightforward | Demanding | Demanding |
| Enclosure | Not required | Not required | Required | Required |
| Heat resistance | Low | Moderate | High | High |
| UV resistance | Poor | Moderate | Poor | Excellent |
| Impact resistance | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Warping | Minimal | Low | Significant | Moderate |
| Best for | Everyday and functional printing | Durable functional parts | Heat and impact resistant parts | Anything living outdoors |
Comparison
Naked PLA vs Naked PETG Matte
Both are tuned for speed and ship without an outer box. Choose on finish and durability.
| Property | Naked PLA | Naked PETG Matte |
|---|---|---|
| Material | PLA | PETG |
| Finish | Standard | Matte |
| Nozzle temperature | 190–220 °C | 235–255 °C |
| Bed temperature | 50–60 °C | 75–80 °C |
| Print speed | Up to 500 mm/s | 300–400 mm/s |
| Tolerance | ±0.02 mm | ±0.03 mm |
| Colours | 27 | 22 |
| Best for | Fast, high-volume printing | Durable parts where finish matters |
Coming
Guides in progress
These guides are planned but not yet written. Rather than publish thin filler, we have listed them so you know they're coming, and so you can tell us which ones you actually need first.
- How to print TPU
- How to dry filament
- How to store filament
- How to prevent warping
- How to improve bed adhesion
- Choosing a nozzle for abrasive filaments