For new printers

Start here

Start with one material and a small test you can repeat. Once the process is stable, compare finishes or flexibility without changing everything at once.

Basic PLA, white or greyUse a suitable PLA baseline on a printer that supports the listed material temperatures. Check filament condition, first layer and extrusion before a longer job.
Matte PLA for the parts you show peopleCompare appearance on the same geometry. Recheck extrusion and temperature for the grade rather than assuming the basic PLA settings are final.
PETG when the part does a jobEvaluate it for a specific functional part with the listed temperature window. Confirm moisture condition and service requirements before selecting it.
TPU 95A when it has to bendCompare a flexible sample with the intended walls and infill. Check the feed path and material condition, then calibrate from the machine baseline.

The starter set

Three settings that decide a print

Temperature. Start in the middle of the range on the spool. Hotter for speed and layer bonding, cooler for overhangs and detail.

First layer. Check leveling and clean the build surface according to its manufacturer. Inspect a small first-layer pattern before printing the part.

Dry filament. Popping, stringing and rough surfaces can indicate moisture, but temperature, flow and travel can also contribute. See the drying guide.

Use starting files carefully

Check the settings hub for supported material mappings, file type and target machine. Available files contain starting values; they do not set a validated speed, cooling or flow limit for your printer.

Get the profiles

Beginner questions

I have a new printer. What do I buy first?

One spool of Basic PLA in a light colour (white or grey shows detail best) and one Matte PLA. Use your printer's PLA baseline and verify the grade settings with a small test.

When should I move past PLA?

When the application needs properties your tested PLA part does not meet. Compare candidate grades against printer limits and test conditions; a material name alone does not establish safe service temperature or load capacity.

Do I need a filament dryer?

Decide from the material condition and grade guidance, not only how long a bag has been open. Moisture can affect different materials; verify grade, spool and dryer limits before heating.

Start here

The starter set

PLA Filament

PLA Matte Filament

PETG Filament

Three settings that decide a print

Use starting files carefully

Beginner questions