When should you use this tool?
Use it when choosing between PLA, PLA+, PETG, ASA, ABS, TPU, PA, PC, HT-PLA or fiber-filled variants based on the actual application.
LayerCompass Tool
Filament Selector
Answer ten questions about the part and your printer. The selector compares standard materials, HT-PLA and CF/GF-reinforced compounds while considering enclosure, hotend capability and nozzle wear.
1. Where will the part be used?
2. What temperature must it tolerate?
3. Does the part need to flex?
4. How will the part be loaded?
5. Is high stiffness and dimensional stability especially important?
CF/GF-reinforced filaments are often stiffer and more dimensionally stable, but they are not automatically tougher or better for every load case.
6. Do you have an enclosed build chamber?
7. Can your printer handle high-temperature engineering filaments?
This means a suitable hotend around 280 °C and above, plus an appropriate build plate and printing environment.
8. Do you have a wear-resistant / hardened nozzle?
Carbon-, glass- and similar fiber fillers are abrasive. A wear-resistant nozzle is strongly recommended for these compounds.
9. What matters most?
10. Will the part contact water, oil, fuel or cleaners?
Resistance varies strongly by formulation. This input is used as a warning and datasheet check, not as universal material approval.
Important notes on HT-PLA and CF/GF
HT-PLA is not one universal material: some formulations reach higher heat resistance as printed, while others rely on annealing. The selector therefore avoids claiming one universal service temperature.
CF/GF is not a base polymer: fiber reinforcement modifies PLA, PETG, ASA, PA, PC and other materials. It can improve stiffness, dimensional stability and surface character, but also introduces abrasion and formulation-specific tradeoffs.
Tool guide
Filament Selector: when and how should you use it?
A useful result starts with the right question. These notes explain what the tool is designed for, how to interpret its output and where a calculation is intentionally only an approximation.
How to use it well
Choose requirements such as heat, outdoor use, flexibility, load and printer hardware. Compare the recommended materials together with their limitations, not only the score.
Limits & important notes
Material families vary substantially by manufacturer formulation. Heat resistance, UV behavior and mechanical properties are not universal constants.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the selector not return one universally best filament?
Material choice is a trade-off. A heat-resistant polymer may be harder to print, a tough polymer may be less stiff, and an easy material may be poor outdoors.
Is PLA+ always better than PLA?
No. PLA+ is not a standardized material class. Manufacturers use different modifiers, so toughness, thermal behavior and print settings can vary widely.
What do CF and GF mean here?
Carbon or glass fibers reinforce a base polymer such as PA, PETG or PLA. They can change stiffness, dimensional behavior and abrasiveness but do not replace the properties of the base resin.
Can I use the result without checking the filament datasheet?
For shortlisting, yes. For temperature, chemicals, food contact or high mechanical loads, verify the specific product datasheet.
These tools provide guidance and calculations from your inputs. Safety-critical, electrical or highly loaded parts require additional verification.
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