Our materials
At Noctura3D, quality and sustainability are our top priorities – including our choice of materials. That's why we exclusively use PLA and PETG for all products in our shop. Both plastics are proven materials in 3D printing and each offer their own unique advantages.
PLA - Polylactide
PLA (polylactic acid) is a bio-based plastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane, making it one of the most environmentally friendly options in 3D printing.
Advantages of PLA
- bio-based & industrially compostable
- low ecological footprint
- low odor when printing
- good detail and surface quality
Areas of application
PLA is particularly suitable for decorative and lightweight applications that are not subject to extreme stress.
PETG - polyethylene terephthalate glycol
PETG is a robust plastic known for its high durability. It combines the strength of ABS with the ease of processing of PLA—and is also food-safe and UV-resistant.
Advantages of PETG
- very stable & impact-resistant
- water-repellent & weather-resistant
- low warpage rate in printing
- ideal for functional parts in everyday life
Areas of application
PETG is used in products that need to be stable, durable or weather-resistant.
Comparison: PLA vs. PETG
| Characteristic | PLA | PETG |
| Origin | biobased (e.g. corn starch) |
petroleum-based, but recyclable |
| Environmental friendliness | high (industrially compostable) |
good (recyclable, durable) |
| strength | medium | high |
| flexibility | small amount | medium to high |
| Weather resistance | low | high (UV & water resistant) |
| Food safe | partially | Yes (usually) |
| Difficulty in printing | simply | medium |
| Optics & attention to detail | very good | good to very good |
| Area of application | decorative, light-duty | resilient products |
Why we rely on these materials
Both PLA and PETG offer an excellent combination of quality, sustainability, and functionality. They enable precise, long-lasting prints—and give us the freedom to develop or implement products that are not only useful but also responsibly produced. If you have any questions about the materials or their care, please feel free to contact us—we'll be happy to help!