PLA, PETG or TPU: Which filament do I choose for the electronics housing, carrier or flexible part?
PLA is practical for prototypes, PETG for many tough useful parts and TPU for flexible elements. The choice should be determined by the load, temperature and the required flexibility.
What to check out
- For desktop housing, first estimate the heating of electronics. PLA is not a good default choice for hot surroundings.
- For PETG check rigidity, creeping under permanent stress and quality of bonding layers.
- In TPU check the hardness of the material and compatibility of the feeder. Different TPUs are not equally soft or equally demanding for printing.
- Print a small test with actual wall thickness and layer orientation, then check fit, screws and load.
A Practical Example
For the prototype screen housing you can start with PLA, check PETG for carrier and TPU for flexible leg. These are the starting points confirmed by the specific product test.
Common error
A regular filament does not have an automatic fire classification or electrical insulation approval for a network housing. The colour and trade name shall not replace the data sheet.
For further reading
- Prussian: comparative guide to filaments (English). Comparison of properties of materials, print settings and compatibility with bases.
Compatibility check products
Select products according to the above criteria; the list is not a confirmation that they are all interchangeable.
Published:
20.10.2026
