Best Filament for the Creality Ender-3, Ender-3 V2 and Ender-3 S1 (2026)
PLA, PETG, firm TPU, ABS and carbon-fiber PLA for the Bowden Ender-3 and V2 and the direct-drive S1, checked against the limits Creality publishes.
On this page (13 sections)
For an Ender-3, Ender-3 V2 or Ender-3 S1, start with standard PLA such as Polymaker PolyLite PLA or ELEGOO PLA, and add PETG such as Creality Hyper PETG for functional parts. Both materials suit all three printers. TPU is mainly an S1 material, because TPU makers recommend direct drive, and the original Ender-3 and V2 feed filament through a Bowden tube. ABS needs an enclosure, and carbon-fiber PLA needs a hardened nozzle first. The main fit rule is nozzle heat. The V2's user manual caps the nozzle at 250 °C, though a Creality Store comparison gives it 260 °C, and the S1 is rated to 260 °C. We didn't find a Creality nozzle limit for the original Ender-3, so this page plans around the V2's 250 °C. Every pick here can print at 240 °C or below, and all three beds are rated to 100 °C.
Quick picks
| Need | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday PLA | Polymaker PolyLite PLA | Polymaker gives separate "Indirect Drive" settings for Bowden printers like the Ender-3 and V2 |
| PETG for functional parts | Creality Hyper PETG | Its spool-label range starts lowest of the PETG picks, leaving the most room under the V2's 250 °C |
| TPU (S1) | Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 | Fits the S1's direct extruder; Polymaker recommends direct drive for it |
| ABS (S1 or Ender-3, enclosed) | ELEGOO ABS | Creality lists ABS for those two; ELEGOO says enclosed printing is required |
| Carbon fiber (hardened nozzle) | Polymaker PolyLite PLA-CF | Sits well under all three printers' limits once the nozzle is upgraded |
These are defaults by need, not a ranking.
Who this page is for
This page is for owners of a Creality Ender-3, Ender-3 V2 or Ender-3 S1 who want to know which spools suit their printer before buying. Check which model you have first. Creality says the V2's "classic appearance" is inherited from the original Ender-3, and the V2 adds a tool box "integrated to the machine body." The S1 is the one with the direct extruder on the print head. Creality lists 1.75 mm filament for the V2 and S1. For nozzles and build plates that fit, see the printer pages for the Ender-3 and Ender-3 V2 and the Ender-3 S1. For the wider PLA picture, see the PLA filament shortlist.
| Product | Best for | Skip if | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polymaker PolyLite PLA (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | Everyday PLA prints, prototypes, and display models where a documented, easy-printing PLA is wanted. | The part will sit in a hot car, near heat sources, or needs toughness beyond standard PLA. | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| ELEGOO PLA (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | Budget everyday PLA prints on most 1.75 mm printers. | You run an AMS and don't want to print a spool ring, or the part will see heat. | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| eSUN PLA+ (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | Everyday prints that need a bit more toughness than standard PLA. | The part will be outdoors or near heat, or you need a guaranteed plastic spool. | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Polymaker PolyLite PLA Pro (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | Functional PLA parts, props, and prototypes that need more drop resistance than standard PLA. | The part will see heat above about 55 °C (TDS HDT 58 °C at 1.8 MPa) or needs to flex. | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Overture Matte PLA (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | Display models where a matte look matters more than strength. | The part carries load across layers or needs heat resistance. | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Creality Hyper PETG (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | Fast PETG prints on Creality K-series and other high-speed printers. | You want a fully documented filament or feed from a CFS/AMS without a spool adapter. | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Overture High Speed PETG (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | Budget functional parts and outdoor fixtures that need more toughness than PLA. | You need a plastic spool, or heat resistance above about 70 °C (Vicat 75 °C on the TDS, 85.1 °C in the FAQ; no HDT published). | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| eSUN PETG (Solid Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | Everyday PETG for outdoor and functional parts from a long-established brand. | Your bed can't reach 75 °C or the part needs heat resistance above about 60 °C (TDS heat distortion temperature 64 °C at 0.45 MPa). | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Polymaker PETG (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg (new formula)) | Functional brackets and fixtures, indoors or in shade, that need more toughness than PLA. | You can't keep filament dry, or the part needs heat resistance well above 65 °C (TDS HDT at 1.8 MPa). | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 (Black, 1.75 mm, 0.75 kg) | Flexible covers, grips, bumpers, and seals on printers that handle 95A TPU. | You need a softer TPU than 95A, or fast print times, or your printer is set up as Bowden and you can't print very slowly (Polymaker highly recommends direct drive and says Bowden is possible only at very slow speeds). | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Overture TPU 95A (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | General-purpose 95A flexible parts such as gaskets, seals, and protective cases. | You plan to feed it through a Bambu Lab AMS or AMS lite, or you want a TPU whose maker recommends it for Bowden printers. | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| ELEGOO ABS (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | ELEGOO and other enclosed-printer owners who want a well-documented ABS. | Your printer is open-frame. | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Polymaker PolyLite PLA-CF (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg) | Stiff, matte-finish PLA parts and prototypes on a printer fitted with a hardened nozzle. | Your printer only has a brass nozzle, or the part will see heat. | View on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
The table is grouped by material, not ranked.
What can each Ender-3 model print, per Creality?
Creality doesn't publish text spec pages for these three older models. The figures below come from the "Product Parameters" images on Creality's product pages, the Ender-3 V2 user manual and two Creality Store articles.
| Model | Max nozzle | Max heatbed | Extruder | Filaments Creality lists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ender-3 | Not stated on Creality's pages we checked | ≤100 °C | Bowden | PLA, ABS, TPU, wood, copper, gradient, "etc." |
| Ender-3 V2 | ≤250 °C (user manual); 260 °C (Creality Store comparison) | ≤100 °C | Bowden | PLA/TPU/PETG (product page); PLA (user manual) |
| Ender-3 S1 | 260 °C | 100 °C | Direct extruder (Creality comparison table) | PLA/TPU/PETG/ABS |
Nozzle limits. The S1's product page lists a maximum nozzle temperature of 260 °C. The V2's user manual lists the nozzle temperature as "≤250°C." A Creality Store comparison article gives the V2 260 °C instead, so we use the lower figure from the manual. The Ender-3 product page gives a hotbed limit but no nozzle limit. Every spool on this page lists a minimum nozzle temperature of 240 °C or lower, so each one can be printed below the V2's 250 °C. On a V2, stay at or below 250 °C even when a spool's range goes higher.
Bowden vs direct drive. Creality's store article on direct-drive upgrades says the "Ender 3, Ender 3 Pro, and Ender 3 V2" often have extrusion issues "due to Bowden extruders." The same article says a direct-drive setup is "perfect for printing flexible materials like TPU." Creality's comparison article lists the V2 as Bowden and the S1 as direct drive.
Hotend materials. Creality doesn't publish a PTFE temperature limit for the stock hotends on the pages we checked. Its hotend-upgrades article pitches an all-metal kit "Without any PTFE components in the hotzone." That's another reason to stay within the published nozzle limits above.
No enclosure. All three are open-frame printers. None ships with an enclosure.
Everyday PLA
PLA is the safe default on all three printers. Every PLA pick here prints at 230 °C or below.
Polymaker PolyLite PLA (Black, 1 kg)
PolyLite PLA is a standard PLA whose maker publishes Bowden-specific settings, which matters on the Ender-3 and V2. Polymaker's product page lists a 190–230 °C nozzle and a 25–60 °C bed. It also gives separate "Indirect Drive" retraction settings, which is Polymaker's term for Bowden setups like the Ender-3 and V2. It ships on a cardboard spool.
Polymaker PolyLite PLA (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- Everyday PLA prints, prototypes, and display models where a documented, easy-printing PLA is wanted.
- Skip this if
- The part will sit in a hot car, near heat sources, or needs toughness beyond standard PLA.
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PLA
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 190–230 °C
- Manufacturer states PolyLite PLA is designed for reliability and ease of printing.
- Manufacturer TDS lists no enclosure needed and a wide 190–230 °C nozzle window.
- Manufacturer publishes a full TDS with mechanical, thermal, and drying data.
- Not suited to parts exposed to heat: the TDS lists a heat deflection temperature of 58 °C (1.8 MPa).
- Cardboard spool: Polymaker says its spools have hardened edges that work in the AMS, but Bambu Lab's general AMS guidance recommends an adapter or ring for cardboard spools. Check your unit.
Skip it if the part will sit somewhere warm, such as a car or a sunny windowsill.
ELEGOO PLA (Black, 1 kg)
ELEGOO PLA is a budget everyday PLA. ELEGOO's product page lists a 190–230 °C nozzle, a 35–65 °C bed and "Enclosured Printing: Not Required." It comes on a cardboard spool.
ELEGOO PLA (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- Budget everyday PLA prints on most 1.75 mm printers.
- Skip this if
- You run an AMS and don't want to print a spool ring, or the part will see heat.
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PLA
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 190–230 °C
- Manufacturer states dimensional accuracy of ±0.02 mm.
- Manufacturer says neither an enclosure nor build-plate glue is required, and lists a minimum nozzle of 0.2 mm.
- Manufacturer publishes full print settings and mechanical data on the product page.
- Not suited to heat: the product page lists a heat deflection temperature of 57 °C (0.45 MPa).
- Cardboard spool: ELEGOO itself notes AMS units can rub the paper spool and offers a printable ring.
Skip it if the part will see heat.
eSUN PLA+ (Black, 1 kg)
eSUN PLA+ is eSUN's toughened PLA. eSUN's product page lists a 210–230 °C extruder temperature, a 45–60 °C bed and a heated bed as required, which all three printers have. PLA+ formulas differ by maker, so these settings apply to eSUN's version only.
eSUN PLA+ (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- Everyday prints that need a bit more toughness than standard PLA.
- Skip this if
- The part will be outdoors or near heat, or you need a guaranteed plastic spool.
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PLA (PLA+ (eSUN enhanced PLA))
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- other
- Maker's nozzle range
- 210–230 °C
- Manufacturer states strength is significantly improved compared with ordinary PLA.
- Manufacturer states low warping and stable dimensions.
- Manufacturer TDS recommends a printing speed below 300 mm/s.
- Not suited to heat: the TDS lists a heat distortion temperature of 53.78 °C (0.45 MPa).
- eSUN's TDS lists no UV resistance, so it is not for outdoor parts.
- Spool material isn't documented for this listing; a cardboard spool may need an adapter in some AMS units.
Skip it if the part will be outdoors or near heat.
Tougher or better-looking PLA
Polymaker PolyLite PLA Pro (Black, 1 kg)
PolyLite PLA Pro is Polymaker's toughened PLA. Polymaker says it combines "outstanding toughness and high rigidity" with the printability of PLA. Its product page lists a 190–220 °C nozzle and a 30–60 °C bed. Its data sheet gives a wider 190–230 °C nozzle range, so 190–220 °C fits both. It suits household parts, props and prototypes that may get dropped. It still has PLA's heat limit.
Polymaker PolyLite PLA Pro (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- Functional PLA parts, props, and prototypes that need more drop resistance than standard PLA.
- Skip this if
- The part will see heat above about 55 °C (TDS HDT 58 °C at 1.8 MPa) or needs to flex.
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PLA (PLA Pro (toughened PLA))
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 190–230 °C
- Manufacturer states it combines high toughness and high rigidity with the ease of printing of regular PLA.
- TDS lists notched Charpy impact strength of 17.1 kJ/m² (X-Y).
- Manufacturer publishes a full TDS with mechanical, thermal, and drying data.
- Not for heat: the TDS lists a heat deflection temperature of 58 °C (1.8 MPa), and Polymaker says it is not for projects needing high heat resistance or flexibility.
- Cardboard spool: Bambu Lab strongly advises a spool adapter or adapter ring for cardboard spools in the AMS.
- Polymaker now calls this the 'Old Formula' and sells a separate 'New Formula' Polymaker PLA Pro; check which version an Amazon listing ships.
Skip it if the part will sit somewhere warm or needs to flex.
Overture Matte PLA (Black, 1 kg)
Overture Matte PLA has a low-gloss finish for display models. Overture's wiki cheat sheet calls Matte PLA a "Slightly abrasive material" and says a hardened nozzle is "recommended for long-term use." Overture lists a 190–230 °C nozzle and a 50–70 °C bed. Its product page also lists 10.9 MPa layer adhesion, and Overture says matte PLA "has lower strength and layer adhesion than standard PLA."
Overture Matte PLA (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- Display models where a matte look matters more than strength.
- Skip this if
- The part carries load across layers or needs heat resistance.
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PLA (matte)
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 190–230 °C
- Nozzle
- Abrasive: the maker recommends a wear-resistant nozzle
- Manufacturer states a frosted, gloss-free finish that conceals layer lines.
- Manufacturer states easy removal of rafts, brims, and tree supports.
- TDS lists printing speeds of 60–300 mm/s.
- Product page lists Z-axis layer adhesion of 10.9 MPa, much lower than Overture's standard PLA (38.9 MPa), so it is weaker across layers.
- Not suited to heat: Vicat softening temperature is 62.9 °C per the TDS.
- Ships on a cardboard spool; Overture's FAQ suggests a reusable spool adapter if you prefer plastic.
- Overture's wiki calls it slightly abrasive and recommends a hardened nozzle for long-term use.
Skip it if the part carries load across its layers.
PETG for functional parts
PETG suits brackets, clips and fixtures that need more heat resistance than PLA. Creality lists PETG for the V2 (on its product page) and the S1. The Ender-3 product page doesn't name PETG, though its list ends in "etc." Every PETG pick here lists a bed range within the 100 °C limit and a minimum nozzle temperature of 240 °C or lower. For the trade-offs, see our PLA vs PETG guide. For stringing or parts that stick too hard, see our PETG printing problems guide.
Creality Hyper PETG (Black, 1 kg)
Hyper PETG is Creality's own high-speed PETG. Creality's store page gives no TDS or text spec table for it. The 220–260 °C nozzle and 60–80 °C bed on the product card come from the spool label in Creality's own product photo on that page, not from a published spec sheet. Its range starts lowest of the PETG picks here, which leaves the most room under the V2's 250 °C limit. Creality doesn't state the spool material in text; its product images show a spool printed "Spool made from recycled material."
Creality Hyper PETG (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- Fast PETG prints on Creality K-series and other high-speed printers.
- Skip this if
- You want a fully documented filament or feed from a CFS/AMS without a spool adapter.
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PETG (high-speed)
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- other
- Maker's nozzle range
- 220–260 °C
- Manufacturer states quick printing; the spool label lists 30–600 mm/s, while a store image and Creality's buying guide give 300 mm/s.
- Manufacturer states high toughness and impact resistance, and excellent chemical resistance.
- Manufacturer states it is waterproof and weather resistant.
- Creality publishes no TDS: heat resistance and drying settings are undocumented.
- Creality doesn't state the spool material; its Hyper PLA page says paper spools aren't recommended in the CFS or other multi-color boxes.
Skip it if you want a fully documented filament with published heat-resistance and drying data.
Overture High Speed PETG (Black, 1 kg)
Overture lists a 230–260 °C nozzle and a 65–70 °C bed. It says to dry the filament at 60 °C for 5 hours and warns that "over-drying can cause filament brittleness." It ships on a cardboard spool.
Overture High Speed PETG (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- Budget functional parts and outdoor fixtures that need more toughness than PLA.
- Skip this if
- You need a plastic spool, or heat resistance above about 70 °C (Vicat 75 °C on the TDS, 85.1 °C in the FAQ; no HDT published).
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PETG
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 230–260 °C
- Manufacturer states it combines the ease of PLA with the strength and impact resistance of ABS.
- Manufacturer states excellent weather and water resistance for outdoor use.
- Manufacturer publishes a TDS with mechanical data and drying settings.
- Moisture-sensitive: Overture says to keep it dry and to dry at 60 °C for 5 h, warning that over-drying makes it brittle.
- Heat resistance is limited: the TDS lists Vicat softening at 75 °C; the product FAQ and wiki give 85.1 °C.
- Ships on a cardboard spool; Overture's FAQ suggests a reusable spool adapter if you prefer plastic.
Skip it if you don't want to manage drying times carefully.
eSUN PETG (Black, 1 kg)
eSUN's product page lists a 240–260 °C extruder temperature, a 75–90 °C bed and drying at 60 °C for more than 8 hours. Its data sheet gives a wider 230–260 °C nozzle range. Its bed range is the highest of the PETG picks but still within the 100 °C limit on all three printers.
eSUN PETG (Solid Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- Everyday PETG for outdoor and functional parts from a long-established brand.
- Skip this if
- Your bed can't reach 75 °C or the part needs heat resistance above about 60 °C (TDS heat distortion temperature 64 °C at 0.45 MPa).
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PETG
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- other
- Maker's nozzle range
- 230–260 °C
- Manufacturer states it combines PLA's easy printing with ABS's toughness.
- Manufacturer TDS lists UV resistance, and the product page states it withstands sun and rain outdoors.
- Manufacturer publishes a dated TDS with print and drying settings.
- Needs a hot bed: the TDS lists 75–90 °C build platform temperature.
- Heat resistance is limited: the TDS lists a heat distortion temperature of 64 °C (0.45 MPa).
- eSUN's own guidance varies between its TDS and product page (nozzle 230 vs 240 °C start).
Skip it if you own a V2 and want room above the bottom of the range, or you can't dry filament before printing.
Polymaker PETG (Black, 1 kg)
Polymaker's product page lists a 240–260 °C nozzle and a 60–70 °C bed, and says it "prints smoothly without requiring an enclosure." Like PolyLite PLA, it has separate "Indirect Drive" retraction settings for Bowden printers. Polymaker calls it "very hygroscopic," so plan on dry storage. On a V2, only the 240–250 °C part of the range is available. It's on a cardboard spool.
Polymaker PETG (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg (new formula))
- Best for
- Functional brackets and fixtures, indoors or in shade, that need more toughness than PLA.
- Skip this if
- You can't keep filament dry, or the part needs heat resistance well above 65 °C (TDS HDT at 1.8 MPa).
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PETG (high-flow)
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 240–260 °C
- Manufacturer states it is less brittle and more impact-resistant than PLA.
- Manufacturer states it prints without an enclosure and works with AMS and multi-material systems.
- Manufacturer states a high-flow formulation for speeds up to 300 mm/s with a 0.4 mm nozzle.
- Moisture-sensitive: the TDS recommends drying at 60 °C for 6 h and printing from a dry box.
- Heat resistance is limited: the TDS lists HDT 65 °C at 1.8 MPa (69 °C at 0.45 MPa).
- Cardboard spool: Polymaker says its spools have hardened edges that work in the AMS, but Bambu Lab's general AMS guidance recommends an adapter or ring for cardboard spools. Check your unit.
Skip it if you own a V2 and want the full temperature range, or you can't keep filament dry.
Can a Bowden Ender-3 or V2 print TPU?
Creality lists TPU for all three printers. But on a Bowden printer, a long tube runs between the extruder and the hotend, and soft filament can buckle in that gap. Creality's own store article says a direct-drive setup is "perfect for printing flexible materials like TPU." Filament makers agree:
- Polymaker says, "We highly recommend to use a direct drive printer to print PolyFlex™ TPU95." Its product page also says, "Make sure your printer is not setup as Bowden," even though its print settings include an "Indirect Drive" retraction line.
- eSUN says, "We recommend using direct-drive printers for best results when printing with flexible materials."
That makes the S1 the natural TPU printer of the three. If you try TPU on a stock Ender-3 or V2, use only the firmer 95A grade shown here, never a softer one, and print slowly. A direct-drive conversion is the more reliable route. Read our TPU compatibility guide before buying a spool for a Bowden printer.
Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 (Black, 0.75 kg)
PolyFlex TPU95 is a 95A TPU. Polymaker lists a 210–230 °C nozzle, a 25–60 °C bed and a slow 20–40 mm/s print speed. It fits the S1's direct extruder. Polymaker's own Bowden warning applies to the Ender-3 and V2. The spool holds 0.75 kg.
Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 (Black, 1.75 mm, 0.75 kg)
- Best for
- Flexible covers, grips, bumpers, and seals on printers that handle 95A TPU.
- Skip this if
- You need a softer TPU than 95A, or fast print times, or your printer is set up as Bowden and you can't print very slowly (Polymaker highly recommends direct drive and says Bowden is possible only at very slow speeds).
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- TPU
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 750 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Hardness
- 95A
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 210–230 °C
- Manufacturer states it is engineered to work on most desktop 3D printers without specialized hardware.
- Manufacturer states it can stretch over three times its original length.
- Manufacturer TDS lists shore hardness 95A and no enclosure needed.
- Slow printing: the TDS recommends 30–50 mm/s.
- Spool holds 0.75 kg, not 1 kg.
- Cardboard spool: Polymaker says it redesigned its spool edges to spin well in the AMS, but its Flexible TPU FAQ says TPU is often too soft to feed through the AMS and suggests avoiding it. Bambu Lab also advises against TPU in the AMS and recommends an adapter or ring for cardboard spools.
Skip it if you own a stock Ender-3 or V2, or you want a 1 kg spool.
Overture TPU 95A (Black, 1 kg)
Overture's spec table lists 95A hardness, a 210–240 °C nozzle, a 35–50 °C bed and drying at 70 °C for 7 hours. Overture's product page doesn't mention Bowden printers. Its TPU wiki guide says to "Use either a direct-drive system or a printer with an external extruder attachment," and its extruder wiki rates Bowden support for flexible filament as "Limited," so treat it as an S1 pick first. On an Ender-3 or V2, the general TPU caveats above apply.
Overture TPU 95A (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- General-purpose 95A flexible parts such as gaskets, seals, and protective cases.
- Skip this if
- You plan to feed it through a Bambu Lab AMS or AMS lite, or you want a TPU whose maker recommends it for Bowden printers.
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- TPU
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Hardness
- 95A
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 210–240 °C
- Manufacturer states its 95A Shore hardness balances softness and toughness for impact absorption and rebound.
- Manufacturer states it resists oil and recovers its shape after repeated stress.
- Manufacturer states unopened spools have a 1-year shelf life with proper storage.
- The TPU printing tips on Overture's product page say 'Not compatible with AMS or other multi-material systems.'
- Overture marks it 'AMS & AMS lite NOT Compatible', and its FAQ says TPU is too soft for the AMS and can jam or extrude inconsistently.
- Overture's own documents disagree on bed temperature, drying time, and elongation (see notes).
- Manufacturer says to keep it dry before use.
- Overture's TPU wiki says to use a direct-drive system or an external extruder attachment, and its extruder wiki rates Bowden support for flexible filament as 'Limited'; the product page doesn't mention Bowden.
Skip it if you want a TPU whose maker recommends it for Bowden printers, or you can't dry filament before printing.
ABS: only with an enclosure
ABS shrinks and warps as it cools, and it gives off more fumes than PLA. Creality lists ABS for the Ender-3 and S1. It doesn't list ABS for the V2 on its product page or in its manual, so we don't recommend ABS on a V2.
ELEGOO is clear about what its ABS needs. Its product page lists "Enclosured Printing: Required" and a 45–60 °C chamber temperature. None of these printers ships with an enclosure, so plan on one before buying ABS. VEVOR names the Ender-3, Ender-3 V2 and Ender-3 S1 for its S0001 tent and asks buyers to measure the printer first. See the printer enclosures shortlist. A tent like this helps with drafts and warping but isn't a ventilation system. Read our enclosure planning guide and ABS vs ASA guide before buying one.
ELEGOO ABS (Black, 1 kg)
ELEGOO's spec table lists a 240–280 °C nozzle, a 90–100 °C bed, glue on the build plate as "Required" and storage at 20% RH or lower. On an S1 (260 °C, 100 °C bed), you can use the 240–260 °C part of the nozzle range, and the bed range tops out at the printer's 100 °C limit. On the original Ender-3, Creality lists ABS but doesn't publish a nozzle limit on the pages we checked. Start at the bottom of ELEGOO's range there, and stay at or below the 250 °C this page plans around.
ELEGOO ABS (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- ELEGOO and other enclosed-printer owners who want a well-documented ABS.
- Skip this if
- Your printer is open-frame.
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- ABS
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 240–280 °C
- Manufacturer states ELEGOO ABS withstands temperatures up to 85 °C without deforming.
- Product page lists an impact strength of 54.9 kJ/m² (X-Y) and tensile strength of 35 MPa (X-Y).
- Manufacturer publishes full print, drying, and mechanical settings on the product page.
- ELEGOO lists enclosed printing as 'Required' with a 45–60 °C chamber.
- Product page says build plate glue is required.
- Cardboard spool: Bambu Lab strongly advises a spool adapter or adapter ring for cardboard spools in the AMS.
Skip it if you don't have an enclosure, you own a V2, or you can't ventilate the room.
Can the Ender-3 print carbon fiber?
Carbon-fiber filaments are abrasive and wear soft nozzles. Our worn nozzle guide covers the signs. Creality doesn't list carbon fiber for any of these three printers. Swap in a hardened nozzle before you try it. Two hardened nozzles have documented fits:
- Micro Swiss CM2 MK8 Nozzle (hardened tip): Micro Swiss names the Creality Ender 3, Ender 3 V2 and Ender 3 S1 in its fit list. It describes an "M2 Hardened High Speed Steel" tip.
- Creality High-end Hardened Steel Nozzle Kit: Creality's product page names the Ender-3 and Ender-3 V2. It doesn't name the S1 in that list.
See the replacement nozzles shortlist and our abrasive filament nozzle guide.
Polymaker PolyLite PLA-CF (Black, 1 kg)
PolyLite PLA-CF is a stiff, matte carbon-fiber PLA. Polymaker's page says it needs a "0.4mm+ hardened nozzle" and that "a hardened nozzle is strongly recommended" to prevent wear. Its spec panel lists a 190–230 °C nozzle, a 25–60 °C bed and no enclosure needed. The print-settings block on the same page gives 210–230 °C and 30–70 °C instead. Either way it sits well under all three printers' limits, so it suits all three once the nozzle is upgraded. It still has PLA's heat limit.
Polymaker PolyLite PLA-CF (Black, 1.75 mm, 1 kg)
- Best for
- Stiff, matte-finish PLA parts and prototypes on a printer fitted with a hardened nozzle.
- Skip this if
- Your printer only has a brass nozzle, or the part will see heat.
Specs, strengths, and limitations
- Material
- PLA (carbon-fiber filled (8 wt% chopped carbon fiber))
- Diameter
- 1.75 mm
- Net filament
- 1000 g (filament only, not packaged weight)
- Format
- cardboard spool
- Maker's nozzle range
- 190–230 °C
- Nozzle
- Abrasive: the maker recommends a wear-resistant nozzle
- Manufacturer states 8% chopped carbon fiber gives exceptional rigidity and strength.
- Manufacturer states a matte black finish with virtually invisible layer lines and low shrinkage.
- Manufacturer states it prints with standard PLA settings; the TDS lists no enclosure needed.
- Abrasive: Polymaker strongly recommends a hardened nozzle.
- Not suited to heat: the TDS lists a heat deflection temperature of 50 °C (1.8 MPa).
- Cardboard spool: Bambu Lab strongly advises a spool adapter or adapter ring for cardboard spools in the AMS.
- The Amazon listing's bullet points describe plain PolyLite PLA, though its title and model number (PA10001) are the carbon-fiber version. Check that the title says Carbon Fiber PLA before you buy.
Skip it if your printer still has its stock nozzle.
What we left out
- ASA. Creality doesn't list ASA for any of these three printers.
- Softer TPU (below 95A). Makers recommend direct drive even for 95A TPU, and only the S1 is direct drive. We kept to the firmer grade.
- Spools that need more than 250 °C to start. We skipped any spool whose published range starts above the V2 manual's limit.
- Nylon, polycarbonate and other engineering filaments. Creality doesn't list them for these printers.
Checklist before you buy for an Ender-3, V2 or S1
- Model. The S1 has a direct extruder and a 260 °C limit. The V2's manual says 250 °C, though a Creality Store article says 260 °C. We found no Creality nozzle limit for the original Ender-3.
- Nozzle range. Compare the spool's published range with your printer's limit. On a V2, skip anything whose range starts above 250 °C.
- Bed. All three beds are rated to 100 °C. Every spool here lists a bed range at or below that.
- Material. PLA suits all three. PETG suits all three, though Creality names it only for the V2 and S1. TPU is best on the S1. ABS needs an enclosure and isn't listed for the V2.
- Abrasives. Carbon fiber goes through a hardened nozzle only.
Drying, storage and safety
PETG and TPU are the most moisture-sensitive materials here. Polymaker calls its PETG "very hygroscopic," and Overture and eSUN publish drying settings for their PETG and TPU. Use the setting for your exact spool, and check the spool's own temperature rating before you dry it on the spool. Our filament dryer vs dry box guide and filament storage guide cover the options.
How this page was checked
This is a research-based page. We have not printed these spools on an Ender-3, Ender-3 V2 or Ender-3 S1 for it, so it contains no test results or scores. The printer limits come from the "Product Parameters" images on Creality's product pages for each model, the Ender-3 V2 user manual on Creality's download page, and two Creality Store articles. The nozzle fits come from Micro Swiss's and Creality's product pages. The filament settings come from each filament maker's own pages, listed in the sources section. All were retrieved on 2026-10-07. Makers update their pages, so check the current version before relying on a number. Read more in our editorial standards and affiliate disclosure.
PLA: what to check before you buy a spool ↗Head-to-head comparisons
Deciding between two products on this page? Each comparison puts both makers’ specs side by side and says who should choose which.
Sources
- Filament Cheat Sheet | Overture Wiki, Overture
- Ender-3 3D Printer product page (Product Parameters image), Creality
- Ender-3 V2 3D Printer product page (Product Parameters image), Creality
- Ender-3 V2 3D Printer User Manual (Equipment parameters), Creality
- Ender-3 V2 downloads (user manual and firmware), Creality
- Ender-3 S1 3D Printer product page (Product Parameters image), Creality
- Ender 3 (V2/Pro) Direct Drive Upgrade, Creality Store
- Comparative Analysis: Creality Ender 3 Pro, Ender 3 V2, Ender 3 S1, Ender 3 S1 Pro, V3 KE, Creality Store
- Top 5 Ender 3 Hotend Upgrades, Creality Store
- High-end Hardened Steel Nozzle Kit, Creality
- Microswiss CM2 - MK8 Nozzle Hardened Tip, Micro Swiss
- Hyper Series PETG 3D Printing Filament 1kg, Creality
- PolyLite PLA product page, Polymaker
- PolyLite PLA Pro product page, Polymaker
- PolyLite PLA Pro technical data sheet, Polymaker
- Polymaker PETG product page, Polymaker
- PolyFlex TPU95 product page, Polymaker
- PolyLite PLA-CF product page, Polymaker
- Polymaker transitions all filaments onto 100% recycled cardboard spools, Polymaker
- ELEGOO PLA product page, ELEGOO
- ELEGOO ABS product page, ELEGOO
- eSUN PLA+ product page, eSUN
- eSUN PETG product page, eSUN
- eSUN PETG technical data sheet, eSUN
- eSUN eTPU-95A product page, eSUN
- Overture Matte PLA product page, Overture
- Overture High Speed PETG product page, Overture
- Overture TPU product page, Overture
- TPU Flexible Guide (wiki), Overture
- Bowden vs Direct Drive Extruder (wiki), Overture
- Overture FAQs (cardboard spools), Overture
- VEVOR 3D Printer Enclosure, Oxford Cloth, LED (S0001), VEVOR
This page is research-based: we have not tested the products or methods ourselves. It draws on the manufacturer documentation and sources listed. Exact settings and fit always defer to your printer and filament makers.
Keep reading
TPU Compatibility: Extruder Path, Hardness, and Feeding Systems
Whether a TPU will feed in your printer depends on its Shore hardness, your extruder path, and whether it goes through an automatic material system.
PLA vs PETG: Choosing for the Actual Project
How to choose between PLA and PETG by what the part has to do: heat, stiffness, toughness, print ease, stringing, and build-plate release.
Nozzles for Abrasive Filaments: Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber, and Glow
Which filaments wear out nozzles, how brass, stainless, hardened, coated, and ruby-tipped nozzles differ, and how to find the right part for your exact hotend.