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Compatibility matrix

This page provides a complete overview of which materials work with which build plates, printers, and nozzle types. Use the tables as a reference when planning prints with new materials.

Materials and build plates​

MaterialCool PlateEngineering PlateHigh Temp PlateTextured PEIGlue stick
PLAExcellentGoodNot recommendedGoodNo
PLA+ExcellentGoodNot recommendedGoodNo
PLA-CFExcellentGoodNot recommendedGoodNo
PLA SilkExcellentGoodNot recommendedGoodNo
PETGPoorExcellentGoodGoodYes (Cool)
PETG-CFPoorExcellentGoodAcceptableYes (Cool)
ABSNot recommendedExcellentGoodAcceptableYes (HT)
ASANot recommendedExcellentGoodAcceptableYes (HT)
TPUGoodGoodNot recommendedExcellentNo
PA (Nylon)Not recommendedExcellentGoodPoorYes
PA-CFNot recommendedExcellentGoodPoorYes
PA-GFNot recommendedExcellentGoodPoorYes
PCNot recommendedAcceptableExcellentNot recommendedYes (Eng)
PC-CFNot recommendedAcceptableExcellentNot recommendedYes (Eng)
PVAExcellentGoodNot recommendedGoodNo
HIPSNot recommendedGoodGoodAcceptableNo
PVBGoodGoodNot recommendedGoodNo

Legend:

  • Excellent — works optimally, recommended combination
  • Good — works well, acceptable alternative
  • Acceptable — works, but not ideal — requires extra measures
  • Poor — can work with modifications, but not recommended
  • Not recommended — poor results or risk of damage to the plate
PETG and Cool Plate

PETG adheres too well to Cool Plate (Smooth PEI) and can tear off the PEI coating when removing the part. Always use glue stick as a release film, or choose Engineering Plate.

PC and plate selection

PC requires High Temp Plate due to the high bed temperatures (100–120 °C). Other plates can become permanently deformed at these temperatures.

Materials and printers​

MaterialA1 MiniA1P1PP1SP2SX1CX1EH2SH2DH2C
PLAYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
PLA+YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
PLA-CFYes*Yes*Yes*Yes*Yes*YesYesYes*Yes*Yes*
PETGYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
PETG-CFYes*Yes*Yes*Yes*Yes*YesYesYes*Yes*Yes*
ABSNoNoPossible**YesYesYesYesYesYesYes
ASANoNoPossible**YesYesYesYesYesYesYes
TPUYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
PA (Nylon)NoNoNoPossible**Possible**YesYesYesYesYes
PA-CFNoNoNoNoNoYesYesPossible**Possible**Possible**
PA-GFNoNoNoNoNoYesYesPossible**Possible**Possible**
PCNoNoNoPossible**NoYesYesPossible**Possible**Possible**
PC-CFNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo
PVAYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
HIPSNoNoPossible**YesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Legend:

  • Yes — fully supported and recommended
  • Yes* — requires hardened steel nozzle (HS01 or equivalent)
  • Possible** — may work with limitations, not officially recommended
  • No — not suitable (lacks enclosure, temperatures too low, etc.)
Enclosure requirements

Materials that require an enclosure (ABS, ASA, PA, PC):

  • A1 and A1 Mini have an open frame — not suitable
  • P1P has an open frame — requires enclosure accessory
  • P1S has an enclosure, but no active chamber heating
  • X1C and X1E have full enclosure with active heating — recommended for demanding materials

Materials and nozzle types​

MaterialBrass (standard)Hardened steel (HS01)Hardened Steel
PLAExcellentExcellentExcellent
PLA+ExcellentExcellentExcellent
PLA-CFDo not useExcellentExcellent
PLA SilkExcellentExcellentExcellent
PETGExcellentExcellentExcellent
PETG-CFDo not useExcellentExcellent
ABSExcellentExcellentExcellent
ASAExcellentExcellentExcellent
TPUExcellentGoodGood
PA (Nylon)GoodExcellentExcellent
PA-CFDo not useExcellentExcellent
PA-GFDo not useExcellentExcellent
PCGoodExcellentExcellent
PC-CFDo not useExcellentExcellent
PVAExcellentGoodGood
HIPSExcellentExcellentExcellent
PVBExcellentGoodGood
Carbon fiber and glass fiber require hardened nozzle

All materials with -CF (carbon fiber) or -GF (glass fiber) require a hardened steel nozzle. Brass wears out in hours to days with these materials. Bambu Lab HS01 is recommended.

Materials that require a hardened nozzle:

  • PLA-CF
  • PETG-CF
  • PA-CF / PA-GF
  • PC-CF / PC-GF
Brass vs hardened steel for regular materials

Brass nozzle provides better thermal conductivity and thus smoother extrusion for regular materials (PLA, PETG, ABS). Hardened steel works fine, but may require 5–10 °C higher temperature. Use brass for daily use and switch to hardened steel for CF/GF materials.

Tips for material changes​

When switching between materials in AMS or manually, proper purging is important to avoid contamination.

From → ToPurge amountNote
PLA → PLA (different color)100–150 mm³Standard color change
PLA → PETG200–300 mm³Temperature increase, different flow
PETG → PLA200–300 mm³Temperature decrease
ABS → PLA300–400 mm³Large temperature difference
PLA → ABS300–400 mm³Large temperature difference
PA → PLA400–500 mm³Nylon lingers in hotend
PC → PLA400–500 mm³PC requires thorough purging
Dark → Light color200–300 mm³Dark pigment is hard to flush
Light → Dark color100–150 mm³Easier transition

Temperature change during material switch​

TransitionRecommendation
Cold → Hot (e.g., PLA → ABS)Heat up to new material, purge thoroughly
Hot → Cold (e.g., ABS → PLA)Purge first at high temp, then lower
Similar temperatures (e.g., PLA → PLA)Standard purge
Large difference (e.g., PLA → PC)Intermediate stop with PETG can help
Nylon and PC leave residue

PA (Nylon) and PC are particularly difficult to purge out. After using these materials:

  1. Purge with PETG or ABS at high temperature (260–280 °C)
  2. Run at least 500 mm³ of purge material
  3. Visually inspect the extrusion — it should be completely clean without discoloration

Quick reference — material selection​

Unsure which material you need? Use this guide:

NeedRecommended material
Prototyping / daily usePLA
Mechanical strengthPETG, PLA Tough
Outdoor useASA
Heat resistanceABS, ASA, PC
Flexible partsTPU
Maximum strengthPA-CF, PC-CF
TransparentPETG (natural), PC (natural)
Aesthetics / decorationPLA Silk, PLA Sparkle
Snap-fit / living hingesPETG, PA
Food contactPLA (with reservations)