What Nozzle Temp for Each Material?
Nozzle temperature climbs from PLA at 190–220°C up through PETG (230–250°C), ABS/ASA (220–255°C), nylon (240–270°C), to PC at 260–310°C — the hottest common desktop material, which needs an all-metal hotend. Bed temperature follows a similar climb, from PLA's 50–60°C up to PC's 110–140°C. Always defer to the specific spool's own printed temperature over a generic rule of thumb.
Nozzle and bed temperature by material
| Material | Nozzle temp | Bed temp |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | 190–220°C | 50–60°C |
| PLA+ | 200–225°C | 50–65°C |
| PETG | 230–250°C | 70–85°C |
| ABS | 220–250°C | 95–110°C |
| ASA | 235–255°C | 95–110°C |
| TPU (95A) | 220–235°C | 40–60°C |
| Nylon (PA) | 240–270°C | 70–100°C |
| PC | 260–310°C | 110–140°C |
Aggregated across major manufacturer TDS sheets (Prusament, Polymaker, Bambu Lab, Overture, eSun, SUNLU). Full dataset with source column: The 3D Printing Numbers.
Why brand matters as much as material name
"PLA" is not one fixed recipe. Pigments and additives shift a brand's ideal nozzle window, sometimes by 15–20°C from another brand's PLA. If your spool has a printed recommended temperature, that number overrides any generic table — including this one — for that specific filament.
Materials that need an all-metal hotend
Nylon and PC both approach or exceed the safe ceiling of a standard PTFE-lined heat break (roughly 240–250°C). Reliably printing either material means upgrading to an all-metal hotend first — see our nozzle guide and the hotend section of The 3D Printing Numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pigments, additives, and each manufacturer's specific polymer blend shift the ideal window — the same nominal material can need a 15–20°C different nozzle temperature between two brands. Always start from the specific spool's own printed temperature if it has one.
Under-extrusion, weak layer adhesion (parts that snap apart along layer lines), and a rough, under-melted surface finish.
Stringing/oozing between features, oozing/blobbing at the nozzle, and for temperature-sensitive materials, discoloration or degradation of the plastic itself.
Polycarbonate (PC), typically 260–310°C, which also requires an all-metal hotend — a standard PTFE-lined hotend cannot safely reach that range.