3D Printing Material Selection Guide

Why Material Selection Matters

The material you choose for your 3D printed part determines its mechanical properties, chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, and appearance. Selecting the wrong material can lead to parts that fail under load, warp in heat, or don't meet aesthetic requirements. This guide covers every material we offer and helps you match materials to your application needs.

FDM Materials: PLA

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is the most widely used 3D printing material. It's derived from renewable resources like corn starch, prints reliably, and produces good-looking parts with minimal warping. However, it has limited heat resistance (softens around 60°C) and is more brittle than engineering plastics.

• Tensile strength: 37 MPa
• Heat deflection: 52°C
• Best for: Visual prototypes, concept models, architectural models, consumer product mockups
• Limitations: Not suitable for high-temp or high-stress applications
• Cost: Lowest cost FDM material

FDM Materials: ABS

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a durable engineering thermoplastic with good impact resistance and higher temperature tolerance than PLA. It's the same material used in LEGO bricks. ABS requires a heated bed and enclosed chamber to prevent warping during printing.

• Tensile strength: 40 MPa
• Heat deflection: 98°C
• Best for: Functional prototypes, enclosures, automotive components, end-use parts
• Limitations: Prone to warping, requires ventilation during printing
• Cost: Moderate

FDM Materials: PETG

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) combines the ease of printing of PLA with better mechanical properties and chemical resistance. It's FDA-approved for food contact in its raw form, making it popular for consumer products.

• Tensile strength: 50 MPa
• Heat deflection: 70°C
• Best for: Mechanical parts, food-safe containers, chemical-resistant housings, outdoor parts
• Limitations: Can string during printing, slightly hygroscopic
• Cost: Moderate

FDM Materials: Nylon

Nylon (PA6/PA12) is the go-to material for functional, load-bearing parts. It offers excellent impact strength, fatigue resistance, and chemical compatibility. Nylon parts can replace machined components in many applications.

• Tensile strength: 70 MPa
• Heat deflection: 180°C (PA12)
• Best for: Gears, hinges, snap-fits, brackets, jigs/fixtures, load-bearing components
• Limitations: Highly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), requires dry storage
• Cost: Higher

FDM Materials: TPU

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like material ideal for parts that need to bend, stretch, or absorb impact. Shore hardness typically ranges from 85A to 95A.

• Elongation at break: 580%
• Shore hardness: 85A-95A
• Best for: Gaskets, seals, vibration dampeners, phone cases, grips, wearables
• Limitations: Slower print speeds, can be difficult to print precisely
• Cost: Moderate to high

SLA Resins: Standard Resin

Standard resin produces parts with excellent surface finish and fine detail resolution. It's the default choice for visual prototypes and models where appearance matters more than mechanical performance.

• Tensile strength: 38-50 MPa
• Good detail resolution down to 0.05mm features
• Best for: Presentation models, visual prototypes, art/design, form-check models
• Requires IPA wash and UV post-cure
• Available in multiple colors including clear

SLA Resins: Tough Resin

Tough resin is formulated to simulate the properties of ABS, providing higher impact resistance and less brittleness than standard resin. It's suitable for functional prototypes that need to withstand handling and moderate stress.

• Tensile strength: 55-65 MPa
• Impact resistant, less brittle
• Best for: Functional prototypes, snap-fit assemblies, enclosures, mechanical testing
• Simulates ABS-like properties

SLA Resins: Flexible Resin

Flexible resin produces rubber-like parts with Shore hardness around 50A-80A. It's used for prototyping soft-touch surfaces, seals, and anatomical models.

• Shore hardness: 50A-80A
• Elongation at break: 100-160%
• Best for: Seals, gaskets, anatomical models, ergonomic prototypes, overmold prototypes

SLA Resins: Dental Resin

Dental resins are biocompatible, Class IIa certified materials designed for dental and medical applications. They meet ISO 10993 standards for biocompatibility.

• Biocompatible (ISO 10993)
• Class IIa certified
• Best for: Surgical guides, dental models, orthodontic aligners, hearing aid shells, anatomical models
• Requires validated post-processing workflow

Material Selection Decision Guide

Follow these steps to select the right material for your project:

• 1. Define the primary function: Is it a visual prototype, functional test, or end-use part?
• 2. Identify load requirements: Will it bear weight, resist impact, or handle repeated stress?
• 3. Check temperature exposure: Will it encounter heat during use or storage?
• 4. Consider chemical exposure: Will it contact solvents, oils, or cleaning agents?
• 5. Evaluate surface requirements: Does it need to be smooth, painted, or visually appealing?
• 6. Factor in cost: What's the budget per part, and how many parts do you need?
• 7. Consult our engineers: We can recommend the optimal material based on your full requirements.

Material Comparison at a Glance

This comparison table helps you quickly identify which material fits your application.