Materials
Choose by the job, not the datasheet.
Five materials cover almost everything we print. Each one below is described by what it does well — and where it stops being the right choice.
PLA
Best for models, decorations and everyday objects.
- Finish
- Satin
- Flexibility
- Rigid
- Heat
- Low
- Outdoor
- Indoor only
Best for
- Display models
- Prototypes
- Toys
- Home objects
PETG
Tougher and more heat-resistant. Good for functional parts.
- Finish
- Gloss
- Flexibility
- Slightly flex
- Heat
- Moderate
- Outdoor
- Short-term outdoor
Best for
- Functional parts
- Brackets
- Enclosures
- Outdoor-ish use
ABS
A familiar engineering plastic for parts that take a knock.
- Finish
- Matte
- Flexibility
- Rigid
- Heat
- Moderate
- Outdoor
- Short-term outdoor
Best for
- Automotive bits
- Tooling
- Impact-prone parts
Needs an enclosed printer. Slight odour during printing.
ASA
UV and weather resistant. Good for outdoor use.
- Finish
- Matte
- Flexibility
- Rigid
- Heat
- High
- Outdoor
- Outdoor
Best for
- Outdoor fixtures
- Exterior parts
- Signage
TPU
Flexible and rubber-like.
- Finish
- Matte
- Flexibility
- Flexible
- Heat
- Moderate
- Outdoor
- Short-term outdoor
Best for
- Gaskets
- Grips
- Phone cases
- Wearables
Slower to print. Thin walls may not be possible.
About these figures
Ratings describe typical printed behaviour, not certified engineering data. For load-bearing, high-temperature or safety-critical parts, talk to us before ordering — we will tell you if FDM is the wrong process for it.
Engineering filaments on request
PLA-CF, PETG-CF, PA-CF and ABS-GF are available for reviewed jobs. They need hardened nozzles and tuned profiles, so they are quoted rather than auto-priced.