Materials
3D Printing Materials
Material choice affects strength, heat resistance, flexibility, surface finish and price. Here is a quick overview; the full guide compares each option in detail.
Overview
Common materials at a glance
PLA
Display items, organisers, prototypes and low-stress indoor parts. Good detail and colour choice, but not ideal for hot cars or high-load parts.
PETG
A practical default for many functional prints, with better heat and impact resistance than PLA. Good for brackets, clips and mounts.
ABS
Parts needing better heat resistance or post-processing options. Useful for warmer environments, though geometry and finish requirements matter.
TPU
Flexible bumpers, grips, feet, soft covers and vibration-damping pieces. Best when the part needs to bend or absorb impact.
Nylon (PA)
Tougher functional parts, wear surfaces and black utility parts. Usually quoted where PLA or PETG may not be enough.
Carbon or glass filled
Stiffer premium parts where flex should be reduced. Higher-cost materials used when the job justifies it.