Standard production plastic
A practical option for general brackets, housings, organizers, fixtures, and non-heat-critical parts.
FDM materials for contract 3D printing.
Standard materials are available for most production runs without additional setup. Extended materials — ABS, nylon, HIPS, and composite materials — may be available when the run warrants the setup cost and process requirements. Describe your part and use case in the quote request and we will recommend the best fit.
Choose by use case
Plain-language material groups for production decisions.
You do not need to know every material acronym before requesting a quote. Tell us how the part will be used and we will help match the material direction to the job.
Tough production plastic
A stronger option for functional parts that need better impact resistance, durability, and day-to-day handling.
Outdoor or heat-resistant plastic
Reviewed for parts exposed to warmer environments, sunlight, outdoor use, or higher operating temperatures.
Flexible plastic
Used for soft, flexible, protective, or grip-style parts where rigidity is not desired.
Specialty materials
Reviewed per project when the part has specific strength, temperature, chemical, or performance requirements.
Not sure yet?
Choose “Not sure” on the quote form and describe heat, flex, load, outdoor exposure, surface expectations, and production quantity.
Standard materials
Available for most production runs.
These materials are stocked and ready for prototype, small-batch, and repeat production runs without additional setup requirements.
PLA / PLA+
StandardPolylactic acid is the most common FDM material and the right starting point for prototypes, fit checks, display parts, and indoor samples. PLA+ variants offer improved layer adhesion and a slightly tougher result.
Best forPrototypes, fit checks, display parts, product samples, low-heat indoor parts
Heat toleranceLow — begins to soften around 60°C. Not suitable for hot vehicles, direct sun, or heat-generating environments.
UV / outdoorNot recommended — will degrade and deform with prolonged outdoor or UV exposure.
FlexibilityRigid. Low impact resistance compared to PETG or TPU.
Not ideal forStructural use, outdoor parts, heat-exposed environments, food or medical contact
PETG / PCTG
StandardA step up from PLA in toughness, impact resistance, and temperature performance. PCTG is a copolymer variant with slightly better mechanical properties. Both are strong general-purpose choices for functional parts that need more durability than PLA.
Best forFunctional parts, mechanical components, moderate outdoor use, durable housings, replacement pieces
Heat toleranceModerate — handles approximately 70–80°C depending on part geometry and load.
UV / outdoorBetter than PLA. Suitable for moderate outdoor use. Extended direct UV may cause yellowing over time.
FlexibilitySemi-rigid with better impact absorption than PLA.
Not ideal forTight-tolerance precision fits, sustained high-heat, food or medical contact
TPU
StandardThermoplastic polyurethane is a flexible FDM material for parts that need controlled elasticity. Common applications include protective covers, bumpers, grips, gaskets, and parts that need to absorb impact or compress and return to shape.
Best forBumpers, pads, sleeves, grips, protective covers, seals, flex-retention parts
Heat toleranceModerate — generally handles 60–80°C depending on hardness grade.
UV / outdoorModerate UV resistance. Better than PLA for outdoor use.
FlexibilityFlexible to semi-flexible depending on infill and wall count.
Not ideal forRigid structural parts, high-precision fits, high-heat environments
ASA
StandardAcrylonitrile styrene acrylate is designed for outdoor use. It has strong UV resistance, good heat tolerance, and holds up better than PLA or PETG in prolonged sun and weather exposure. The practical choice for exterior housings, enclosures, and utility parts.
Best forOutdoor parts, UV-exposed housings, weather-resistant enclosures, utility fixtures
Heat toleranceGood — handles approximately 95–100°C.
UV / outdoorExcellent. Designed to resist UV degradation and color fading outdoors.
FlexibilityRigid with moderate impact resistance.
Not ideal forHigh-flex applications, fine cosmetic surface finish, food or medical contact
Extended materials
Available upon request for qualifying production runs.
These materials require additional setup, specific printer configurations, or special handling. They may be available when the contract run justifies the setup cost. Request availability and pricing during the quote process — we will evaluate fit and advise on whether the run warrants the setup.
ABS
Upon requestAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene. A classic engineering plastic with good heat resistance and machinability. Requires enclosed printing to avoid warping. Good for parts that need post-process finishing, sanding, drilling, or acetone smoothing.
- Better heat resistance than PLA or PETG
- Can be sanded, machined, drilled, or acetone-smoothed
- Suitable for moderate structural and mechanical use
- Requires enclosure — setup dependent
Nylon (PA)
Upon requestPolyamide materials offer strong fatigue resistance, good impact strength, and moderate chemical resistance. Hygroscopic — requires dry storage and careful handling. Good choice for gears, snap-fit parts, and mechanical components.
- Strong fatigue and impact resistance
- Good for snap-fits, gears, and mechanical parts
- Hygroscopic — requires dry material handling
- Setup and material handling dependent
HIPS
Upon requestHigh-impact polystyrene. Lightweight, easy to print, and commonly used as a dissolvable support material alongside ABS. Can also be used as a standalone functional material for lightweight parts, signage, and display components.
- Lightweight and easy to post-process
- Dissolvable in limonene — useful as a support material
- Good for display parts, lightweight housings, and signage
- Paired-material setup dependent
Composite Filaments
Upon requestCarbon-fiber, wood-fill, metal-fill, and other composite materials are available for specific use cases where the composite property — stiffness, appearance, or weight — adds value. These materials increase wear on print components and are quoted on a run-by-run basis.
- Carbon-fill for stiffness and reduced weight
- Metal-fill for appearance and surface finishing
- Wood-fill for texture and aesthetic applications
- Availability and pricing confirmed per run
Extended materials are reviewed and priced per project. Send your material requirement and intended use case in the quote request — we will confirm availability and include any setup costs in the quote.
Quick comparison
Standard materials at a glance.
Use this as a starting reference. Final material selection is confirmed during quote review based on your specific part requirements.
Material
Best for
Heat
UV / outdoor
Flex
Avoid for
PLA / PLA+
Prototypes, fit checks, display parts, indoor samples
Low
Poor
Rigid
Outdoor use, heat, structural load
PETG / PCTG
Functional parts, moderate outdoor use, durable housings
Moderate
Moderate
Semi-rigid
Precision fits, sustained high-heat
TPU
Bumpers, grips, pads, protective covers, flex parts
Moderate
Moderate
Flexible
Rigid structural parts, tight fits
ASA
Outdoor parts, UV-exposed housings, utility fixtures
Good
Excellent
Rigid
High-flex, cosmetic finish
Material fit by project
Start with the job the part needs to do.
Material selection is reviewed during quoting, but these starting points help customers describe what they actually need from the finished part.
Ready to quote?
Include material needs and use case in the request.
We will confirm material availability, advise on the best fit, and include all material costs in the quote before work begins.