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FDM materials for contract 3D printing.

Standard materials are available for most production runs without additional setup. Extended materials — ABS, nylon, HIPS, and composite filaments — 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.

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+

Standard

Polylactic 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

Standard

A 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

Standard

Thermoplastic polyurethane is a flexible filament 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

Standard

Acrylonitrile 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 request

Acrylonitrile 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 request

Polyamide 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 request

High-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 request

Carbon-fiber, wood-fill, metal-fill, and other composite filaments 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

Semi-rigid

Precision fits, sustained high-heat

TPU

Bumpers, grips, pads, protective covers, flex parts

Moderate

Flexible

Rigid structural parts, tight fits

ASA

Outdoor parts, UV-exposed housings, utility fixtures

Good

Excellent

Rigid

High-flex, cosmetic finish

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.

Request a Quote