We do not print with "whatever is in stock". The material is chosen for the conditions the part will work in: load, temperature, outdoor exposure, friction, flexibility. Below are the eight plastics we work with and what each of them is for.
Quick guide
| Material | Heat resistance | Typical parts |
|---|---|---|
| PLA — precise and affordable | up to 55 °C | mock-ups and shape prototypes, decor, master models |
| PETG — the universal engineering plastic | up to 75 °C | enclosures and brackets, mechanism parts, containers and lids |
| ABS — the impact-resistant classic | up to 95 °C | equipment housings, car interior parts, production tooling |
| ASA — for outdoor use | up to 95 °C, UV-stable | outdoor mounts, exterior car parts, street signs |
| TPU — flexible and unbreakable | up to 80 °C | gaskets and dampers, protective covers, wheels and rollers |
| PC — maximum strength | up to 110 °C | loaded brackets, tooling, assemblies near heat sources |
| PA (nylon) — wear and friction | up to 100 °C | gears, bushings and sliders, snap-fit clips |
| PA-CF / PET-CF — reinforced composites | up to 140 °C | replacing metal tooling, drone frames and mounts, loaded enclosures |
The price per gram of each material is on the pricing page.
Each material in detail
PLA — precise and affordable
The easiest plastic to work with: great detail, even surface, low price. For items without heat or serious load.
Heat resistance: up to 55 °C. Typical parts: mock-ups and shape prototypes, decor, master models.
PETG — the universal engineering plastic
The workhorse of functional printing: strong, moderately springy, resistant to moisture and chemicals. The best choice when a part has to work, not sit on a shelf.
Heat resistance: up to 75 °C. Typical parts: enclosures and brackets, mechanism parts, containers and lids.
ABS — the impact-resistant classic
Takes impact and temperature, and finishes well: it can be sanded and smoothed to a gloss.
Heat resistance: up to 95 °C. Typical parts: equipment housings, car interior parts, production tooling.
ASA — for outdoor use
The same impact resistance as ABS plus resistance to UV and weather: it does not yellow or turn brittle in the sun.
Heat resistance: up to 95 °C, UV-stable. Typical parts: outdoor mounts, exterior car parts, street signs.
TPU — flexible and unbreakable
A rubber-like polyurethane: it bends, absorbs impact and resists abrasion. Where rigid plastic cracks, TPU simply springs back.
Heat resistance: up to 80 °C. Typical parts: gaskets and dampers, protective covers, wheels and rollers.
PC — maximum strength
Polycarbonate holds high loads and temperatures where other plastics give up.
Heat resistance: up to 110 °C. Typical parts: loaded brackets, tooling, assemblies near heat sources.
PA (nylon) — wear and friction
Slippery, tough and wear-resistant: made for parts that constantly rub and click.
Heat resistance: up to 100 °C. Typical parts: gears, bushings and sliders, snap-fit clips.
PA-CF / PET-CF — reinforced composites
Carbon-fibre reinforced plastic: stiffness and dimensional stability at a level where printing replaces machined tooling and metal in simpler assemblies. PET-CF reaches full heat resistance after annealing — we do that step ourselves.
Heat resistance: up to 140 °C. Typical parts: replacing metal tooling, drone frames and mounts, loaded enclosures.
Not sure what to choose?
Describe how the part will work — we will pick the material and explain why. You can also send us the part photo and we will suggest the option on the spot.