Materials guide
Choosing the right material for your part
All our printing is FDM (fused deposition modelling). We use five core materials — each suited to different applications. If you are unsure which to choose, tell us the use case and we will advise at quote stage.
Polylactic Acid
Best uses
- Indoor display models and concept prints
- Low-stress functional parts used at room temperature
- Enclosures, covers, and housings (not near heat sources)
- Decorative and non-structural parts
- Prototypes for form and visual review
Strengths
- Excellent surface finish and detail resolution
- Consistent, reliable printing
- Wide colour availability
- Low warping — dimensionally stable during printing
- Most cost-effective material
Weaknesses
- Low heat resistance — begins to soften around 55–60°C
- Brittle under sharp impact
- Not suitable for prolonged outdoor or UV exposure
- Poor chemical resistance
When not to choose PLA
- Near heat sources (radiators, engines, direct sunlight in a hot car)
- Applications requiring flexibility or impact absorption
- Outdoor use where UV exposure is prolonged
- Parts requiring chemical or solvent resistance
- Any safety-critical or structural application
Rigidity: Stiff • Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor only • Typical heat tolerance: Up to ~55°C • Good for: Prototypes, models, enclosures
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
Best uses
- Functional replacement parts
- Parts requiring moderate toughness or impact resistance
- Parts exposed to moisture or occasional water contact
- Brackets, mounts, and holders
- Food-adjacent storage containers (non-certified)
Strengths
- Better impact and toughness than PLA
- Good moisture resistance
- Slightly flexible — less brittle than PLA
- Higher heat tolerance than PLA (around 70–80°C)
- Good layer adhesion
Weaknesses
- Surface finish slightly less sharp than PLA
- Can be stringy if print settings are not optimised
- Not as heat-resistant as ABS or ASA
- Susceptible to UV degradation over time
Ideal example applications
- Appliance and household replacement parts
- Workshop fixtures and storage clips
- Brackets and cable management parts
- Parts near mild heat sources (up to ~70°C)
Rigidity: Semi-rigid • Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor; limited outdoor • Typical heat tolerance: Up to ~70–80°C • Good for: Functional parts, brackets, mounts
Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Best uses
- Gaskets and seals
- Flexible grips, handles, and covers
- Protective bumpers and impact-absorbing parts
- Cable management clips and flexible ties
- Parts requiring a rubber-like feel
Strengths
- Highly flexible — rubber-like elasticity
- Good abrasion and wear resistance
- Impact absorbing
- Good chemical resistance
- Returns to shape after deformation
Weaknesses
- Slower to print than rigid materials
- Not suitable for rigid structural parts
- Surface finish can appear more fibrous
- Dimensional accuracy can be harder to control
Ideal example applications
- Lens and camera lens caps
- Protective sleeves and edge guards
- Floor-mount vibration pads
- Custom gaskets for non-pressure applications
- Flexible living hinge parts
Rigidity: Flexible / rubber-like • Indoor / Outdoor: Both • Typical heat tolerance: Up to ~80°C • Good for: Gaskets, grips, bumpers, seals
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Best uses
- Parts in higher-temperature environments
- Automotive interior trim and dashboard parts
- Housings near heat sources
- Parts requiring light post-processing or smoothing
- Electrical enclosures (low-voltage, non-certified)
Strengths
- Higher heat resistance than PLA and PETG (~100°C)
- Better impact toughness than PLA
- Good machinability — can be drilled and tapped
- Can be acetone-smoothed for a glossier finish
Weaknesses
- More prone to warping during printing — requires careful settings
- Emits fumes during printing (adequate ventilation needed)
- UV degradation outdoors — ASA is better for this
- Higher failure rate than PLA and PETG if not carefully managed
Ideal example applications
- Vehicle interior plastic parts
- Parts in warm indoor environments
- Appliance components near heating elements
- Functional end-use parts needing heat tolerance
Rigidity: Rigid • Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor preferred • Typical heat tolerance: Up to ~100°C • Good for: Heat-resistant functional parts
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
Best uses
- Outdoor parts exposed to sunlight and weather
- Automotive exterior trim and accessories
- Garden, outdoor equipment, and signage parts
- Parts in hot or UV-exposed environments
- Long-term exterior functional components
Strengths
- Excellent UV and weathering resistance
- Good heat resistance (~95–100°C)
- Retains colour and properties outdoors
- Good chemical resistance
- Similar mechanical properties to ABS
Weaknesses
- More challenging to print than PLA or PETG
- Can warp on larger parts without careful settings
- Fewer colour options than PLA
- Higher cost than PLA and PETG
Ideal example applications
- Number plate surrounds and trims
- Outdoor electrical enclosures (non-certified)
- Drone and RC vehicle body parts
- Garden fixture and signage components
- Roof rack and exterior vehicle accessories
Rigidity: Rigid • Indoor / Outdoor: Both — excellent outdoors • Typical heat tolerance: Up to ~95–100°C • Good for: Outdoor parts, UV-exposed components
Which material for your job?
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Upload your file or describe your part. We will confirm the right material and give you a price.