Material Properties at a Glance
Quick reference for common material characteristics across our printing technologies.
We offer a wide range of engineering-grade materials across all of our additive manufacturing technologies.
Choose the right material for your application. Not sure? Contact us for a recommendation.
| Material | Technology | Properties | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA Basic | FDM | Easy to print, rigid, good surface finish, low warping, biodegradable, low heat resistance | General prototypes, models, visual parts, educational projects, low-load components |
| PLA Matte | FDM | Same strength as PLA, matte surface finish, hides layer lines, premium appearance | Display models, product mockups, architectural models, cosmetic prototypes |
| PLA Silk | FDM | Glossy metallic-like finish, decorative, less mechanically strong than standard PLA | Decorative parts, trophies, ornaments, presentation models |
| PLA Tough | FDM | Modified PLA with improved impact resistance and toughness, stronger than standard PLA | Functional prototypes, brackets, housings, mechanical parts with moderate loads |
| PETG | FDM | Strong, durable, chemical resistant, slightly flexible, moisture resistant, easy to print | Mechanical parts, containers, brackets, outdoor parts, protective covers |
| PETG-CF (Carbon Fibre PETG) | FDM | Increased stiffness, dimensional stability, improved strength, reduced warping | Structural prototypes, fixtures, jigs, tooling, industrial parts |
| ABS | FDM | Tough, impact resistant, heat resistant, easy to sand/acetone smooth, prone to warping | Automotive parts, enclosures, functional prototypes, engineering components |
| ASA | FDM | Similar to ABS but better UV and weather resistance, durable outdoors | Outdoor equipment, automotive exterior parts, housings, signage |
| TPU 95A | FDM | Flexible, rubber-like, impact absorbing, abrasion resistant, elastic | Seals, gaskets, phone cases, grips, wheels, vibration dampers |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | FDM | Very strong, high temperature resistance, excellent impact strength, stiff | High-strength prototypes, engineering parts, machine components, protective covers |
| PC Blend | FDM | Polycarbonate mixed with other polymers for easier printing, strong, heat resistant, improved toughness | Industrial prototypes, functional parts, tooling, durable enclosures |
| Nylon PA6 | FDM | High strength, wear resistant, flexible, fatigue resistant, absorbs moisture | Gears, bearings, hinges, mechanical components, moving parts |
| PA6-CF (Carbon Fibre Nylon) | FDM | Extremely stiff, lightweight, high strength, excellent dimensional stability | Structural parts, robotics, drones, fixtures, aerospace-style components |
| PAHT-CF (High Temperature Carbon Fibre Nylon) | FDM | Premium engineering material, very high strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance | Industrial tooling, high-temperature parts, automotive components, replacement metal parts |
Quick reference for common material characteristics across our printing technologies.
