Materials · General guidance
Choosing a material
These are general comparisons, not performance guarantees. Exact properties depend on the filament, design and print settings. Tell us about heat, sunlight, loads or food contact before ordering.
| Property | PLAEveryday precision | PETGFor functional prototypes | ABSFor selected functional prints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | Matte, fine layer lines | Semi-gloss, slightly translucent | Matte, sands to a smooth surface |
| Strength | Rigid, moderate impact resistance | Properties vary with print settings and orientation | Load capacity must be assessed for the specific design |
| Heat | Softens in a hot car — keep it indoors | Heat suitability depends on filament and design; ask before outdoor use | Ask for the filament specification and intended temperature |
| Best for | Decor, desk pieces, display models | Prototypes, holders and enclosures | Prototypes and enclosures |
01
PLA
Everyday precision
- Finish
- Matte, fine layer lines
- Strength
- Rigid, moderate impact resistance
- Heat
- Softens in a hot car — keep it indoors
- Best for
- Decor, desk pieces, display models
02
PETG
For functional prototypes
- Finish
- Semi-gloss, slightly translucent
- Strength
- Properties vary with print settings and orientation
- Heat
- Heat suitability depends on filament and design; ask before outdoor use
- Best for
- Prototypes, holders and enclosures
03
ABS
For selected functional prints
- Finish
- Matte, sands to a smooth surface
- Strength
- Load capacity must be assessed for the specific design
- Heat
- Ask for the filament specification and intended temperature
- Best for
- Prototypes and enclosures