Not sure which material to choose from?

Choosing the right material is an important aspect of 3D printing. The material you select will affect the strength, durability, flexibility, and appearance of your finished print. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which material is best for your specific project.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right material for your 3D print:

• Strength and Durability: Consider the intended use of your 3D print. If you need a strong, durable part, materials like ABS, nylon, and polycarbonate may be good options. If you need a more flexible part, TPU or TPE may be a better choice.

• Heat Resistance: If you need a part that can withstand high temperatures, consider materials like PEEK, PEI, or Ultem. These materials have excellent heat resistance and are commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.

• Chemical Resistance: If your part will be exposed to harsh chemicals, consider materials like PETG or nylon. These materials have excellent chemical resistance and are commonly used in industrial and medical applications.

• Appearance: If the appearance of your part is important, consider materials like PLA or PETG. These materials have a smooth finish and come in a variety of colors.

• Cost: The cost of the material will also be a factor to consider. Some materials, like PLA, are relatively inexpensive, while others, like PEEK, can be quite expensive.

Common Materials for FDM 3D Printing
Material	Properties	Applications	Thermal Deflection
PLA+	Biodegradable, easy to print, stronger than regular PLA	Prototyping, figurines, toys, household items	60-65°C
PETG	Strong, durable, transparent	Phone cases, water bottles, food containers	75-80°C
TPU95a	Flexible, rubber-like, 95A shore hardness	Phone cases, watch bands, shoe soles	125°C
ASA	UV-resistant, weather-resistant, durable	Outdoor signage, automotive parts, garden tools	95-105°C
PA	Strong, durable, high melting temperature	Mechanical parts, gears, bearings	170-180°C
PA-CF	High strength, Wear resistant, impact resistant	Drone parts, automotive parts, sports equipment	180-190°C
PC	Strong, durable, impact resistant, optical clarity	Safety glasses, camera lenses, automotive parts	135-150°C
PC-CF	High strength, stiffness, impact resistance	Aerospace, automotive, medical, sports equipment	145-155°C

Common Materials for SLA 3D Printing
Material	Properties	Applications	Thermal Deflection
Standard Resin	High detail, smooth surface finish, rigid	Figurines, Prototypes & Enclosures	60°C
Flexible Resin	Soft, rubber-like texture, bendable	Toys, wearables, phone cases	45°C
Tough Resin	Durable, impact-resistant, strong	Mechanical parts, engineering prototypes	80°C
Ceramic	High heat resistance, insulators, High Surface hardness	Defence, Aerospace & Research	88°C
Abrasion Resistant	Resistant to impact and friction	Machine parts, Gears, and Tools & Dental and medical devices	68°C
Glow in the Dark	Phosphorescent pigments that absorb and emit light (White/Green)	jewellery, figurines, and ornaments & Safety signs, emergency exits	65°C
Clear Resin	Transparent, high detail, smooth finish	Optics, medical models, packaging prototypes	50°C
High-Temperature Resin	Heat-resistant, rigid, durable	Moulds, tooling, automotive parts	238°C
Castable Resin	Low ash content, precise details, burn-out easily	Jewellery, dental restorations, art casting	50°C
Biocompatible Resin	Non-toxic, biocompatible, high-detail	Medical devices, dental models, prosthetics	55°C

Common Materials for SLS 3D Printing
Material	Properties	Applications	Thermal Deflection
PA12	Strong, rigid, chemical-resistant	Functional prototypes, consumer goods	170°C
Glass Fibre Nylon (PA12+35% GF)	High strength-to-weight ratio, lightweight, durable	Automotive parts, aerospace components	160°C
TPU	Soft, flexible, elastomeric	Prototyping, wearables, phone cases	110°C