FDM · SLA · SLS

Choose the Right Material

Every project is different. Here's what we print with and what each material is best for.

PLA

FDM$

The go-to material for most prints. Biodegradable, easy to print, wide color range.

Strength
Med
Flexibility
Low
Detail
Med
Heat Resistance
Low

Colors: Wide range — 30+ colors available

Best For

home decorcosplay propsgiftsprototypes
Get a Quote with PLA

ABS

FDM$$

Stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA. Great for mechanical parts and functional prototypes.

Strength
High
Flexibility
Low
Detail
Med
Heat Resistance
High

Colors: Standard colors — black, white, grey, red, blue

Best For

car partstoolsenclosures
Get a Quote with ABS

PETG

FDM$$

The middle ground. Strong like ABS but easier to print than PLA. Food-safe options available.

Strength
High
Flexibility
Med
Detail
Med
Heat Resistance
Med

Colors: Standard and translucent options available

Best For

water bottlesoutdoor partsfood containers
Get a Quote with PETG

Resin

SLA$$$

Smooth surfaces and tiny details that FDM can't match.

Strength
Med
Flexibility
Low
Detail
Very High
Heat Resistance
Med

Colors: Clear, grey, white, black; paintable

Best For

miniaturesfigurinesjewelrydental models
Get a Quote with Resin

Nylon

SLS$$$$

Tough, flexible, chemical-resistant. Excellent for functional parts that need to flex.

Strength
Very High
Flexibility
High
Detail
Med
Heat Resistance
High

Colors: Natural white; dyeable post-print

Best For

hingessnap-fitsgearsindustrial parts
Get a Quote with Nylon

TPU

FDM$$$

Rubber-like material that bends and stretches.

Strength
Med
Flexibility
Very High
Detail
Med
Heat Resistance
Med

Colors: Black, white, and select colors

Best For

phone casesshoe insolesgasketsgrips
Get a Quote with TPU

Material Comparison

Side-by-side specs to help you pick the right material for your project.

PLA$
Strength
Med
Flexibility
Low
Detail
Med
Heat Resist.
Low
PETG$$
Strength
High
Flexibility
Med
Detail
Med
Heat Resist.
Med
ABS$$
Strength
High
Flexibility
Low
Detail
Med
Heat Resist.
High
Resin$$$
Strength
Med
Flexibility
Low
Detail
Very High
Heat Resist.
Med
Nylon$$$$
Strength
Very High
Flexibility
High
Detail
Med
Heat Resist.
High
TPU$$$
Strength
Med
Flexibility
Very High
Detail
Med
Heat Resist.
Med

Not Sure Which Material?

Tell us what you're making and we'll recommend the best material for your project.

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