MATERIALS
3D printing materials: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, nylon, PC, composites, flame-retardant materials and SLA resins. Tell us what your product needs to withstand.
From scale models and enclosures to load-bearing components. We select the material to suit the application, environment and finish you need.
For many brackets, holders and enclosures, they offer the right balance of performance and printing cost. We tailor the design and print settings to the loads your part needs to withstand.
ALL MATERIALS AT A GLANCE
A single overview of materials for FDM and SLA printing. Compare the ratings at a glance, then expand each material’s benefits and recommendations for more detail.
To present a shape or idea
Architectural models, presentation models and shape checks.
For heat or sustained mechanical loads, we consider another material. A part in a hot car faces a different challenge from a model on a desk.
A versatile choice for mechanical components
Mechanical components, brackets, holders, enclosures and functional prototypes.
For precise fit, high temperatures or specific chemicals, we check the exact formulation and operating conditions.
When the environment demands more
Mechanical components, brackets and enclosures; ASA is also suitable for outdoor parts.
ABS and ASA are not interchangeable in every environment. We generally consider ASA first for outdoor use and check temperature and load requirements separately.
When a part needs to flex
Edge protectors, dampers, flexible covers and grip components.
Softness depends on material hardness, walls and shape. TPU is not automatically suitable for every seal or chemical exposure.
For loads, sliding contact and wear
Brackets, gears, guides, bushings and load-bearing functional prototypes.
Absorbs moisture, which affects properties and dimensions. We need to understand the operating environment before selecting it.
For more demanding temperatures
Engineering enclosures and parts requiring stiffness and heat resistance.
Different PC blends do not have identical resistance. We base the choice on the technical data sheet and part geometry.
Fibre-reinforced plastic
Stiff brackets, jigs and dimensionally stable engineering parts.
The range covers different base plastics, such as PETG-CF and PA-CF. Fibres primarily increase stiffness; heat resistance and toughness also depend on the base plastic.
PA-CF and PETG-CF are different materials. Greater stiffness does not necessarily mean greater toughness or equal strength in all directions.
Flame-retardant materials
Electronic enclosures and parts with specified flammability requirements.
The range covers different flame-retardant filaments and resins. FR describes their response to fire, rather than identical heat resistance or mechanical properties.
FR does not mean non-combustible. A material classification does not automatically certify the finished product; wall thickness, process and the required standard matter.
Appearance and fine detail
Presentation models, small details and visual prototypes.
Standard resin can be brittle. For impacts, flexing or higher temperatures, we choose an appropriate engineering resin.
Properties for a specific purpose
Functional prototypes, flexible components and temperature-demanding parts.
From flexible and tough to rigid or heat-resistant resins. The range represents different resin types; no single resin has all the highest ratings at once.
An ‘ABS-like’ label does not mean the same composition as ABS filament. We consider the technical data sheet, correct curing and the operating environment.
UNDERSTANDING MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Ratings from 1 to 5 compare typical material behaviour. A higher rating is not always a better fit: a flexible protective part, for example, needs less stiffness than a bracket.
Printing cost is a comparative rating: PLA has 1 star and nylon has 5. Stars are not a price list or an automatic quote. Actual pricing also depends on the part’s shape, size, quantity and finishing.
Property ratings simplify the comparison of typical formulations; they are not measurements of your part. Material formulation, moisture, print orientation and settings affect the result. For composites, FR materials and specialist resins, ranges show the differences between formulations. We check the properties of the specific material for your part.
Select “Advise me” in the form. We review every model individually and recommend a material, technology and settings for its actual use.
COLOUR AND SURFACE
Tell us which surfaces will be visible, the colour you want and whether the part needs to match an existing item. On-screen colours are a guide only.
We can combine several colours in one part for logos, lettering, accents and distinctive branded products. We agree on the options based on the model, material and technology.
Engineering materials may not offer the same colours as PLA. Layers may be visible in translucent parts; translucent does not mean optically clear.
We agree on support marks, sanding, painting and the desired finish before production. For precise colour matching, we can arrange a sample.
Describe the purpose, temperature, loads and environment in your enquiry. We will suggest a suitable approach.
LET'S DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT
Send your file and describe its use. We will review your requirements and prepare a quote.
No obligation to order.
