Material Guide
Choose the right filament for your application. Strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, and real-world use cases.
Material overview
Different materials have different properties. Choose based on your product's requirements: strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, surface finish, and durability.
Quick comparison
| Material | Strength | Flexibility | Heat Resist | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Medium | Rigid | ~60°C | General use, decorative |
| PLA Silk | Medium | Rigid | ~60°C | Premium finish, display |
| PETG | High | Semi-flex | ~80°C | Functional, outdoor |
| PETG Translucent | High | Semi-flex | ~80°C | Light diffusion, transparent |
| ABS | High | Tough | ~100°C | Automotive, high temp |
| TPU | Low-Med | Very flex | ~60°C | Flexible parts, grips |
| PLA-CF | Very High | Rigid | ~60°C | Stiff structural parts |
| PA6-CF | Extreme | Tough | ~150°C | Engineering, high stress |
| PETG-CF | Very High | Rigid | ~80°C | Durable functional parts |
Technical specifications
Complete mechanical and thermal properties for all materials:
| Material | Tensile Strength | Tensile Modulus | Elongation | Glass Transition | Cost/gram |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 50 MPa | 3.5 GPa | 6% | 60°C | $0.02 |
| PLA Silk | 50 MPa | 3.5 GPa | 6% | 60°C | $0.02 |
| PETG | 53 MPa | 2.1 GPa | 50% | 80°C | $0.07 |
| PETG Translucent | 53 MPa | 2.1 GPa | 50% | 80°C | $0.07 |
| ABS | 40 MPa | 2.3 GPa | 20% | 105°C | $0.07 |
| TPU (95A) | 26 MPa | 0.1 GPa | 580% | 60°C | $0.07 |
| PLA-CF | 73 MPa | 6.0 GPa | 5% | 60°C | $0.12 |
| PA6-CF | 85 MPa | 6.5 GPa | 3% | 150°C | $0.18 |
| PETG-CF | 58 MPa | 5.0 GPa | 4% | 85°C | $0.12 |
PLA (Standard)
Best for: Decorative items, prototypes, indoor use, detailed prints, low-stress applications.
Pros
- • Easy to print with excellent detail
- • Matte, smooth surface finish
- • Wide color range available
- • Biodegradable (corn-based)
- • No warping issues
Cons
- • Brittle under impact
- • Low heat resistance (deforms in hot car)
- • Not suitable for outdoor long-term
- • UV degrades over time
Use Cases
Figurines, desk organizers, planters, decorative art, cosplay props, prototypes, miniatures, educational models
PLA Silk
PLA with metallic/pearlescent additives for a premium glossy finish. Same mechanical properties as standard PLA but with enhanced visual appeal.
Use Cases
Jewelry, vases, display items, awards/trophies, luxury packaging, retail displays, product showcases
PETG
Best for: Functional parts, mechanical assemblies, outdoor use, containers, impact-resistant applications.
Pros
- • Strong layer adhesion (won't delaminate)
- • Impact resistant - bends before breaking
- • Weather and UV resistant
- • Food-safe when properly printed
- • Chemical resistant
Cons
- • Slightly more expensive than PLA
- • Glossy finish shows fingerprints
- • Stringing requires tuning
Use Cases
Phone cases, enclosures, brackets, clips, outdoor planters, mechanical parts, water bottles, tool handles, protective covers
PETG Translucent
Clear or semi-transparent PETG for light diffusion, windowing, and aesthetic applications. Same strength as standard PETG with light transmission properties.
Layer orientation matters
Use Cases
LED lamp shades, light diffusers, display cases, windowing, aquarium parts, clear containers, optical prototypes, decorative lighting
ABS
Best for: High-temperature applications, automotive parts, functional prototypes, parts requiring post-processing (acetone smoothing).
Pros
- • Excellent heat resistance (can go in hot car)
- • Strong and tough under impact
- • Can be smoothed with acetone vapor
- • Good for functional prototypes
- • Machinable and post-processable
Cons
- • Requires enclosed printer (warping)
- • Fumes during printing
- • More expensive than PLA/PETG
- • Slightly weaker tensile strength than PETG
Use Cases
Automotive interior parts, electronics enclosures, tool handles, high-temp fixtures, jigs, molds for casting, functional prototypes
TPU (Flexible)
Best for: Flexible parts, grips, seals, gaskets, phone cases, wearables, anything requiring elasticity.
Pros
- • Rubber-like flexibility and bounce-back
- • Excellent abrasion resistance
- • Oil and grease resistant
- • Shock absorption properties
- • Soft-touch feel
Cons
- • Slower print speeds required
- • Not suitable for rigid structures
- • Can be stringy if not tuned
- • Higher cost than rigid materials
Use Cases
Phone cases, watch bands, grips, seals, gaskets, hinges, dampeners, protective bumpers, wearable accessories, soft toys
Carbon Fiber Composites
Carbon fiber reinforced materials combine a base polymer with 10-20% chopped carbon fiber. This dramatically increases stiffness and reduces weight while maintaining printability.
PLA-CF (Carbon Fiber PLA)
vs Standard PLA: 46% stronger, 9× stiffer, 15% lighter. Matte carbon fiber aesthetic. Lower warp than pure carbon.
Use Cases: Drone frames, RC car parts, camera mounts, brackets, stiff structural components, lightweight assemblies
PETG-CF (Carbon Fiber PETG)
vs Standard PETG: Similar strength but significantly stiffer. Maintains PETG's toughness and impact resistance with added rigidity.
Use Cases: Durable functional parts, tool holders, jigs, outdoor equipment, impact-resistant housings, automotive accessories
PA6-CF (Carbon Fiber Nylon)
Engineering-grade material: Highest strength and temperature resistance. Combines nylon toughness with carbon stiffness. Most expensive option.
Note: Absorbs moisture—store in dry box. Requires dry conditions for optimal properties.
Use Cases: High-stress mechanical parts, gears, automotive under-hood, industrial fixtures, high-temp tooling, replacement metal parts
Carbon fiber abrasiveness
Choosing the right material
Not sure which material to use? Here's a quick decision tree:
Decorative, display, or low-stress parts?
→ Use PLA or PLA Silk
Functional parts, outdoor use, or impact resistance needed?
→ Use PETG
Flexible, rubber-like, or grip surfaces?
→ Use TPU
High temperature (car interior, near heat source)?
→ Use ABS or PA6-CF
Maximum strength-to-weight, structural, or engineering parts?
→ Use PLA-CF, PETG-CF, or PA6-CF
Light diffusion or transparent/translucent?
→ Use PETG Translucent