GUIDES › 3D PRINTING MATERIALS
MATERIALS GUIDE
3D PRINTING MATERIALS
Complete material reference. Properties, applications, and selection criteria for 3D printing projects.
MATERIAL COMPARISON
PROPERTIES OVERVIEW
| MATERIAL | PRINT TEMP | BED TEMP | STRENGTH | FLEXIBILITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PLA Polylactic Acid | 190-220°C | 50-70°C | MODERATE | LOW |
PETG Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol | 230-250°C | 70-80°C | HIGH | MEDIUM |
ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | 240-260°C | 80-100°C | HIGH | MEDIUM |
TPU Thermoplastic Polyurethane | 210-230°C | 50-60°C | MEDIUM | HIGH |
ASA Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate | 240-260°C | 80-100°C | HIGH | MEDIUM |
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
MATERIAL PROFILES
PLA - Polylactic Acid
Biodegradable. Easy printing. Good surface finish.
APPLICATIONS
• Prototypes
• Decorative items
• Educational projects
ADVANTAGES
+ Easy to print
+ No heated bed required
+ Biodegradable
+ Wide color range
LIMITATIONS
- Low temperature resistance
- Brittle
- Limited strength
PETG - Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
Strong and durable. Chemical resistant. Food safe options.
APPLICATIONS
• Functional parts
• Containers
• Mechanical components
ADVANTAGES
+ Strong and durable
+ Chemical resistant
+ Food safe
+ Clear options
LIMITATIONS
- Higher printing temperature
- Can string
- More expensive
ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Engineering plastic. High temperature resistance. Machinable.
APPLICATIONS
• Automotive parts
• Tools
• Functional prototypes
ADVANTAGES
+ High temperature resistance
+ Impact resistant
+ Machinable
+ Durable
LIMITATIONS
- Requires heated bed
- Warping issues
- Fumes during printing
TPU - Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Flexible rubber-like material. Shore 95A hardness.
APPLICATIONS
• Gaskets
• Phone cases
• Flexible parts
ADVANTAGES
+ Flexible and elastic
+ Tear resistant
+ Good layer adhesion
+ Durable
LIMITATIONS
- Difficult to print
- Slow printing
- Stringing issues
ASA - Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
UV stable. Weather resistant. ABS-like properties.
APPLICATIONS
• Outdoor parts
• Automotive
• UV-exposed components
ADVANTAGES
+ UV resistant
+ Weather stable
+ Strong
+ Color stable
LIMITATIONS
- Requires heated bed
- Warping
- Higher cost
SELECTION CRITERIA
CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL
BEGINNER PROJECTS
RECOMMENDED: PLA
Easy printing. No heated bed. Safe and biodegradable.
FUNCTIONAL PARTS
RECOMMENDED: PETG
Strong and durable. Chemical resistant. Good impact strength.
HIGH TEMPERATURE
RECOMMENDED: ABS
100°C+ resistance. Automotive grade. Machinable.
FLEXIBLE COMPONENTS
RECOMMENDED: TPU
Rubber-like properties. Tear resistant. Elastic.
OUTDOOR USE
RECOMMENDED: ASA
UV stable. Weather resistant. Color stable.
PROTOTYPING
RECOMMENDED: PLA/PETG
Fast printing. Good detail. Cost effective.
READY TO PRINT?
Upload your STL file and select the optimal material for your project.