Materials
Find the right plastic or resin
The 1–5 ratings are a relative comparison, not laboratory data. Unsure what to choose? Upload your file and we will recommend a material when we review your request.
FDM: functional parts, enclosures and large prints
Indicative material rates per 100 g, rounded up to a whole US dollar. Material use is estimated from model volume and infill; the calculator uses the actual quantity.
PLA
Scale models, decor and form prototypes
$16 / 100 g
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 55 °C
Good for: Scale models, souvenirs, decor and enclosures without heat exposure
Avoid for: Outdoor use, hot car interiors and load-bearing parts
PETG
Enclosures, containers and outdoor parts
$16 / 100 g
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 75 °C · outdoor use
Good for: Enclosures, brackets, outdoor mounts and lights
Avoid for: Fine details and sharp edges
ABS
Heat-resistant enclosures suitable for acetone smoothing
$24 / 100 g
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 95 °C
Good for: Car interior parts, heat-exposed enclosures and smooth surfaces for painting
Avoid for: Unpainted outdoor use (UV exposure)
ASA
A UV-resistant alternative to ABS for outdoor use
$24 / 100 g
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 95 °C · outdoor use
Good for: Outdoor signs, car accessories and sensor enclosures
Avoid for: Food contact
TPU (flexible)
Seals, protective covers and dampers
$24 / 100 g
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 70 °C · outdoor use
Good for: Gaskets, feet, protective covers and straps
Avoid for: Rigid precision parts
PA nylon
Gears, hinges and wear-resistant parts
$34 / 100 g
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 120 °C
Good for: Gears, bushings and clips
Avoid for: Damp conditions without drying
PC polycarbonate
Impact-resistant parts for temperatures up to 110 °C
$34 / 100 g
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 110 °C · outdoor use
Good for: Housings, protective shields and load-bearing fasteners
Avoid for: Small, thin-walled parts
PA-CF (carbon fibre)
Rigid brackets and tooling
$54 / 100 g
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 130 °C · outdoor use
Good for: Tooling, brackets and drones
Avoid for: Applications requiring flexibility or impact resistance
PETG-CF
Rigid, matte surfaces with minimal warping
$54 / 100 g
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 80 °C · outdoor use
Good for: Matte-finish enclosures and large parts
Avoid for: Food contact
Resin: fine detail, miniatures and master patterns
Indicative material rates per 100 cm³ (100 ml), rounded up to a whole US dollar. The calculator uses the actual volume. Layer heights from 0.03 mm.
Standard resin
Miniatures, figurines and master patterns
$80 / 100 cm³
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 50 °C
Good for: 28–75 mm miniatures, busts, ornaments and master patterns
Avoid for: Outdoor use, mechanical loads and thin structural elements
Tough resin (ABS-like)
Functional prototypes with snap-fit features
$160 / 100 cm³
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 60 °C
Good for: Device enclosures, clips and fit-check prototypes
Avoid for: Temperatures above 60 °C
Flexible resin
Soft parts and gaskets
$160 / 100 cm³
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 50 °C
Good for: Gaskets and soft inserts
Avoid for: Thin walls
Clear resin
Transparent enclosures and lenses after polishing
$160 / 100 cm³
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 50 °C
Good for: Transparent components and light guides
Avoid for: Outdoor use (may yellow)
Castable resin (burnout)
Jewellery patterns for investment casting
$334 / 100 cm³
Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
Detail
Up to 40 °C
Good for: Rings, pendants and master patterns for casting
Avoid for: Functional parts