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Materials

PLA

PLA (polylactic acid) is a ubiquitous material for 3D Printing. Offering the widest range of colors, as well as multi-color combinations in a single filament, the options are endless. PLA can be used for many products and projects, however it is brittle and has low glass transition temperature so shouldn’t be used where it might be exposed to high temperatures. We recommend PLA for indoor use cases, including low wear toys, non-food containers/storage, table-top models etc.

We regularly use PLA as a low cost material for iterative design and rapid prototyping.

MATERIAL DETAILS

  • STRENGTH
    Medium
  • FLEXABILITY
    LOW
  • DURABILITY
    MEDIUM
  • SHRINKING / WARPAGE
    NONE/MINIMAL
  • MECHANICAL STRENGTH
    Low

RECOMMENDED USE CASE

We recommend PLA for indoor use cases, including low wear toys, non-food containers/storage, table-top models etc.

ABS

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is less popular than PLA for everyday 3D printing. With respect to its material properties though, ABS is actually moderately superior to PLA. Depending on the part design, ABS can be moderately flexible and is generally tougher than PLA.

MATERIAL DETAILS

  • STRENGTH
    HIGH
  • FLEXABILITY
    MEDIUM
  • DURABILITY
    HIGH
  • SHRINKING / WARPAGE
    MODERATE
  • MECHANICAL STRENGTH
    MODERATE

RECOMMENDED USE CASE

Items that are frequently handled dropped or heated. Phone cases, higher wear toys, tool handles, automotive trim components, electrical enclosures.

PETG

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world. Best known as the polymer used in water bottles, it is also found in clothing fibers and food containers. PETG is a glycol modified PET and is considered a good middle ground between PLA and ABS

MATERIAL DETAILS

  • STRENGTH
    HIGH
  • FLEXABILITY
    MEDIUM
  • DURABILITY
    HIGH
  • SHRINKING / WARPAGE
    MINIMAL
  • MECHANICAL STRENGTH
    MODERATE

RECOMMENDED USE CASE

Ideal for functional parts that may experience sustained or sudden stress such as mechanical parts and protective components.Avoid using PETG in high humidity/moist environments or where surface finish marks may present an issue.

TPU/TPE

Thermoplastic elastomers are essentially plastics with rubber like qualities making them extremely flexible and durable.

MATERIAL DETAILS

  • STRENGTH
    MEDIUM
  • FLEXABILITY
    VERY HIGH
  • DURABILITY
    HIGH
  • SHRINKING / WARPAGE
    MINIMAL
  • MECHANICAL STRENGTH
    VERY LOW

RECOMMENDED USE CASE

Any flexible item that will see a lot of wear. Phone cases, flexible toys, wearables like wristbands etc.

NYLON/PA

Nylon, known in the manufacturing world as polyamide is a popular family of synthetic polymers used in many industrial application. This material excels where high strength, flexibility and durability are key requirements.

MATERIAL DETAILS

  • STRENGTH
    VERY HIGH
  • FLEXABILITY
    HIGH
  • DURABILITY
    HIGH
  • SHRINKING / WARPAGE
    MODERATE/HIGH
  • MECHANICAL STRENGTH
    VERY HIGH

RECOMMENDED USE CASE

Tools, functional prototypes and mechanic parts such as hinges, buckes or gears.

POLYCARBONATE

Polycarbonate (PC), in addition to being one of the strongest materials presented in this list, is extremely durable and resistant to both physical impact and heat — being able to withstand temperatures of up to 110°C. It’s also naturally transparent, which explains its use in commercial items such as bulletproof glass, scuba masks, and electronic display screens.

Carbon fibre filled polycarbonate is our go to when making any sort of mechanical part, tooling jig, replacement gears, automotive parts or anything that will be exposed to high temperatures

MATERIAL DETAILS

  • STRENGTH
    VERY HIGH
  • FLEXABILITY
    MEDIUM
  • DURABILITY
    VERY HIGH
  • SHRINKING / WARPAGE
    MODERATE
  • MECHANICAL STRENGTH
    VERY HIGH

RECOMMENDED USE CASE

Electrical, mechanical and automotive components. Machine tooling and jobs, lighting enclosures and more

material modifiers

Material modifiers are additives and fillers that can be included in the materials to change a parts look, strength or functionality. 

Modifier Examples

  • WOOD FILLED
  • METAL FILLED
  • COPPER FILLED
  • ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE
  • GLOW IN THE DARK
  • MAGNETIC
  • COLOR CHANGING / UV RACTIVE
  • DICHROMATIC / TRICHROMATIC
  • CARBON FIBRE FILLED
  • GLASS FIBRE FILLED