3D Printing Material Properties
Choosing the right material matters just as much as the design. Below is a simple breakdown of the materials we offer, what they’re best at, where they struggle, and real-world use examples.
If you’re not sure what to pick, choose “Not Sure” on the quote form and tell us how the part will be used (heat, outdoors, load-bearing, cosmetic, etc.).
Quick Material Picker
Need the easiest, cleanest print for indoor use? → PLA / PLA+
Need toughness and durability for daily use? → PETG
Need heat resistance (car, garage, near appliances)? → ABS
Need high stiffness and strength for functional parts? → ABS-CF
Need fast turnaround and good strength? → Rapid PETG
PLA (Best for prototypes and indoor parts)
Best for: quick prototypes, display pieces, low-stress parts, indoor brackets
Strengths
Great surface finish and detail
Most cost-effective for many prints
Reliable for simple functional indoor parts
Weaknesses
Low heat resistance (can soften in a hot car or near heat sources)
More brittle than PETG/ABS under impact or repeated flexing
Not ideal for outdoor use long-term
Good examples
Fit-check prototypes
Light-duty organizers
Cosmetic covers, signs, logos
Indoor mounts that aren’t under heavy load
PETG (Durable, impact-resistant, great for practical parts)
Best for: functional parts, daily-use items, tougher prints
Strengths
More impact resistant than PLA
Better heat resistance than PLA (still not “high heat”)
Good for parts that need to flex slightly instead of snapping
Handles moisture better than PLA
Weaknesses
Can scratch/scuff easier than some materials
Not as heat-resistant as ABS for hot environments
Surface finish can show stringing if geometry is complex (we dial this in, but it’s a property of PETG)
Good examples
Tool holders and garage parts
Clip-on accessories
Automotive interior parts (depending on location/heat)
Parts that get handled often
ABS (Heat-resistant and great for automotive/garage environments)
Best for: higher heat, more rugged functional parts
Strengths
Better heat resistance than PLA and PETG
Good toughness and long-term durability
Solid for parts exposed to warmer environments
Weaknesses
Can warp during printing (we print ABS in controlled conditions to reduce this)
Not ideal if you need the “prettiest” surface finish right out of the printer
Stronger fumes during printing (handled safely on our end)
Good examples
Automotive interior parts (areas exposed to heat)
Garage fixtures and brackets
Appliance-adjacent parts (non-food-contact)
Parts that may see moderate impacts
