Material guide · plain language
Which material for what?
You know what you need — we tell you which plastic fits best. No technical jargon.
In 3D printing there is no single "best" material — there is a right one for each purpose. This page helps you choose. If unsure: just describe what the part is for, and we'll recommend the right material.
Quick choice by purpose
Decoration & figurines
PLA — cheap, many colours, great detail. For finest miniatures: resin (SLA).
Technical part, load-bearing
PETG for robust & tough. For high load or heat: ABS or reinforced material.
Outdoors / weather / sun
ASA — UV- and weather-resistant. PLA quickly becomes brittle outdoors.
Flexible / rubber-like
TPU — bendable, ideal for seals, protective covers, buffers.
Finest detail / miniatures
Resin (SLA) — sharpest detail, smooth surface. For collectors & model-making.
Must last long in the sun
ASA with optional UV clear coat. Resin and PLA yellow/age in light.
The materials in brief
PLA
PLA
The all-rounder from plant starch
ideal for decor & models
Strengthscheap, easy, many colours, fine detail, low odour
Weaknessesnot heat-resistant (soft from ~55 °C), not for outdoors
Perfect forfigurines, decor, prototypes, gifts, model-making
PETG
PETG
The robust all-purpose choice
ideal for functional parts
Strengthstough, impact-resistant, chemical-resistant, slight gloss
Weaknessesnot fully UV-stable long-term
Perfect forholders, housings, mechanical parts, spare parts
ABS
ABS / ASA
Technical, heat-resistant, ASA also outdoor
ideal technical & outdoor
Strengthshard, heat-resistant, ASA UV/weatherproof
Weaknessesmore demanding to print, ABS not for permanent sun
Perfect fortechnical parts, outdoor (ASA), car-interior mounts
TPU
TPU
The flexible rubber plastic
ideal for flexible
Strengthsbendable, elastic, shock-absorbing, durable
Weaknessesnot rigid/dimensionally stiff, slower to print
Perfect forseals, protective covers, buffers, flexible holders
UV
Resin (SLA)
Highest detail fidelity
ideal for fine detail
Strengthssharpest detail, smooth surface, ideal for miniatures
Weaknessesmore brittle, ages under UV light, higher price
Perfect forminiatures, collectibles, jewellery masters, fine prototypes
Good to know: 3D-printed parts are somewhat less load-bearing in one direction (between the layers). For load-bearing or mechanically stressed parts we select material and print orientation to suit — just tell us how the part will be loaded.
What doesn't work: No material is suitable for permanent food contact without a special coating, and 3D printing does not replace approved medical or safety components. More in our safety information.
Where do these recommendations come from?