Material |
Summary |
Notes |
Use Cases |
PLA |
Easy printing. General purpose. |
Somewhat brittle |
Concept models |
Tough PLA |
Tough like ABS, easy to print like PLA. |
Strong and easy to print |
Concept models, prototypes |
ABS |
Strong, rigid, functional prints with mechanical properties |
Requires more expertise |
Manufacturing Prototypes |
CPE |
Strong, chemical resistant material with some flexibility |
Easier to print but less rigid than ABS |
Bike joints |
CPE+ |
Strong, chemical resistant material with some flexibility. Increased strength and temperature resistance compared to CPE. |
Use when CPE is not strong enough |
Heavier machine joints |
Polycarbonate |
Strong and tough material with good shape retention under higher temperatures |
Requires Advanced 3D Printing Kit |
Molds, lighting |
TPU-95A |
Versatile, flexible, high impact strength, wear and tear resistant |
Both rubber and plastic qualities |
RC wheels, sneaker soles |
Nylon |
Durable, flexible, abrasion and corrosion resistant. Widely used. |
Sensitiive to moisture |
Fasteners, gears |
PVA |
Water soluble support material for complex geometries |
Bonds with PLA, Nylon and CPE |
Objects with deep cavities or large overhangs |
Breakaway Material |
Breakaway support material. Designed to leave a smooth surface finish without the need for post-processing. |
Bonds with ABS, PLA, Nylon, CPE, or CPE+ |
Objects requiring supports |