Material Cheat Sheet
Compare every material we offer at a glance. Ratings, use cases, and pricing — all in one place so you can pick the perfect fit for your project.
How to Read the Tables
Rating:= 3 / 5
3
Price:$$$$$= Budget-friendly
$$$$$= Premium
FDM Materials
Fused Deposition Modeling — thermoplastic filaments melted layer-by-layer. Ideal for strong, functional, and cost-effective parts.
| Material | Strength | Flexibility | Heat Resist. | Chem. Resist. | Surface | Ease of Print | UV Resist. | Impact | Price | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | $$$$$ | Prototypes, display models, educational models, low-stress parts |
| PLA-CF | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | $$$$$ | Structural components, drone frames, lightweight brackets, high-stiffness parts |
| PETG | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | $$$$$ | Outdoor applications, containers & enclosures, functional prototypes, mechanical parts |
| ABS | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | $$$$$ | Functional parts, automotive components, electronic enclosures, tooling & fixtures |
| ASA | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 | $$$$$ | Outdoor parts & signage, automotive exterior, garden equipment, UV-exposed components |
| TPU | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | $$$$$ | Gaskets & seals, phone cases, wearable devices, vibration dampers |
| PA6 (Nylon) | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | $$$$$ | Gears & bearings, functional mechanical parts, wear-resistant components, high-stress applications |
SLA Materials
Stereolithography — UV-cured photopolymer resins for ultra-fine detail and smooth surface finishes.
| Material | Strength | Flexibility | Heat Resist. | Chem. Resist. | Surface | Ease of Print | UV Resist. | Impact | Price | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Resin | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | $$$$$ | Highly detailed models, miniatures & figurines, jewelry patterns, visual prototypes |
| Tough Resin | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | $$$$$ | Functional prototypes, snap-fit assemblies, stress-tested parts |
| Clear Resin | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | $$$$$ | Light pipes, lenses, transparent housings, fluidic devices |
| Water Washable | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | $$$$$ | Quick prototypes, hobbyist prints, models needing easy cleanup |
| ABS-Like Resin | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | $$$$$ | Functional parts, enclosures, housings, high-impact applications |
| Nylon-Like Resin | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 | $$$$$ | Living hinges, flexible assemblies, wear-resistant functional parts |
| Plant-Based Resin | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | $$$$$ | Eco-friendly prototypes, display models, low-odor printing environments |
Quick Picks by Use Case
Strongest Overall
PA6 (Nylon)
FDMBest Surface Finish
Standard Resin
SLAEasiest to Print
PLA
FDMBest for Outdoors
ASA
FDMMost Flexible
TPU
FDMBest Value
PLA / PETG
FDMNot Sure Which Material to Choose?
Send us your design and requirements — our team will recommend the best material and technology for your specific application.
Need more detail? Read our Design Guide