Which material tochoose
The question comes up almost every time. The answer depends on three things: where the part will be, what load it takes, and whether it gets sun or heat.
PLA
Easy and cheap. Good for models, decoration and parts that stay indoors. Don't use where there's heat. Warps inside a car in the sun.
PETG
Our default material for parts that work. Strong, gives before it breaks, handles outdoors. Harder to print cleanly than PLA.
ABS
Handles more heat. Good for the inside of machines. Shrinks as it cools and needs an enclosed chamber.
ASA
Like ABS, but doesn't yellow in the sun. The material for parts that stay out in rain and sun for years.
TPU
Flexible. Seals, mounts, guards, parts that need to give. Prints slowly.
Resin
Fine detail and smooth finish. Miniatures, small parts with detail. Fragile and doesn't like the sun.
Quick table
| Indoors, decorative | PLA |
| A part that works | PETG |
| Outdoors, sun and rain | ASA |
| Moderate heat | ABS |
| Needs to bend or seal | TPU |
| Very fine detail | Resin |
Not sure? Tell us where the part will be and we'll choose.