3D Printing Materials
Choose the right material for your project. Each material has unique properties suited for different applications.
The most popular 3D printing material. Eco-friendly, easy to print, great for prototypes and decorative items.
Pros
- + Easy to print
- + Low odor
- + Biodegradable
- + Great detail
Cons
- - Low heat resistance
- - Brittle
- - Not outdoor suitable
Common Uses
A great all-around material that combines ease of printing with durability. Food-safe options available.
Pros
- + Durable
- + Chemical resistant
- + Food-safe options
- + Good layer adhesion
Cons
- - Can string
- - Slightly harder to print than PLA
Common Uses
Strong and heat-resistant. The same plastic used in LEGO bricks. Requires an enclosed printer.
Pros
- + Strong
- + Heat resistant
- + Can be sanded/painted
- + Impact resistant
Cons
- - Requires enclosure
- - Strong odor
- - Prone to warping
Common Uses
A flexible, rubber-like material. Great for phone cases, gaskets, and anything that needs to bend.
Pros
- + Flexible
- + Durable
- + Abrasion resistant
- + Shock absorbing
Cons
- - Slower to print
- - Requires experience
- - Can be tricky
Common Uses
Extremely tough and wear-resistant. Ideal for functional parts that need to endure stress, friction, or repeated use.
Pros
- + Very strong
- + Wear resistant
- + Fatigue resistant
- + Self-lubricating
Cons
- - Absorbs moisture
- - Requires dry storage
- - Prone to warping
- - Needs high temps
Common Uses
Produces the highest-detail prints with smooth surfaces. Uses light to cure liquid resin layer by layer. Available in standard, tough, flexible, and castable formulations.
Pros
- + Ultra-fine detail
- + Smooth surface finish
- + Wide resin variety
- + Precise tolerances
Cons
- - Post-processing required
- - Smaller build volume
- - Resin is messy
- - UV sensitive
Common Uses
The UV-resistant cousin of ABS. Holds up to sunlight and weather, making it the go-to choice for outdoor applications.
Pros
- + UV resistant
- + Weather resistant
- + Strong
- + Similar to ABS but better outdoors
Cons
- - Requires enclosure
- - Fumes during printing
- - Higher print temperature
Common Uses
Quick Comparison
| Material | Strength | Flexibility | Detail | Heat Resist. | Outdoor | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | ||||||
| PETG | ||||||
| ABS | ||||||
| TPU | ||||||
| Nylon | ||||||
| Resin | ||||||
| ASA |
Ratings are relative (1–5). Actual pricing depends on the maker, quantity, and print complexity.
Not Sure Which Material?
Our makers can help you choose the right material for your project. Just describe what you're making and they'll recommend the best option.