Materials
Pick the right material.
Each material behaves differently — some are strong, some flex, some hold up outdoors. Use this guide to find the right fit, or just describe your project and a maker will recommend.
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 sharpest, most detailed prints available. Ideal for jewelry, miniatures, and parts that need a smooth finish right off the printer.
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.
Don't know which to pick?
Just describe what you're making and a maker will recommend the right material. You don't need to figure it out before you start.