Choose a material by what you're making

Decor, gifts, models, and cosplay props

For example: Figurines, vases, ornaments, display pieces, costume parts

• PLA

  The cheapest material, it comes in almost every colour and is easy to sand and paint.

  Find shops that print in it →About PLA

• Specialty PLA

  PLA with a silk, metallic, wood, or glow-in-the-dark look.

  Find shops that print in it →About Specialty PLA

Miniatures and very detailed small pieces

For example: Tabletop gaming miniatures, busts, collectibles, jewellery models

• High-detail / miniature resin

  Resin printing captures the finest detail, like faces and textures.

  Find shops that print in it →About High-detail / miniature resin

• Standard resin

  Very smooth surfaces for display models and jewellery design models.

  Find shops that print in it →About Standard resin

Everyday household parts

For example: Brackets, hooks, holders, organizers, replacement parts

• PLA+ / Tough PLA

  A tougher PLA that's less likely to snap, at a low price.

  Find shops that print in it →About PLA+ / Tough PLA

• PETG

  Tougher again, and it handles water and a bit of heat.

  Find shops that print in it →About PETG

Clips, hinges, and snap-fit parts

For example: Clips that bend into place, living hinges, latches

• PETG

  Bends a little without breaking.

  Find shops that print in it →About PETG

• Nylon (PA)

  Made for hinges and snap-fits that flex again and again.

  Find shops that print in it →About Nylon (PA)

Things that live outdoors

For example: Garden fittings, mounts, signs, boat and RV parts

• ASA

  Handles sun and weather for years without fading or going brittle.

  Find shops that print in it →About ASA

• PETG

  A lower-cost choice for garden and garage parts.

  Find shops that print in it →About PETG

Car interior parts

For example: Clips, trim pieces, phone mounts, vent parts

• ABS

  Won't soften on a hot dashboard the way PLA can.

  Find shops that print in it →About ABS

• ASA

  Like ABS, but also handles direct sun through the windows.

  Find shops that print in it →About ASA

Car exterior parts

For example: Trim, covers, mirror and badge parts

• ASA

  Made for sun, rain, and heat on the outside of a vehicle.

  Find shops that print in it →About ASA

Soft, rubbery parts

For example: Phone cases, gaskets, seals, grips, feet, straps

• TPU

  Soft and stretchy like rubber, and very hard to break.

  Find shops that print in it →About TPU

• Flexible resin

  For small, detailed rubbery parts such as tiny seals.

  Find shops that print in it →About Flexible resin

Strong mechanical parts

For example: Gears, bushings, tool holders, drone and RC parts

• Nylon (PA)

  Tough and slippery, so it's good for gears and parts that slide or wear.

  Find shops that print in it →About Nylon (PA)

• Carbon fibre-filled

  Very stiff and light, for frames and parts that must not bend.

  Find shops that print in it →About Carbon fibre-filled

Jigs, fixtures, and workshop tools

For example: Holding jigs, alignment guides, tool holders

• Glass fibre-filled

  Stiff and holds its size, at a lower cost than carbon fibre.

  Find shops that print in it →About Glass fibre-filled

• Carbon fibre-filled

  The stiffest option for precise, rigid tooling.

  Find shops that print in it →About Carbon fibre-filled

Parts near high heat

For example: Engine-bay parts, lighting fixtures, hot-air fittings

• Polycarbonate (PC)

  Strong and handles heat near lights and engines.

  Find shops that print in it →About Polycarbonate (PC)

• High-performance (PEEK, PEI / ULTEM)

  For very high heat or harsh chemicals; specialist shops only.

  Find shops that print in it →About High-performance (PEEK, PEI / ULTEM)

Clear or see-through parts

For example: Light covers, diffusers, display pieces

• Clear resin

  The clearest option once it's polished or coated.

  Find shops that print in it →About Clear resin

• Polycarbonate (PC)

  Tough, translucent covers and guards.

  Find shops that print in it →About Polycarbonate (PC)

Many identical parts

For example: Dozens to thousands of the same clip, housing, or bracket

• Nylon PA12 (SLS / MJF)

  Industrial powder printing makes strong parts in batches, at a lower cost per part.

  Find shops that print in it →About Nylon PA12 (SLS / MJF)

Metal parts

For example: Jewellery, high-strength brackets, marine hardware, tools

• Stainless steel

  Strong and corrosion-resistant, for tools and hardware.

  Find shops that print in it →About Stainless steel

• Brass / bronze

  For jewellery, art, and decorative hardware.

  Find shops that print in it →About Brass / bronze

Things that touch food

For example: Cookie cutters, kitchen tools, containers

3D printed plastic parts aren't reliably food-safe: tiny grooves between layers can trap bacteria. Ask your shop about food-safe materials and coatings before ordering.