Materials
Which 3D printing material should you choose?
Choose a 3D printing material by the failure you most need to avoid: heat, impact, wear, UV or flex. As a starting point, use PLA for models, PETG for general parts, ASA outdoors, nylon for wear, TPU for flexible parts and SLA resins for fine detail. Then choose the process that prints that material.
Reviewed by HenleyPrint3D engineers3 min readUpdated
Key takeaways
- PLA for models, PETG for general parts, ASA outdoors, nylon for wear.
- Heat over about 100 °C needs industrial FDM (ULTEM on request).
- Anything that must flex: TPU (FDM) or flexible resin (SLA).
- Fine detail or clear parts: SLA resins.
Suits
Engineers choosing a plastic for a functional part, jig, enclosure or end-use component.
Worth knowing
Heat sets the shortlist: PLA softens at about 55 to 60 °C and ASA works to about 100 °C.
Material selection by requirement
| You need | Material | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Quick form-fit model | PLA | FDM |
| General functional part, chemical contact | PETG | FDM |
| Impact loads, sanding or painting | ABS | FDM |
| Outdoor use, UV, around 100 °C | ASA | FDM |
| Wear parts, moving parts | Nylon (PA12) | FDM or SLS |
| Stiff, light structure | Carbon-fibre PETG | FDM |
| Seals, grips, bumpers | TPU | FDM |
| Flame rating, high heat | ULTEM 9085 or 1010 | Industrial FDM, on request |
| Finest detail, clear parts | SLA resins | SLA |
| Rigid plus soft in one part | PolyJet photopolymers | PolyJet |
Common FDM materials compared
| Material | Strength | Heat | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Low | Low (softens at about 55 to 60 °C) | Brittle |
| PETG | Medium | Moderate | Slightly soft surface |
| ABS | Medium | Medium | Warps on large parts |
| ASA | Medium | Medium (about 100 °C) | Matte finish |
| Nylon | High | Medium | Absorbs moisture; warps |
| Carbon-fibre PETG | Medium, very stiff | Moderate | Brittle under impact; black only |
Temperature limits and flexible options
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PLA softening | About 55 to 60 °C |
| ASA working temperature | About 100 °C |
| Heat above about 100 °C | Industrial FDM: ULTEM 9085 or 1010 on request |
| Flexible options | TPU (FDM) or flexible resin (SLA) |
| FDM lead time | From 1 calendar day |
If the part will see heat, choose the material first and the process second. The selection table above maps each need to a material and process, and the FDM comparison shows how the common grades differ. For stiff, light parts, see the carbon-fibre nylon guide; for tough nylon batches, see PA12 nylon SLS.
Browse every grade in the 3D printing materials explorer, or go straight to FDM materials, SLA resins or SLS nylon. For a closer comparison of four FDM grades, see ABS vs PETG vs nylon vs TPU.
Frequently asked questions
What is the strongest 3D printing material?
For polymer printing, nylon PA12 (especially from SLS) is among the strongest and toughest commonly used. In FDM, ABS, PETG and nylon give good strength, though layer orientation affects it. Metals need different processes.
What 3D printing material is best for outdoor use?
ASA, which is designed for UV stability and weathering and has heat resistance of around 100 °C. PLA and most resins degrade or soften outdoors.
What is the most flexible 3D printing material?
TPU in FDM (95A Shore hardness, around 600% elongation) and soft photopolymers in PolyJet. Choose by the hardness and stretch the application needs.
Is PLA strong enough for functional parts?
PLA is stiff and prints well but is brittle and softens at about 60 °C. It is fine for models and light-duty parts, but PETG, ABS, ASA or nylon suit demanding functional use.
Can I get a material that meets a specific specification?
Tell us the requirement at the start, and we confirm which datasheets, testing and traceability we can provide for the material.
Which 3D printing material is the stiffest?
Carbon-fibre PETG is the stiffest FDM option in our comparison, but brittle under impact. Nylon (PA12) rates highest for strength. Match the material to the load type as well as the peak strength.
Get started
Talk to an engineer about your part.
Send us your CAD or describe the problem. We recommend the process, material and finish, and quote with the lead time up front.
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