3D Printing Materials \u2014 PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon
We offer five professional-grade FDM thermoplastic materials. Each is suited for different applications, from general prototyping to high-performance engineering parts. Compare properties, pricing, and use cases below.
Material Comparison at a Glance
Quick comparison of key properties across all available materials.
| Material | Price/Gram | Strength | Flexibility | Heat Resistance | Surface Finish | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | $0.04/g | Medium | Low | Low (60°C) | Smooth | 3 days |
| ABS | $0.04/g | High | Medium | Medium (100°C) | Matte | 4 days |
| PETG | $0.05/g | High | Medium | Medium (80°C) | Glossy | 4 days |
| TPU | $0.06/g | Medium | Very High | Low (60°C) | Matte | 5 days |
| Nylon | $0.07/g | Very High | Medium | High (180°C) | Matte | 5 days |
Detailed Material Specifications
Physical Properties
Density: 1.24 g/cm³
Available Colors
Best For
- Prototyping and concept models
- Decorative items and display pieces
- Architectural scale models
- Educational projects and school assignments
- Low-stress functional parts
Physical Properties
Density: 1.04 g/cm³
Available Colors
Best For
- Functional mechanical parts
- Automotive components and brackets
- Electronic enclosures and housings
- Tools and jigs for manufacturing
- Parts exposed to moderate heat
Physical Properties
Density: 1.27 g/cm³
Available Colors
Best For
- Food-safe containers and packaging
- Outdoor signage and fixtures
- Chemical-resistant components
- Transparent or translucent parts
- Medical device prototypes
Physical Properties
Density: 1.21 g/cm³
Available Colors
Best For
- Phone cases and protective covers
- Gaskets, seals, and O-rings
- Wearable devices and straps
- Vibration dampening mounts
- Flexible hinges and living joints
Physical Properties
Density: 1.14 g/cm³
Available Colors
Best For
- High-load bearing gears and pulleys
- Industrial tooling and fixtures
- Snap-fit assemblies
- Wear-resistant bushings and bearings
- Aerospace and automotive prototyping
How to Choose the Right Material
Selecting the right 3D printing material depends on the purpose of your part. For general prototyping, visual models, or educational projects, PLA is the most cost-effective choice with a smooth finish and wide color selection.
If your part will endure mechanical stress, heat, or impact, ABS provides superior strength and temperature resistance. It is widely used in automotive, electronics, and industrial applications.
For parts that need chemical resistance, UV stability, or food-contact safety, PETG offers an excellent balance of toughness and clarity. It is also a great choice for outdoor applications.
When flexibility is required, TPU is the go-to material. Its rubber-like properties make it ideal for phone cases, gaskets, wearables, and any part that needs to bend or absorb shock.
For the most demanding engineering applications, Nylon delivers exceptional strength, wear resistance, and chemical resistance. It is the material of choice for gears, bearings, and high-load structural components.
Found Your Material? Start Printing
Upload your 3D model, select your material, and get an instant price quote. View our pricing page for a full cost breakdown.