Resources · Materials
The right material, without the jargon.
You do not need to know what PLA or ASA means. Tell us what the part is for and we recommend the material.
Material Assistant
What is the part for?
Recommended
PLA
- Why
- Sharp detail, a clean surface and the widest choice of colours.
- Limits
- Softens in heat. Not for a parked car or direct sun.
- Alternative
- Resin, when you need very fine detail.
- Printed on
-
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
- Bambu Lab A1 mini
- Bambu Lab H2D
Recommended
PLA
- Why
- Prints quickly and accurately, so you can check shape and fit at low cost.
- Limits
- Not for parts that will carry load or face heat in use.
- Alternative
- PETG, if the prototype will be handled or tested.
- Printed on
-
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
- Bambu Lab A1 mini
- Bambu Lab H2D
Recommended
PETG
- Why
- Tough, slightly flexible and resistant to moisture. A reliable choice for working parts.
- Limits
- For high loads or constant wear, choose the alternative.
- Alternative
- PA (nylon) or carbon-fibre nylon for strength and stiffness.
- Printed on
-
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
- Bambu Lab H2D
- QIDI Tech X-Max
Recommended
ASA
- Why
- Made for outdoor use. It resists sunlight and weather without fading or turning brittle.
- Limits
- Fewer colours than PLA.
- Alternative
- PETG, for shaded or occasional outdoor use.
- Printed on
-
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
- Bambu Lab H2D
- QIDI Tech X-Max
Recommended
ABS or ASA
- Why
- Keep their shape at temperatures where PLA and PETG soften.
- Limits
- For higher temperatures, choose the alternative.
- Alternative
- PC (polycarbonate) or carbon-fibre nylon.
- Printed on
-
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
- Bambu Lab H2D
- QIDI Tech X-Max
Recommended
ASA
- Why
- Handles the heat inside a car in the UAE sun, and UV light, without deforming.
- Limits
- Not for safety-critical parts such as brakes, steering or seat belts.
- Alternative
- Carbon-fibre nylon for brackets and mounts.
- Printed on
-
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
- Bambu Lab H2D
- QIDI Tech X-Max
Recommended
TPU
- Why
- Bends and returns to shape, like rubber. Good grip and impact absorption.
- Limits
- Fine detail and sharp edges come out softer.
- Alternative
- A rigid part with a TPU insert, printed on the dual-nozzle machine.
- Printed on
-
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
- Bambu Lab H2D
- Bambu Lab A1 mini
Recommended
Resin
- Why
- The finest detail and the smoothest surface we can produce.
- Limits
- More brittle than filament. Not for parts that flex or take impact.
- Alternative
- Tough resin, when the piece will be handled often.
- Printed on
-
- ELEGOO Jupiter
This is a starting point. We confirm the material when we review your part.
Material guide
What we print with.
PLA
Clean detail and a wide colour range. For visual prototypes, models and display pieces.
PETG
Tough and resistant to moisture. For functional parts and enclosures.
ABS / ASA
Heat resistant. ASA also withstands sun and weather, so it suits outdoor parts.
PA (Nylon)
Strong and wear resistant. For gears, clips and moving parts.
PC
High strength and heat resistance for demanding engineering parts.
Carbon-fibre blends
Stiff and light. For jigs, brackets and structural parts.
TPU
Flexible and rubber-like. For seals, grips and protective covers.
Resins
Very fine detail and smooth surfaces. Standard, tough, clear and ABS-like types.
Have a part to make?
Send us the file or the idea. We will review it and reply with a quote.