Which material does your part need?
You don't need to arrive with a material name. Start with what the part needs to do: stay rigid, flex, handle heat, sit outdoors or show fine detail.
A starting point for choosing materials
This guide explains common material families. Availability varies by job, so confirm the exact grade, colour and print options with us before ordering.
| Material family | What to know |
|---|---|
| PLA | Often used for visual models and general prototypes. Check carefully if the part will face heat or demanding conditions. |
| PETG | A filament family to consider for practical parts. The exact grade and print settings affect its properties and finish. |
| ABS / ASA | Worth comparing when heat or outdoor exposure matters. Check the data for the exact grade and confirm availability. |
| TPU / flexible filament | Consider these when the part needs to bend or flex. The material hardness and the shape both affect how it moves. |
| PA / nylon, PC and reinforced filaments | These need careful choices about the grade, design and printing process. A reinforced material still needs to be assessed for the load your part will face. |
| Resin families | Standard, tough, rigid and flexible resins serve different purposes. Specialist or heat-focused grades need their own technical data and a check that the required service is available. |
The exact material matters
Two materials in the same family can behave differently. Use the technical data for the exact grade when checking temperature limits, strength or other requirements. The design and the way it is printed matter too.
Tell us where the part will be used and which properties it needs. If food-contact, medical, electrical or structural approval is required, raise this before ordering; a material family name does not establish certification.
Want to read a little more?
The Prusa material guide explains filament families and what to consider when printing them.
The Formlabs guide to resin printing explains the process and material choices. These manufacturer guides are background reading, rather than a list of our equipment or available materials.