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Plastics and resins for parts that have to work.
Compare what we print and mold side by side. Not sure which fits? Send the part and an engineer will recommend one.
Start from what the part needs
StrongestCarbon-fiber NylonStiff and tough, for brackets, jigs and load-bearing parts.Outdoors & sunASAUV-stable and weather-resistant, for parts that live outside.FlexibleTPU 95A / 90ARubber-like and durable. Silicone 40A for softer parts.Best finishStandard resinSmooth, fine-detail surfaces straight off the printer.
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Carbon-fiber and glass-fiber versions of most FDM filaments are available.
Heat-set threaded inserts can be added to any FDM part. Learn more →
Ratings compare our materials against each other, not industry-wide. More price dots means a higher material cost; molded parts also carry a one-time mold cost.
| Material | Strength | Heat Deflection | Flexibility | Finish | Price | Typical uses | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PLAFDM Choose for fast, low-cost form and fit checks. | Strength: Low | Heat resistance: Low | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: Medium | Price: Low | Concept models, fit checks, light fixtures | 3–5 days |
ABSFDM Choose for tough everyday parts that see some heat. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Medium | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: Medium | Price: Low | Housings, enclosures, brackets | 3–5 days |
ASAFDM Choose for parts that live outdoors or in the sun. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Medium | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: Medium | Price: Low | Outdoor housings, enclosures, exterior trim | 3–5 days |
PETGFDM Choose for tough parts that see moisture or chemicals. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Medium | Flexibility: Medium | Surface finish: Medium | Price: Low | Guards, covers, outdoor and wet-environment parts | 3–5 days |
Nylon (PA)FDM Choose when a part flexes, wears or takes impact. | Strength: High | Heat resistance: Medium | Flexibility: Medium | Surface finish: Low | Price: Medium | Gears, wear parts, clips, hinges | 3–5 days |
Carbon-fiber NylonFDM Choose for stiff, lightweight tooling and fixtures. | Strength: High | Heat resistance: High | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: Medium | Price: Medium | Jigs, fixtures, stiff brackets | 3–5 days |
Polycarbonate (PC)FDM Choose for tough, heat-resistant parts that take impacts. | Strength: High | Heat resistance: High | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: Medium | Price: Medium | Machine guards, housings, fixtures, high-temp brackets | 3–5 days |
TPU 95A / 90AFDM Choose for rubber-like parts that bend and bounce back. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Low | Flexibility: High | Surface finish: Low | Price: Medium | Gaskets, bumpers, grips, cable strain relief | 3–5 days |
Standard resinSLA Choose for the cleanest look and finest detail. | Strength: Low | Heat resistance: Low | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: High | Price: Medium | Visual prototypes, show models, master patterns | 3–5 days |
Tough resin (ABS-like)SLA Choose for detailed parts that must survive assembly. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Low | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: High | Price: Medium | Snap fits, functional prototypes | 3–5 days |
Durable resin (PP-like)SLA Choose for detailed parts that need some give. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Low | Flexibility: Medium | Surface finish: High | Price: Medium | Living hinges, lids, snap-fit closures | 3–5 days |
Clear resinSLA Choose when you need to see inside the part. | Strength: Low | Heat resistance: Low | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: High | Price: Medium | Light pipes, see-through housings, fluid paths | 3–5 days |
Castable resinSLA Choose for patterns that burn out cleanly for metal casting. | Strength: Low | Heat resistance: Low | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: High | Price: High | Investment casting patterns | 3–5 days |
Silicone 40ASLA Choose for soft, silicone parts without a mold. | Strength: Low | Heat resistance: Medium | Flexibility: High | Surface finish: Medium | Price: High | Seals, gaskets, soft-touch parts | 3–5 days |
Delrin (POM / Acetal)Injection moldable Choose for runs of tough, slippery production parts. | Strength: High | Heat resistance: Medium | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: High | Price: Medium | Clips, gears, low-friction parts | 7–15 days |
Polypropylene (PP)Injection moldable Choose for chemical-resistant parts that flex without breaking. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Medium | Flexibility: Medium | Surface finish: High | Price: Low | Living hinges, caps, containers | 7–15 days |
ABSInjection moldable Choose for rigid, good-looking production housings. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Medium | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: High | Price: Low | Housings, enclosures, consumer parts | 7–15 days |
Polycarbonate (PC)Injection moldable Choose for tough, impact-resistant production parts, including clear ones. | Strength: High | Heat resistance: High | Flexibility: Low | Surface finish: High | Price: Medium | Clear covers and lenses, housings, guards, electrical enclosures | 7–15 days |
TPUInjection moldable Choose for rubber-like parts in production quantities. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Low | Flexibility: High | Surface finish: High | Price: Medium | Seals, grips, bumpers, soft parts | 7–15 days |
Polyethylene (PE)Injection moldable Choose for soft, flexible, low-cost parts. | Strength: Low | Heat resistance: Low | Flexibility: High | Surface finish: High | Price: Low | Flexible covers, liners, squeeze parts | 7–15 days |
HDPEInjection moldable Choose for tough, chemical-resistant parts that take abuse. | Strength: Medium | Heat resistance: Medium | Flexibility: Medium | Surface finish: High | Price: Low | Fittings, caps, wear strips, chemical-contact parts | 7–15 days |
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Don't see your material?
Tell us the spec or the job the part has to survive, and we'll find a match.
Ask about a material →FDM or SLA?
FDM is the pick for strong, functional parts and engineering plastics. SLA wins on fine detail, smooth surfaces and tight tolerances.
Read FDM vs SLA →Material questions
What's the strongest material you print?+
For most parts, carbon-fiber nylon. It is stiff, light and handles load well. If the part also flexes or takes impact, plain nylon is often the better choice.
Which materials handle high heat?+
For printed parts, polycarbonate (PC) and carbon-fiber nylon handle the most heat in this lineup. ABS, ASA and PETG handle moderate heat. Tell us the operating temperature and we will confirm the right material.
Do you offer flexible or rubber-like parts?+
Yes. TPU 95A or the softer 90A for durable, rubber-like FDM parts, and Silicone 40A resin for soft silicone parts without a mold.
Which plastics can you injection mold?+
See all FAQs →Delrin (POM), polypropylene, ABS, polycarbonate (PC), TPU, polyethylene and HDPE. Molded parts typically ship in 7–15 days.