Combined 3D Services
3D Printing Materials Compared: Which Plastic Is Right for Your Part?
Choosing the Right 3D Printing Material
Material selection can make or break your 3D printed part. Here’s an honest comparison of the most common options, with real-world recommendations from our engineering team.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Best for: Visual prototypes, concept models, non-structural parts
Strength: ★★☆☆☆ | Heat resistance: ★☆☆☆☆ | Cost: $
PLA is the cheapest and easiest material to print. It looks great but deforms above 140°F and isn’t suitable for functional or outdoor applications. Use it for show-and-tell, not engineering.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Best for: Functional prototypes, enclosures, snap fits
Strength: ★★★☆☆ | Heat resistance: ★★★☆☆ | Cost: $
ABS is the workhorse of 3D printing — the same material used in LEGO bricks. Good impact resistance, paintable, and acetone-smoothable for better surface finish. Handles temperatures up to 220°F.
Nylon (PA12)
Best for: Living hinges, gears, wear surfaces, functional parts
Strength: ★★★★☆ | Heat resistance: ★★★☆☆ | Cost: $$
Nylon is tough, flexible, and wear-resistant. It’s the go-to material for parts that need to flex without breaking. Available in FDM and SLS (powder bed sintering for complex geometries).
Polycarbonate (PC)
Best for: High-impact applications, transparent parts, heat resistance
Strength: ★★★★☆ | Heat resistance: ★★★★☆ | Cost: $$
Polycarbonate is one of the strongest 3D printing materials available. It handles impacts, high temperatures (up to 280°F), and is naturally transparent. Excellent for enclosures that need to survive abuse.
ULTEM (PEI)
Best for: Aerospace, autoclave tooling, high-temperature applications
Strength: ★★★★★ | Heat resistance: ★★★★★ | Cost: $$$$
ULTEM is the premium option — FST rated (flame, smoke, toxicity), chemically resistant, and handles temperatures above 350°F. Used in aircraft ducting, autoclave tooling, and medical devices. Expensive but irreplaceable when you need its properties.
Photopolymer Resins (SLA/PolyJet)
Best for: High-detail parts, smooth surfaces, presentation models
Strength: ★★☆☆☆ | Heat resistance: ★★☆☆☆ | Cost: $$-$$$
Resin-based printing produces the smoothest surfaces and finest details. Ideal for jewelry patterns, dental models, and parts where appearance matters more than mechanical properties.
Material Selection Guide
| Need | Recommended Material |
|---|---|
| Cheapest option | PLA |
| General purpose prototype | ABS |
| Snap fits and living hinges | Nylon |
| Impact resistance | Polycarbonate |
| High temperature (>250°F) | ULTEM or PC |
| Smooth surface finish | SLA resin |
| Aerospace/medical | ULTEM |
| Chemical resistance | Nylon or ULTEM |
Not Sure Which Material to Use?
Material selection is part engineering, part experience. Tell us about your application and our engineers will recommend the best material for your specific requirements — including options you might not have considered.