Materials
Four filaments cover most parts. What each is for, and where its limits are.
PLA
Most things indoors: decor, models, prototypes, desk stuff, knobs and clips. The sharpest detail and the most colours.
- Heat
- Not for heat: heat deflection temperature 55 °C, under our 85 °C minimum for a part in heat. A part under load deforms well below that.
- Outdoors
- Not outdoors: it softens in a hot car and goes brittle in the sun.
- Food contact
- Only with a filament its maker declares for food contact, which the print partner names and attests to. The material class alone never makes a part food-safe.
PETG
Tougher. Outdoor parts, brackets, hooks, things that get wet.
- Heat
- Not for heat: heat deflection temperature 68 °C, under our 85 °C minimum for a part in heat. A part under load deforms well below that.
- Outdoors
- Takes outdoor use: sun and rain.
- Food contact
- Only with a filament its maker declares for food contact, which the print partner names and attests to. The material class alone never makes a part food-safe.
TPU
Flexible and rubber-like. Grips, phone cases, gaskets, feet, straps.
- Heat
- No heat rating: a flexible material has no meaningful heat deflection temperature.
- Outdoors
- Not rated for outdoors.
- Food contact
- Only with a filament its maker declares for food contact, which the print partner names and attests to. The material class alone never makes a part food-safe.
ABS
Handles heat. Car interiors, enclosures, tool parts, anything near a warm motor. Best for simpler shapes.
- Heat
- Takes heat: heat deflection temperature 100 °C. Fine for a car interior in the sun or near a warm appliance.
- Outdoors
- Not outdoors: it yellows and goes brittle in the sun. For sun and heat together, ask for ASA.
- Food contact
- Only with a filament its maker declares for food contact, which the print partner names and attests to. The material class alone never makes a part food-safe.
Choosing one
Say what the part is for when you describe it. If you name heat or outdoor use, checkout preselects a material that takes it. You can always pick another.