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MLP

Materials

Material selection is an engineering decision.

Filter by class, rank by the property your part actually needs. Ratings are relative within our FDM catalog — a fast first filter, not a datasheet. Every quote includes a material recommendation against your real load case.

Material class
Optimize for

Select a property to rank the catalog.

PLA

Standard

Max service temp: ~55 °C

Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
UV resistance

Best for

Prototypes, visual models, low-stress fixtures

Stiff, dimensionally accurate, and economical. Softens at low temperature — not for outdoor or load-bearing use.

PETG

Standard

Max service temp: ~75 °C

Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
UV resistance

Best for

Functional parts, enclosures, light outdoor use

Tougher than PLA with better temperature and moisture resistance. The default choice for general functional parts.

ASA

Engineering

Max service temp: ~95 °C

Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
UV resistance

Best for

Outdoor components, automotive, UV-exposed parts

UV-stable ABS alternative. Holds color and mechanical properties outdoors where other polymers chalk and crack.

ABS

Engineering

Max service temp: ~90 °C

Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
UV resistance

Best for

Impact-resistant housings, machinable parts

Classic engineering thermoplastic. Good impact strength; can be post-machined, sanded, and vapor-smoothed.

TPU

Flexible

Max service temp: ~80 °C

Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
UV resistance

Best for

Gaskets, grips, dampers, protective covers

Flexible polyurethane (typically 95A). Excellent abrasion resistance and rebound; complex geometries need design review.

Nylon (PA)

Engineering

Max service temp: ~120 °C

Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
UV resistance

Best for

Gears, hinges, wear surfaces, structural parts

High strength and fatigue resistance with a low-friction surface. Absorbs moisture — annealing and sealing available.

Carbon Fiber Nylon

Composite

Max service temp: ~140 °C

Strength
Heat resistance
Flexibility
UV resistance

Best for

Stiff structural parts, brackets, drone and robotics frames

Chopped carbon fiber in a PA matrix. Near-aluminum stiffness-to-weight for many bracket applications at a fraction of the cost.

Need a material that isn't listed? We regularly source engineering polymers for specific requirements — flame retardance, chemical resistance, food contact. Ask in your quote request.

Next step

Not sure which material fits your part?

Tell us the load, the temperature, and the environment. Material recommendation is part of every quote — not a paid extra.