Materials reference

Industrial thermoplastics for production FDM.

Every material on this page is validated for production runs on our in-house production floor. Properties listed are for FDM-printed parts, not injection-molded datasheets.

Material selection matrix

ApplicationRecommendedWhy
Visual prototype, form testingPLAFastest, cheapest. Not for production.
Indoor enclosure, snap-fitsPETGTough, chemical resistant, excellent layer adhesion
ESD-sensitive electronicsPETG ESD10⁷–10⁹ Ω, good chemical resistance
Outdoor enclosure, UV exposureASAUV stable, heat resistant, weather resistant
Jigs, fixtures, structural partsPA-CFHighest stiffness, 100°C+ HDT
Gaskets, seals, dampenersTPUFlexible, abrasion resistant, Shore 95A
Prototyping

PLA

Tensile strength

37 MPa

Elongation

6%

HDT

52°C

UV resistance

Poor

Chemical resistance

Low

Best for

Draft prototypes, visual models, form testing, dimensional checks.

Not suited for

Outdoor use, high-temperature environments, snap-fits under load, production parts.

Colors

White, Black, Gray, Natural.

Functional

PETG

Tensile strength

50 MPa

Elongation

23%

HDT

73°C

UV resistance

Moderate

Chemical resistance

Good

Best for

Indoor enclosures, snap-fit assemblies, chemical environments.

Not suited for

Prolonged outdoor UV (use ASA), temperatures above 70°C (use PA-CF).

Colors

White, Black, Transparent, Blue.

Electronics / ESD

PETG ESD

Tensile strength

35–40 MPa

Elongation

5–8%

HDT

65°C

Surface resistivity

10⁷–10⁹ Ω

Chemical resistance

Good

Best for

Electronics enclosures, sensor housings, component trays, ESD assembly tooling.

Not suited for

Outdoor UV (use ASA), high temp >60°C (use PA-CF), structural load-bearing.

Colors

Black.

Outdoor / Industrial

ASA

Tensile strength

55 MPa

Elongation

30%

HDT

98°C

UV resistance

Excellent

Chemical resistance

Good

Best for

Outdoor enclosures, sensor housings in sunlight, weatherproof cases.

Not suited for

Flexible parts (use TPU), maximum stiffness (use PA-CF).

Colors

White, Black, Gray.

High performance

PA-CF

Tensile strength

80+ MPa

Elongation

4%

HDT

100°C+

UV resistance

Moderate

Chemical resistance

Good

Best for

Assembly jigs, test fixtures, structural brackets, CNC aluminum replacement.

Not suited for

Flexible parts, impact-absorbing components, large flat surfaces without ribbing.

Colors

Black.

Flexible

TPU

Tensile strength

30 MPa

Elongation

450%+

Shore hardness

95A

UV resistance

Moderate

Chemical resistance

Good

Best for

Gaskets, vibration dampeners, bumpers, cable management, seals, grip surfaces.

Not suited for

Structural parts, precision dimensional parts, high-temperature applications.

Colors

Black, Natural.

Values shown are typical for FDM-printed parts and may vary with print orientation and parameters.

General FDM design constraints

  • FDM parts have anisotropic properties. Layer bond direction affects strength.
  • Surface finish shows layer lines on all materials. Vapor smoothing available for ASA.
  • PETG ESD resistivity varies with print temperature. Higher temp = higher conductivity.
  • PA-CF is abrasive to standard nozzles. Hardened steel nozzle required (we handle this).
  • TPU dimensional tolerance is wider than rigid materials. Design with ±0.5 mm clearance.

Frequently asked questions

Not sure which material?

Request a quote and describe your application. Our engineers will recommend.

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