The Friendly Rookie
PLA
PLA is your easygoing starter hero: clean prints, quick turnaround, and great looks for prototypes and display pieces.
- Strength: Moderate
- Heat: Low
- Best scenes: Prototypes, display models, fit checks
Materials Lab
Meet each material like a unique character, then choose the one that best matches your part's personality and purpose.
The Reliable Workhorse
PETG
PETG is the practical all-rounder: durable, moisture-tolerant, and usually our go-to for real-world functional parts.
- Strength: High
- Heat: Medium-high
- Best scenes: Outdoor parts, brackets, everyday use
The Tough Veteran
ABS
ABS is the rugged classic: better for higher-heat conditions and hard-use parts that need to take a beating.
- Strength: High
- Heat: High
- Best scenes: Workshop parts, enclosures, warm environments
The Agile Defender
TPU
TPU is the flexible specialist: shock-absorbing, bendy, and ideal when your part needs grip or cushioning.
- Strength: Flexible-strong
- Heat: Medium
- Best scenes: Grips, bumpers, wearable or protective parts
At-a-glance comparison
| Material | Outdoor ready | Flexible | Best for detail | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | △ | ✕ | ○ | Prototype / display |
| PETG | ○ | ✕ | ○ | Functional parts |
| ABS | ○ | ✕ | △ | Heat-resistant parts |
| TPU | ○ | ◎ | △ | Grips / flexible components |
Legend: ◎ excellent · ○ good · △ situational · ✕ not ideal