3D printing materials: Complete guide to filament and resin
- Emne
- Guide
- Metoder
- 3D-print · Materialer
- Omfang
- 1881 ord · 10 min
Read our complete PETG guide — when PETG is the right choice for your project. Or see the ASA guide if your part has to live outdoors in sun and rain.
- FDM materials (PLA, PETG, ABS, PA6-CF, TPU) cover everything from quick prototypes to industrial parts
- SLA resins deliver extreme detail for precision parts, dental and jewelry
- Material choice determines strength, heat resistance, flexibility and surface quality
- PETG is the best all-round material for most functional parts
- Maker Factory prints in 10+ FDM materials and 8 SLA resins — we advise for free
Table of contents
- FDM vs. SLA: Two different worlds
- FDM materials: From PLA to PA6-CF
- SLA resins: Precision at a high level
- How to choose the right material
- From practice: Material choices that made a difference
- What do the different materials cost?
- FAQ
3D printing materials are the most important decision in any print project. The wrong material means weak parts, poor detail or components that collapse in heat. This guide helps you choose the right material for your project — whether you need FDM filament or SLA resin.
At Maker Factory we print in over 10 FDM materials and 8 SLA resins. We see customers every day who choose the wrong material because they don't know the difference. This article is written so you avoid that mistake.
FDM vs. SLA: Two different worlds of 3D printing materials
Before you choose a material, you need to choose a technology. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) uses plastic filament that is melted and laid down layer by layer. The result is strong, durable parts with visible layer lines. SLA (Stereolithography) uses liquid resin that is cured with UV light. The result is extremely detailed parts with smooth surfaces.
The main rule: choose FDM when strength and durability matter most. Choose SLA when detail and surface quality are critical. Read our in-depth comparison of FDM vs. SLA.
FDM materials: From PLA to PA6-CF
PLA — the easiest material
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is the most widely used 3D printing material and the easiest to print with. It's biodegradable, odorless and gives good detail. Use PLA for quick prototypes, visual models and decorative parts. Key limitation: PLA only withstands around 60°C and isn't suited for mechanical loads or outdoor use.
PETG — the best all-round material
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is the best balance between strength, simplicity and price. It's stronger than PLA, resists moisture and chemicals, and can be used outdoors without becoming porous. PETG is our most-used material for functional parts — from enclosures and brackets to industrial components that need to last year after year.
At Maker Factory we use PETG as standard for most functional customer orders. It's strong enough for mechanical use, cheap enough for batch production and stable enough for outdoor mounting. If you're unsure about material choice, start with PETG.
ABS — the classic for hot environments
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is the material LEGO bricks are made of. High impact strength, good heat resistance (up to 100°C) and well suited for parts exposed to mechanical stress. ABS requires a heated bed and good ventilation, but the result is durable and industrial-grade.
ASA — ABS that can take the sun
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) has the same strength properties as ABS, but is UV-stable. That means ASA parts don't yellow or degrade in sunlight. Ideal for outdoor components, signage and parts mounted on facades or vehicles.
PA6-CF — carbon-fiber nylon for industry
PA6-CF (carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon) is one of the strongest FDM materials available. With a tensile strength above 100 MPa and extreme stiffness, PA6-CF replaces metal components in many industrial applications. Used for loaded machine parts, assembly jigs and functional prototypes that need to be tested under real conditions. Read our in-depth PA6-CF guide.
PA6-CF is technically demanding to print correctly — it requires specialized equipment with a hardened nozzle and optimized print parameters. At Maker Factory we have a dedicated setup for PA6-CF, so you get consistent, strong results without brittle layers or delamination.
TPU — flexible and hard-wearing
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is an elastic material that can bend, stretch and compress without breaking. Ideal for gaskets, vibration dampers, flexible hinges and protective covers. Available in various hardnesses from soft (TPU 95A) to semi-rigid (TPU 65D).
PC and PC-FR — extreme heat resistance
Polycarbonate (PC) withstands up to 130°C and has exceptional impact strength. PC-FR is the flame-retardant variant for electronics and aerospace. Both materials are used when heat resistance and impact strength are absolute requirements.
PETG-CF — carbon-fiber-reinforced PETG
PETG-CF combines PETG's chemical resistance with the stiffness of carbon fiber. A good middle ground between standard PETG and PA6-CF — stronger and stiffer than PETG, but easier to print than nylon.
Technical specifications — FDM materials
| Material | Heat resistance | Tensile strength | UV-stable | Flexible | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | ~60°C | ~50 MPa | No | No | Prototypes, visualization |
| PETG | ~80°C | ~50 MPa | Partial | Slight | Functional parts, enclosures |
| ABS | ~100°C | ~40 MPa | No | No | Mechanical parts, hot environments |
| ASA | ~100°C | ~50 MPa | Yes | No | Outdoor mounts, signage |
| PA6-CF | ~180°C | >100 MPa | Partial | No | Industrial parts, metal replacement |
| TPU 95A | ~80°C | ~30 MPa | Partial | Yes | Gaskets, covers, dampers |
| PC | ~130°C | ~55 MPa | No | No | High impact strength, electronics |
| PETG-CF | ~85°C | ~65 MPa | Partial | No | Rigid structural parts |
SLA resins: Precision at a high level
SLA printing delivers detail and surface quality that far exceeds FDM. Resin materials are ideal when you need precision down to 0.025 mm.
Miniature Resin — extreme detail
Miniature Resin gives the sharpest detail we offer. Used for figurines, tabletop miniatures, jewelry models and dental prototypes. The surface is smooth and requires minimal post-processing. Looking for printed figures? Check out our products in the webshop.
Tough Resin — impact-resistant and functional
Tough Resin is impact-resistant and slightly flexible — suited for functional prototypes that need to withstand physical testing. Comparable to ABS in strength, but with SLA's smooth finish. Used for snap-fit components, clips and mechanical prototypes.
Engineering Resin — industrial precision
Engineering Resin delivers precision within 0.05 mm combined with chemical resistance and dimensional stability. Used for precision components, measuring instruments and industrial prototypes that require consistent dimensions.
Specialized resins
We also offer Flex Resin (rubber-like flexibility), High-Temperature Resin (up to 250°C), Transparent Resin (crystal-clear optics), Ceramic Resin (ceramic finish for display and jewelry) and PA-like Resin (nylon-like strength in SLA format).
How to choose the right 3D printing material
Material choice depends on three questions: what does the part need to do, what does it need to withstand, and how important is the surface? Use the table below as a starting point — and contact us if you're unsure.
| Need | Recommended material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick prototype | PLA | Cheap, fast, good detail |
| Functional part (indoor) | PETG | Strong, hard-wearing, chemical-resistant |
| Outdoor component | ASA or PETG | UV-stable, weather-resistant |
| High mechanical load | PA6-CF | 100+ MPa tensile strength, metal replacement |
| Flexible/elastic part | TPU | Bendable, hard-wearing, shock-absorbing |
| Hot environment (100°C+) | ABS, PC or High-Temp Resin | Withstands high temperatures |
| Extreme detail/precision | SLA Engineering Resin | 0.05 mm precision, smooth surface |
- You need strong, durable parts for mechanical use
- Price matters — FDM is generally cheaper than SLA
- The part needs to withstand temperature, chemicals or UV light
- You want to print in technical materials like PA6-CF, PC or TPU
- You need high detail and a smooth surface
- Precision under 0.1 mm is critical
- The part is used for dental, jewelry, miniatures or fine prototypes
- The surface needs minimal post-processing
From practice: Material choices that made a difference
An electronics company asked us to print enclosures for a sensor. They started with PLA — it cracked after 3 weeks of outdoor use. We switched to ASA: same price, same print time, but the enclosure has now lasted over a year with no signs of degradation. The material choice cost nothing extra — but it saved the product.
A machine manufacturer used a metal bracket for a mounting task. We printed a replacement in PA6-CF that weighed 60% less and cost a third of the metal part. The bracket has now run 14 months in daily operation with no wear.
What do the different 3D printing materials cost?
Material cost varies significantly and affects the total price of your print. Here's an overview of the price range for the most-used materials:
- PLA: The cheapest material — ideal for prototypes and tests
- PETG: Marginally more expensive than PLA, but significantly stronger
- ABS/ASA: Comparable to PETG in price
- PA6-CF: 3-4× the price of PLA — but often replaces metal parts that cost 10× more
- TPU: Slightly more expensive than PETG, but unique in its flexibility
- SLA resins: Generally more expensive than FDM filaments, but deliver precision that can't be achieved with FDM
The final price depends on print time, material usage and post-processing. Read our detailed pricing guide for concrete examples and price ranges by size.
Send us your CAD file and get a quote with the right material for your project — we advise on material choice for free.
Not sure which material to use? We'll review your project and recommend the right material — for free.
Get a material recommendation and price →FAQ — 3D printing materials
Which 3D printing material is strongest?
PA6-CF (carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon) is the strongest FDM material with a tensile strength above 100 MPa. For SLA, Engineering Resin is the strongest choice with high stiffness and dimensional stability.
Can 3D-printed parts be used outdoors?
Yes — both ASA and PETG are well suited for outdoor use. ASA is UV-stable and keeps its color, while PETG resists moisture and chemicals. PLA degrades over time in sunlight and shouldn't be used outdoors.
What's the difference between FDM filament and SLA resin?
FDM filament is solid plastic wire that is melted and built up layer by layer. SLA resin is liquid plastic that is cured with UV light. FDM gives stronger parts, SLA gives more detailed parts with smoother surfaces.
Which material is best for prototypes?
PLA is best for quick visual prototypes. PETG is best for functional prototypes that need to be tested under real conditions. PA6-CF is best for prototypes that need to match the final product's strength and stiffness.
Are 3D printing materials food-safe?
PLA and PETG are inherently food-safe materials, but the 3D printing process creates microscopic gaps between layers where bacteria can collect. For food contact, we recommend post-processing with a food-safe coating.
Can 3D printing materials be recycled?
Yes — especially PETG and PLA can be recycled. Recycled filament (rPETG, rPLA) typically has a 30-40% lower CO2 footprint than new material and delivers the same strength. Read more about recyclable 3D printing and waste reduction.
Which material most resembles injection-molded plastic?
ABS and ASA give the closest finish to injection-molded plastic in the FDM world. For SLA, Tough Resin is designed to match injection-molded ABS in mechanical properties. Read more about 3D printing vs. injection molding.
Read also: Resin for 3D printing – guide to resin types.
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