Professional Materials Guide

The guide covers high performance materials available for fabrications. Engineering grade materials are included. This page covers general materials.

All Materials Guide

PLA Basic (Biodegradable)

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and bioactive polyester made up of lactic acid building blocks. It is made from fermented plant starch such as from corn, cassava, sugar cane or sugar beet pulp. Using biomass resources makes PLA production different from most plastics. Due to its low heat deflection temperature, it is unwise to expose this material to medium to high temperatures above 55 degrees Celsius.

Appearance Finish: Semi-Gloss

Softening (Warping) Temperature: 57 °C (134.6 °F) | Melting Temperature: 160 °C (320 °F)

PLA Glow

This material radiates a short-lived glow after being exposed to a strong light source. Typically, a charge for ten seconds with a strong light source results in a strong glow for about ten seconds then a gradual fade over the next thirty seconds. The denser the fabrication is with this material, the longer and brighter the glow.

In general, polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and bioactive polyester made up of lactic acid building blocks. It is made from fermented plant starch such as from corn, cassava, sugar cane or sugar beet pulp. Using biomass resources makes PLA production different from most plastics. Due to its low heat deflection temperature, it is unwise to expose this material to medium to high temperatures above 55 degrees Celsius.

Appearance Finish: Semi-Transparent | Matte

Softening (Warping) Temperature: 55 °C (131°F) | Melting Temperature: 155 °C (311 °F)

PLA Matte

This material has a flat or 'matte' appearance. It is easy to fabricate with and has a textured surface. This surface makes this material a wise choice to fabricate grips with.

In general, polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and bioactive polyester made up of lactic acid building blocks. It is made from fermented plant starch such as from corn, cassava, sugar cane or sugar beet pulp. Using biomass resources makes PLA production different from most plastics. Due to its low heat deflection temperature, it is unwise to expose this material to medium to high temperatures above 55 degrees Celsius.

Appearance Finish: Matte

Softening (Warping) Temperature: 58 °C (136.4 °F) | Melting Temperature: 163 °C (325.4 °F)

PLA Silk

This material has an unmatched sheen. It is a highly reflective material that has a smooth surface texture. Due to low layer adhesion, it is wise for making dense fabrications. Small fidgets made with this material will be delivered with a fragile item notice.

In general, polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and bioactive polyester made up of lactic acid building blocks. It is made from fermented plant starch such as from corn, cassava, sugar cane or sugar beet pulp. Using biomass resources makes PLA production different from most plastics. Due to its low heat deflection temperature, it is unwise to expose this material to medium to high temperatures above 55 degrees Celsius.

Appearance Finish: Gloss

Softening (Warping) Temperature: 53 °C (127.4 °F) | Melting Temperature: 152 °C (305 °F)

ASA

ASA filament (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a type of thermoplastic material derived from ABS and improves upon it. ASA filament is known for its similar properties to ABS filament, but with enhanced weather resistance and UV stability. ASA yellows a lot slower than ABS, so it's perfect to be used to print outdoor fixtures like garden hose attachments, planters, garden gnomes, or anything you'd want outside. ASA is not recommended for engineering applications.

Appearance Finish: Semi-Gloss

Softening (Warping) Temperature: 100 °C (212 °F) | Melting Temperature: 210 °C (410°F)

TPU 95A (Rubber-like)

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a flexible and durable filament used in 3D fabrication, known for its elasticity, strength, and versatility. TPU can stretch significantly without breaking, making it suitable for applications requiring flexibility. TPU is highly wear-resistant, tear-resistant, and impact-resistant, making it suitable for demanding environments. TPU is available in various Shore hardness levels, ranging from soft (Shore A 80) to firm (Shore D 60), allowing for customization of flexibility. TPU's elasticity allows it to conform to complex shapes and absorb shock. TPU can be 3D fabricated into a wide range of objects, from flexible seals to structural components.

TPU is commonly used in fabrication for applications such as:
**Wearable devices:** Grips, straps, and cushions for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearable devices.
**Consumer products:** Seals, bumpers, vibration dampers, and other flexible parts for consumer electronics.
**Medical devices:** Surgical instruments, prosthetic limbs, and medical equipment requiring flexibility and durability.
**Automotive parts:** Seals, bushings, hoses, and other components that require flexibility and resistance to wear.*
**Sporting goods:** Shoe soles, grip covers, and other performance-enhancing components.
**Toys:** Flexible parts for dolls, action figures, and other toys that require durability and elasticity.

To successfully fabricate an item with TPU, optimal printer settings are crucial. TPU 3D fabrication filament is a versatile material that offers exceptional flexibility, durability, and strength. Its wide range of applications makes it a valuable choice for creating innovative and functional fabricated objects. By optimizing printing parameters, users can achieve high-quality results with TPU and unlock its potential for both consumer and industrial applications.

Appearance Finish: Gloss

Softening (Warping) Temperature: ~53 °C (127.4 °F) | Melting Temperature: 152 °C (305.6 °F)

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate (PC) filament has exceptional thermal resistance and excellent mechanical properties. It has high impact strength and durability. It is suitable for engineering purposes. This material should be dried before use and the material supports multi-material printing.

Appearance Finish: Super Gloss

Softening (Warping) Temperature: ~117 °C (242.6 °F) | Melting Temperature: 228 °C (442.4 °F)

PA6-GF (Glass Fiber Nylon 6)

PA6-GF is known for its chemical resistance and high heat deflection temperature. It has a very dimensionally stable fabrication due to the glass fiber reinforcement. It is much stiffer than the alternatives aside from PPA-CF.

Appearance Finish: Textured, Rough

Softening (Warping) Temperature: ~158 °C (316.4 °F) | Melting Temperature: 219 °C (462.2 °F)

Our Materials

Materials that we offer for custom fabrications.

  • Bambu Green

  • Mistletoe Green

  • Magenta

  • Jade White

  • Basic Red

  • Basic Yellow

  • Basic Orange

  • Pink

  • Blue

  • Blue Gray

  • Basic Black

  • Basic Cyan

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  • Glow Green

  • Glow Blue

  • Glow Pink

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  • Silk Gold

  • Silk Pink

  • Silk Green

  • Silk Silver

  • Silk Copper

  • Silk Blue

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  • Grass Green

  • Mandarin Orange

  • Mocha Brown

  • Tan

  • Lilac Purple

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  • White

  • Navy

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  • Black

  • White

  • Blue

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  • White

  • Black

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