I need a prototype or fit check
For checking shape, size, appearance, or how parts fit together.
Start with PLALowest material-cost tierMaterial Utilizations Guide
Choose the Right Material for Your Part
You do not need to know filament names before requesting a quote. Tell us what the part needs to do, where it will be used, and your budget. We will recommend the most practical material.
Not sure what to choose?That is normal—we will help.
For most quotes, we only need five things: what the part does, indoor or outdoor use, heat or chemical exposure, approximate size, and quantity. Material is only one part of the price; print time and geometry often matter more.
Start with the job
What does your part need to do?
Pick the closest situation. These are starting recommendations, not a test you have to pass before contacting us.
I need a durable everyday part
Brackets, holders, organizers, covers, adapters, and replacement pieces.
Start with PETGValue material-cost tierIt will live outdoors
Sun, rain, changing seasons, farm equipment, trailers, or exterior mounts.
Start with ASAStandard material-cost tierIt needs to flex or absorb impact
Bumpers, feet, protective sleeves, soft jaws, grommets, and vibration pads.
Start with TPUStandard material-cost tierIt will see heat, wear, or heavy use
Machine-side parts, gears, clips, guards, warm housings, and tough fixtures.
Consider PC or NylonPremium material-cost tierIt must stay very rigid and accurate
Jigs, gauges, drill guides, inspection nests, and repeat-use production aids.
Consider PET-CF or PA6-CFPremium material-cost tierOur recommendation is included
You can simply describe the part.
Send a photo, sketch, broken sample, or CAD file. We will compare the practical choices and quote the material that meets the need without charging for performance you do not need.
Plain-language cost guide
How material choice affects your quote
The symbols below compare material cost and processing effort. They are not fixed part prices. A small specialty-material part can cost less than a very large PLA part.
Value
PLA, PETG, ABS
Good for prototypes and many everyday functional parts. Usually the most economical choices.
Standard
ASA, TPU, PLA-CF, PETG-CF
Added weatherability, flexibility, or rigidity with a moderate material and setup increase.
Premium
PC, Nylon, PET and most reinforced engineering grades
More preparation, drying, special nozzles, or controlled printing for demanding parts.
Specialist
PPA, PPS and their reinforced grades
Reserved for real high-heat or chemical requirements that justify specialized processing.
What usually changes the price most
Part sizeMore material and machine space
Print timeFine detail and thick parts run longer
QuantitySetup is spread across more parts
SupportsComplex shapes use extra time and material
FinishingSanding, inserts, assembly, or painting
InspectionTight fits and documented checks add work
We show the recommended material on your quote. If a lower-cost option could still work, we can show that alternative too.
All available materials
Browse by material name
If you already know what you want, jump directly to its plain-language profile. If not, use the recommendations above or ask us to choose.
Standard & engineering 10
Carbon & glass fiber 13
Support & specialty 5
Formulation-dependent: these are process aids, not end-use structural materials.
Optional technical detail
Want to compare every material?
Most customers can skip this table. Open it when you want to compare relative rigidity, impact, heat, weather, chemical resistance, and material-cost tier across the full list.
Open the full 28-material comparisonIncludes performance, printing difficulty, cost tier, and best usesView table
| Material | Rigidity / strength | Impact | Flex | Heat | Weather | Chemicals | Cost | Best use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Easy | $ | Accurate indoor prototypes |
| PETG | Medium | High | Medium | Medium | Good | Good | Easy | $ | General functional parts |
| ABS | Medium | High | Medium | High | Fair | Fair | Moderate | $ | Indoor technical parts |
| ASA | Medium | High | Medium | High | High | Fair–good | Moderate | $$ | Outdoor housings and mounts |
| TPU | Variable | Very high | Very high | Medium | Variable | Good* | Moderate | $$ | Bumpers, seals, vibration control |
| PC | High | Very high | Medium | Very high | Fair* | Fair* | Difficult | $$ | Tough, heat-loaded parts |
| PA (Nylon) | High | High | High | High | Fair* | High* | Difficult | $$ | Wear, hinges, gears, clips |
| PET | High | Medium | Low–medium | High* | Good | High | Difficult | $$ | Stable production aids |
| PPS | High | Low–medium | Low | Extreme | High | Extreme | Extreme | $$$$ | Validated chemical/high-heat duty |
| PPA | High | Medium | Low–medium | Very high | Good* | High* | Very difficult | $$$ | Heat/humidity-stable engineering parts |
| Fiber-reinforced grades | |||||||||
| PLA-CF | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Easy–moderate | $$ | Rigid visual fixtures |
| PETG-CF | High | Medium | Low | Medium | Good | Good | Moderate | $$ | Rigid shop fixtures and housings |
| ABS-GF | High | Low–medium | Low | High | Fair | Fair | Moderate | $$ | Stable indoor tooling |
| ASA-CF | High | Low–medium | Low | High | High | Fair–good | Difficult | $$$ | Rigid outdoor fixtures |
| PA6-CF | Very high | High* | Low | Very high | Fair* | High* | Difficult | $$$ | Loaded jigs, brackets, tooling |
| PA6-GF | Very high | Medium | Low | Very high | Fair* | High* | Difficult | $$$ | Rigid, nonconductive tooling |
| PET-CF | Very high | Medium | Low | Very high* | Good | High | Difficult | $$$ | Precise jigs and fixtures |
| PET-GF | High–very high | Medium | Low | Very high* | Good* | High | Difficult | $$$ | Durable industrial fixtures |
| PC-CF | Very high | High* | Low | Very high | Fair* | Fair* | Difficult | $$$ | Stiff heat-loaded tooling |
| PPA-CF | Very high | Medium | Low | Extreme | Good* | High* | Very difficult | $$$$ | High-heat precision fixtures |
| PPA-GF | Very high | Medium | Low | Extreme | Good* | High* | Very difficult | $$$$ | Insulating heat/humidity fixtures |
| PPS-CF | Very high | Low–medium | Low | Extreme | High | Extreme | Extreme | $$$$ | Chemical/high-heat production aids |
| PPS-GF | Very high | Low–medium | Low | Extreme | High | Extreme* | Extreme | $$$$ | Insulating chemical/high-heat aids |
| Support materials — temporary process aids, not end-use structure | |||||||||
| PVA | N/A | N/A | N/A | Low | Unsuitable | Water-soluble | Moderate | $$$ | Dissolvable support |
| BVOH | N/A | N/A | N/A | Low | Unsuitable | Water-soluble | Moderate | $$$ | Fast dissolvable support |
| Support for PLA | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Unsuitable | Variable | Easy–moderate | $$ | Clean PLA interfaces |
| Support for PLA/PETG | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Unsuitable | Variable | Easy–moderate | $$ | Clean PLA/PETG interfaces |
| Support for ABS | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Unsuitable | Variable | Moderate | $$ | Clean ABS interfaces |
* Formulation and exact chemical/exposure conditions are decisive. Ratings compare printed parts, not raw resin pellets. CF/GF ratings assume chopped-fiber FFF, not continuous-fiber reinforcement.
Match the material to the job
What are you trying to make?
Find the closest example below. We will confirm the environment, load, fit, and expected life before finalizing the quote.
| Part or customer need | Usual starting point | Other possibilities | Tell us before choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detailed concept or fit-check | PLA, PLA-CF | PETG, ABS, ASA | PPA/PPS grades—unnecessary cost |
| General shop bracket, bin, organizer | PETG, PETG-CF | PLA indoors; ASA outdoors | Soluble/support materials |
| Outdoor housing, sensor mount, equipment label | ASA, ASA-CF | PETG/PET/PET-CF with exposure check | PLA, PVA, BVOH |
| Impact guard or protective bumper | TPU, PC, PA | PETG, ASA, ABS | Thin PLA-CF or brittle filled grades |
| Repeated flex, hinge, compliant clip | TPU; PA where semi-rigid | PETG for limited flex | CF/GF grades, PLA, PPS |
| Jig, fixture, drill guide, inspection gauge | PET-CF, PET-GF, PA6-CF, PPA-CF | PETG-CF, PC-CF, PLA-CF for light duty | Support materials; TPU unless compliant contact is intended |
| Wear pad, slider, gear, bushing | PA; qualified PA composite | TPU for soft wear surfaces; PETG for light duty | PLA; abrasive fibers against soft mating parts |
| High heat near machinery or engines | Qualified PPA/PPS or reinforced grade | PC, PA6-CF, PET-CF after exact TDS review | PLA, standard PETG, most TPU |
| Chemical splash or washdown | Qualified PPS/PPS-CF | PET/PETG, PA, PPA after immersion test | Universal claims—always test the exact chemical |
| Electrical/electronic enclosure | Exact certified insulating or FR grade; GF may help | PETG/ASA/PC when no certification is required | CF near live conductors; ordinary grades presented as flame-rated |
| Complex internal channel or trapped cavity | BVOH or PVA support | Breakaway interface where accessible | Single-material support that cannot be removed |
| Food-contact, medical, potable-water, flame-rated | Only an exact certified grade and validated process | Engineering review and documented compliance | Assuming ordinary filament is certified |
| Pressure, lifting, vehicle safety, life support | Engineered and certified production method | FFF prototype only, clearly non-service | Unvalidated consumer filament end-use parts |
The questions we will ask
A quick material check
You do not need exact measurements for the first conversation. Simple answers help us narrow the choices and avoid unnecessary cost.
- 1
Will it be outdoors?
Yes: ASA is usually our starting point for long-term sun and weather. PETG may be enough for occasional or sheltered exposure. Tell us where it will be installed and how long it needs to last.
No: continue.
- 2
Will it be near heat?
Tell us the approximate temperature or heat source—a sunny vehicle, motor, oven, and exhaust area are very different. PC or Nylon may suit warmer locations; specialist materials are reserved for truly severe heat.
- 3
Will it be hit, bent, or vibrated?
Soft and flexible: TPU is the usual choice. Tough but rigid: PETG, ASA, PC, or Nylon may fit. A carbon- or glass-filled material is stiffer, but it is not automatically better for impact.
- 4
Will it contact water, oil, fuel, or cleaners?
Tell us the actual liquid and whether contact is an occasional splash or constant exposure. We will check the exact material instead of making a broad “chemical resistant” claim.
- 5
Does it need to stay very straight and accurate?
PLA-CF or PETG-CF can suit lighter work. Repeat-use jigs and gauges may justify PET-CF or PA6-CF. We will recommend the least expensive option that can hold the required fit.
- 6
How should it look?
Sharp detail: PLA. Smooth or glossy: PETG, ABS, or ASA depending on use. Matte technical finish: carbon- or glass-filled materials. Tell us if the part will be painted, displayed, or hidden.
- 7
Does the shape have hard-to-reach areas?
We will decide whether ordinary removable supports or dissolvable supports are needed. Complex supports can improve the result, but may add material, machine time, and finishing cost to the quote.
Details when you want them
Plain-language profiles for every material
Open any profile to see what the material is good at, where it should not be used, and what can affect the finished part. You do not need to understand the printing notes to request a quote—we handle that work.
Material changes what a part can handle
Heat, sunlight, impact, moisture, and chemicals affect materials differently. A short description of the real environment helps us avoid both an underbuilt part and an unnecessarily expensive one.
The part design matters too
Wall thickness, shape, print direction, fit, and mounting method can matter as much as the material name. We review those choices when preparing the quote and can suggest design changes where useful.
Some uses need extra validation
Food contact, medical use, pressure, lifting, vehicle safety, flame resistance, and live electrical service require specific materials, processes, testing, or certification. Ordinary filament is not automatically approved for those jobs.
Standard & engineering
Base polymers
PLAStandard polymer · easiest printingAccurate indoor prototypes
Characteristics & service
Rigid, crisp, low-warp, and inexpensive, but comparatively brittle with low heat and UV resistance. It can creep or soften in a hot vehicle and embrittle outdoors. Typical failures are layer splitting, brittle impact fracture, and heat distortion. Moisture affects print quality but less aggressively than nylon or soluble support.
Best uses / avoid
Concepts, fit checks, drill templates for light use, display models, drawer organizers, labels, patterns, and low-load indoor housings. Avoid outdoor fixtures, hot equipment, snap features that cycle, impact guards, chemical service, or long-term structural load.
Print, finish & limits
No enclosure or special nozzle is normally needed. Excellent detail and accuracy; sand wet to avoid heat, prime, paint, or bond with a compatible adhesive. Not home-compostable in normal conditions. Do not call a printed PLA item food-safe without an exact compliant material and sanitary process.
Evidence
Documented: Prusa PLA guide; Bambu Lab Filament Guide (current guide, accessed Aug. 2026).
PETGStandard polymer · durable defaultGeneral functional parts
Characteristics & service
Tougher and more flexible than PLA, with strong layer bonding, low warp, good moisture resistance, and useful chemical resistance. Moderate heat—not engine-bay heat. It can scratch, creep under sustained load, string during printing, and age outdoors differently by pigment and stabilizer.
Best uses / avoid
Workshop bins, brackets, guards, adapters, damp-location housings, farm equipment clips, custom organizers, replacement knobs, prototypes, and low-volume products. Avoid high-heat zones, precision sliding surfaces without wear tests, and thin parts where stiffness is critical.
Print, finish & limits
Usually no enclosure; heated bed and dry filament improve consistency. A release layer may be needed because PETG can bond aggressively to some build surfaces. Expect glossy surfaces, stringing, and supports that can be stubborn. Sand wet, drill carefully, and paint after surface preparation.
Evidence
Documented: Prusa PETG guide; Bambu Lab Filament Guide. Food-contact caution: Prusa food-safe FDM guidance.
ABSEngineering polymer · finishableIndoor mechanical parts
Characteristics & service
Tough, moderately rigid, inexpensive, and more heat-capable than PLA/PETG. It lacks ASA’s UV stability: outdoor parts can yellow and become brittle. Thermal shrinkage causes warp and layer cracking; impacts, fatigue, or sunlight commonly end service.
Best uses / avoid
Machine covers, indoor brackets, tool bodies, housings, fixtures, replacement trim, and parts that benefit from acetone welding or smoothing. Prefer ASA outdoors. Avoid open-office printing, hot fluids beyond the exact grade, or critical parts where shrink compensation was not verified.
Print, finish & limits
Use an enclosure, heated bed, draft control, and ventilation. ABS sands, drills, bonds, paints, and acetone-smooths well; solvent smoothing rounds sharp detail and requires controlled handling. Printed dimensions may need shrink calibration.
Evidence
Documented: Prusa ABS guide; NIOSH Safe 3D Printing guide (Nov. 2023).
ASAWeatherable engineering polymerOutdoor housings and mounts
Characteristics & service
ASA keeps the practical toughness and heat performance of ABS while adding much better UV/weather resistance. It is rigid with some give, handles outdoor cycling well, and can still warp during printing. Typical failures are creep near heat limits, stress cracking from incompatible chemicals, and layer failure under poorly oriented loads.
Best uses / avoid
Outdoor equipment covers, camera/sensor housings, farm and trailer accessories, signage hardware, electrical enclosures without certification requirements, vehicle exterior accessories, and weathered fixtures. Avoid fuel/solvent contact without testing and safety-critical vehicle parts.
Print, finish & limits
Enclosure and ventilation are recommended, especially for large parts. Moderate moisture sensitivity. Good detail; matte-to-satin appearance by grade. Sand, paint, acetone-weld, or vapor-smooth with the same detail-loss and solvent-safety cautions as ABS.
Evidence
Documented: Prusa ASA guide; Bambu Lab Filament Guide.
TPU (flexible)Flexible specialty polymerBumpers, seals, vibration control
Characteristics & service
Elastic, abrasion-resistant, impact-tolerant, and fatigue-friendly. Flexibility depends heavily on Shore hardness, wall thickness, and infill; “TPU” is not one property set. It survives bending that would break rigid plastics, but can creep, tear at notches, swell in incompatible fluids, or lose elasticity with heat/UV depending on formulation.
Best uses / avoid
Protective boots, bump stops, soft jaws, anti-slip feet, vibration isolators, grommets, strain reliefs, compliant clips, dust covers, and non-certified seals. Avoid precision load-bearing structure, engine fluids without compatibility tests, pressure seals, timing belts, or safety restraint parts.
Print, finish & limits
Dry before use, print slowly through a short constrained filament path, reduce retraction, and use a release layer on strongly bonding beds. Usually no enclosure. Finish is difficult to sand; design the surface as printed. Supports can fuse, so use split geometry or compatible interface material.
Evidence
Documented: Prusa flexible-material guide; Prusament TPU 95A guide. Exact hardness/chemistry remains SKU-dependent.
PC (Polycarbonate)Engineering polymer · tough and heat resistantImpact- and heat-loaded parts
Characteristics & service
Very tough, strong, heat resistant, and capable of some elastic deformation before breaking. Pure PC is moisture-sensitive and prone to thermal warp; blends can behave very differently. UV resistance and chemical compatibility are grade-dependent. Failures include creep at heat/load, environmental stress cracking, and layer cracking from a cold build.
Best uses / avoid
Machine guards, tough housings, fan ducts, fixtures, battery/tool enclosures without compliance claims, clips, and warm-environment brackets. Avoid outdoor transparency claims without a UV-stabilized grade, alkaline/solvent exposure without testing, and certified protective glazing or pressure parts.
Print, finish & limits
Drying, high nozzle/bed temperatures, an enclosure, and a separation layer are typical. Large parts warp; fillets, controlled infill, and orientation help. Clear filament does not create optically clear FFF parts without extensive finishing. Sand, polish, machine, or paint cautiously.
Evidence
Documented: Prusa PC guide; Bambu Lab Filament Guide.
PA (Nylon)Engineering polymer · wear and fatigueGears, clips, sliders, tough parts
Characteristics & service
Tough, wear-resistant, low-friction, and flexible in thin sections while strong in bulk. “PA” can mean PA6, PA12, PA11, copolymers, and blends with very different moisture and heat behavior. Moisture softens and changes dimensions; typical failures are creep, wear, fatigue at notches, and property drift with humidity.
Best uses / avoid
Gears, bushings, rollers, living/compliant features, tool clips, cable guides, latches, farm/workshop wear parts, and low-friction machine components. Avoid dimensional gauges without humidity conditioning, outdoor use without UV confirmation, or hot-water/chemical service based only on the word “nylon.”
Print, finish & limits
Dry thoroughly and print from a dry box. An enclosure and nylon-compatible build surface help control warp. Great layer adhesion when dry and hot enough. Natural nylon can be dyed; machining is possible but flexible edges may fuzz. Adhesive bonding can be difficult.
Evidence
Documented: Prusa polyamide guide. Knowledge gap: Stuntz MFG must identify the PA family/grade before making numeric claims.
PETEngineering polyester · formulation-dependentStable functional and production parts
Characteristics & service
Stiffer and usually more crystallization/annealing-sensitive than PETG because it lacks glycol modification. It can offer low moisture uptake, chemical resistance, good dimensional stability, and higher heat potential in engineered formulations. Printability, brittleness, crystallinity, and final heat resistance vary widely.
Best uses / avoid
Production fixtures, stable brackets, housings, guides, and parts needing better moisture stability than nylon. Avoid treating PET-bottle data as printed-part performance, and do not promise heat performance unless the exact filament’s print/anneal procedure has been followed and tested.
Print, finish & limits
Drying is normally required; an enclosure may improve crystallization and dimensional consistency. Warping is formulation-dependent. Some grades require annealing, which can shrink or distort the part. Matte or satin finish by formulation; machine and sand with heat control.
Evidence
Inferred: polymer-family guidance only. The Bambu guide’s PET-CF data cannot be assigned to unfilled PET. Exact PET SKU/TDS is a required gap.
PPS (High-performance)Specialty polymer · heat and chemicalsValidated harsh-environment parts
Characteristics & service
The underlying PPS family is known for extreme heat/chemical resistance, very low moisture uptake, creep stability, and inherent flame resistance—but resin-family data is not a printed-part guarantee. Unfilled FFF PPS can be brittle and extremely process-sensitive. Failure is likely at layers, sharp stress risers, or from incomplete crystallization.
Best uses / avoid
Qualified sensor housings, chemical-handling fixtures, hot-air tooling, electrical components, and machine parts where a named PPS grade has supporting tests. Avoid casual consumer parts, impact-loaded thin sections, or any flame/electrical claim without the exact filament certification.
Print, finish & limits
Requires an industrial high-temperature hotend, hot bed, actively heated enclosure, controlled drying, low-moisture feed, and material-specific build surface. Expensive and difficult. Machining is possible; annealing/crystallization may be prescribed and can change dimensions.
Evidence
Underlying polymer only: Celanese Fortron PPS family. Inferred for FFF: unfilled PPS SKU is unknown; do not transfer molded-resin numbers to printed parts.
PPA (High-performance)Specialty polyamide · heat/humidity stabilityHigh-performance engineering parts
Characteristics & service
PPA is a family of semi-aromatic polyamides designed to retain stiffness and dimensions better than common nylon in heat, humidity, and aggressive media. Exact chemistry varies greatly. Unfilled printed PPA may be tough but moisture-sensitive and difficult to crystallize; service life depends on grade and conditioning.
Best uses / avoid
Qualified automotive-adjacent brackets, electrical housings, pump/valve fixtures, gears, and warm/humid production aids. Avoid substituting molded PPA data for FFF performance, and do not infer flame or electrical certification from the polymer name.
Print, finish & limits
Very dry filament, high nozzle/bed temperature, enclosure or heated chamber, and grade-specific support/build adhesive are typical. Expect high cost and process sensitivity. Annealing may be required; measure shrink before producing fit-critical parts.
Evidence
Underlying polymer only: BASF Ultramid Advanced PPA family. Inferred for FFF: Stuntz MFG’s unfilled PPA SKU is not identified.
Reinforced formulations
Carbon- and glass-fiber grades
PLA-CFCarbon-fiber PLARigid, matte, accurate fixtures
Characteristics & service
Stiffer, more dimensionally stable, and more matte than PLA, but usually less ductile and not materially better for heat, UV, or chemicals. Thin tabs and layer lines can fracture suddenly; long load can still creep.
Best uses / avoid
Presentation prototypes, camera mounts, light-duty gauges, assembly nests, robot/end-effector mockups, and rigid indoor organizers. Avoid impacts, snap fits, outdoors, hot vehicles, and safety loads.
Print & finish
Easy-to-moderate printing, low warp, hardened nozzle required. Dry for surface quality. Matte finish hides layers; sand/cut with dust extraction. Supports generally remove cleanly.
Evidence
Documented: Bambu Filament Guide; composite cautions: Prusa composite guide.
PETG-CFCarbon-fiber PETGRigid shop fixtures and housings
Characteristics & service
Trades some PETG ductility for stiffness, cleaner dimensions, lower warp, and a matte finish. It retains the base polyester’s moisture/chemical advantages but not a universal heat upgrade. Failure is more likely to be brittle at thin sections or across layers.
Best uses / avoid
Machine-side brackets, sensor mounts, inspection fixtures, holders, organizers, and professional housings. Avoid repeated flex, high heat, live electrical proximity, or impact-critical guards without tests.
Print & finish
Drying and a hardened nozzle are required; enclosure often optional. Usually easier and more dimensionally stable than PC/nylon composites. Matte surface sands and paints well with dust control.
Evidence
Documented: Bambu Filament Guide; Prusa composite guide.
ABS-GFGlass-fiber ABSDimensionally stable indoor tooling
Characteristics & service
Glass fiber raises stiffness and dimensional stability while reducing ABS shrink/warp, but can lower impact toughness and make edges abrasive. Heat is governed mainly by the ABS formulation; UV aging remains a weakness.
Best uses / avoid
Assembly fixtures, machine covers, brackets, nonconductive tooling bodies, and warm indoor production aids. Avoid outdoor service, flexible features, rubbing contact against soft surfaces, and unverified electrical/flame applications.
Print & finish
Hardened nozzle, enclosure, heated bed, and ventilation. Glass fiber can be itchy; collect sanding/machining dust. Matte textured finish; drilled holes and inserts need adequate wall stock.
Evidence
Documented: Bambu Filament Guide. The guide’s printed ABS-GF impact data illustrates why “fiber = tougher” is unsafe.
ASA-CFCarbon-fiber ASARigid outdoor fixtures
Characteristics & service
Combines ASA weatherability with higher stiffness, low warp, and matte appearance. Compared with unfilled ASA it usually gives up elongation and some impact/layer toughness. Long-life outdoor performance still depends on pigment, stabilizers, load, and water traps.
Best uses / avoid
Outdoor sensor mounts, antenna/equipment brackets, signage hardware, vehicle accessory housings, and rigid farm fixtures. Prefer unfilled ASA or TPU where impact or flex dominates; avoid conductive CF near live contacts.
Print & finish
Hardened nozzle, dry filament, enclosure, hot bed, and ventilation. Lower warp than ASA does not eliminate draft sensitivity. Matte surface needs little cosmetic finishing; use dust extraction for sanding.
Evidence
Documented: Bambu guide including ASA-CF; base behavior: Prusa ASA guide.
PA6-CFCarbon-fiber nylon 6Loaded jigs, brackets, tooling
Characteristics & service
Very stiff and strong with improved warp control, wear resistance, and high heat capability. PA6 remains moisture-sensitive: conditioning changes dimensions and stiffness. CF reduces flexibility and can make layer/notch failure more abrupt.
Best uses / avoid
Robotic grippers, drill/assembly fixtures, structural brackets, machine guards, tool holders, and functional prototypes. Avoid precision gauges without humidity conditioning, live electrical isolation, rubbing against soft shafts, and safety loads without coupon/part testing.
Print & finish
Thorough high-temperature drying, sealed feed, hardened nozzle, hot bed, and enclosure. Supports can be stubborn; soluble compatibility is grade-specific. Machineable with sharp tools; manage conductive dust.
Evidence
Documented: Bambu Filament Guide; nylon moisture/warp: Prusa nylon guide.
PA6-GFGlass-fiber nylon 6Rigid, usually insulating tooling
Characteristics & service
Very rigid, heat-capable, wear-resistant, and more dimensionally controlled than unfilled PA6. It still absorbs moisture. GF is generally nonconductive but does not create an electrical certification; chopped fiber can reduce impact and layer toughness.
Best uses / avoid
Fixtures, structural machine brackets, guards, electrical-adjacent tooling after review, pump/maintenance aids, and stiff housings. Avoid living hinges, snap features, soft mating surfaces, and humid precision work without conditioning.
Print & finish
Dry aggressively, keep sealed while printing, use a hardened nozzle and enclosure. Glass-fiber dust can irritate skin/eyes; extract during cutting or sanding. Expect a textured matte finish.
Evidence
Documented: Bambu Filament Guide.
PET-CFCarbon-fiber PETPrecise jigs and fixtures
Characteristics & service
High stiffness, low moisture uptake, dimensional stability, creep resistance, and a clean matte finish make PET-CF attractive for production tooling. Heat performance can rise substantially with a manufacturer-controlled anneal, but annealing may change dimensions. Impact is below tough unfilled polymers.
Best uses / avoid
Inspection gauges, welding/assembly fixtures away from excessive heat, drill guides with bushings, robot tooling, machine mounts, and accurate replacement parts. Avoid repeated flex, bare sliding contact, live electrical exposure, or citing annealed heat data for an unannealed part.
Print & finish
Dry thoroughly, use a hardened nozzle, and preferably an enclosure. Follow the exact grade’s crystallization/anneal recipe and measure shrink. Excellent matte finish; machine with dust extraction.
Evidence
Documented: Bambu Filament Guide; annealing example is grade-specific: UltiMaker composite materials.
PET-GFGlass-fiber PETDurable industrial fixtures
Characteristics & service
Rigid, low-moisture, dimensionally stable, and chemically useful, with less electrical-conductivity concern than CF. Fiber percentage and anneal state materially change heat, impact, and shrink. Glass fibers can abrade mating parts.
Best uses / avoid
Jigs, checking fixtures, nonconductive machine-side brackets, automotive/industrial prototypes, and low-volume structural housings. Avoid flexing features, soft bearing surfaces, and heat claims that do not match the delivered anneal condition.
Print & finish
Dry, use a hardened nozzle and preferably an enclosure. Some grades print open-frame for small parts. Annealing may be optional below the supplier’s stated temperature and required above it; dimensional QA is essential.
Evidence
Manufacturer-reported, printed specimens: Polymaker Fiberon PET-GF15. Values cannot be transferred to another PET-GF percentage or brand.
PC-CFCarbon-fiber polycarbonateStiff heat-loaded tooling
Characteristics & service
Carbon fiber makes PC stiffer, more dimensionally stable, and less warp-prone, but less ductile than unfilled PC. Heat remains high; moisture, UV, and chemical stress cracking depend on the PC blend. Thin layers/notches are the common weak points.
Best uses / avoid
Warm machine fixtures, rigid housings, structural brackets, tooling plates, and functional prototypes. Choose unfilled PC for maximum impact/ductility. Avoid outdoor/chemical or electrical claims without the exact grade, and avoid impacts on thin CF sections.
Print & finish
Dry at the manufacturer’s specified temperature, use a hardened nozzle, high bed temperature, and enclosure/heated chamber. Excellent matte surface and machining potential; collect conductive dust.
Evidence
Manufacturer-reported: 3DXTECH CarbonX PC+CF. This page describes one formulation; settings and performance are not generic PC-CF guarantees.
PPA-CFCarbon-fiber high-temperature polyamideHigh-heat precision fixtures
Characteristics & service
Extremely stiff, strong, creep-resistant, and dimensionally stable in heat/humidity compared with common nylon composites. PPA chemistry and CF loading vary; interlayer strength and impact remain design constraints. Moisture sensitivity is lower than PA6 for some grades, not zero.
Best uses / avoid
High-temperature jigs, under-hood prototypes, pump/valve fixtures, robotics, gears, and electrical/mechanical tooling after grade review. Avoid conductive CF near live contacts and any certified automotive, pressure, or flame application without validation.
Print & finish
Very dry sealed feed, abrasion-resistant nozzle, high nozzle/bed temperature, enclosure, and often post-anneal. Supports and adhesion are grade-specific. High cost; reserve for requirements PET-CF/PA6-CF cannot meet.
Evidence
Documented printed-part data: Flashforge PPA-CF TDS; Bambu Filament Guide. Methods/formulations differ.
PPA-GFGlass-fiber high-temperature polyamideInsulating heat/humidity fixtures
Characteristics & service
High stiffness, heat resistance, creep control, and better humid dimensional stability than ordinary nylon. GF is generally insulating but certification is formulation-specific. Compared with CF it can be heavier and more abrasive; impact and layer adhesion remain geometry-dependent.
Best uses / avoid
High-temperature electrical-adjacent tooling, connectors/housings as prototypes, automotive fixtures, mechanical equipment brackets, and humid-service production aids. Avoid flex features, soft mating surfaces, and certification claims based on family data.
Print & finish
High-temperature drying, sealed feeding, hardened 0.4–0.6 mm-class nozzle, hot bed, and enclosure are typical. Expect matte texture and demanding adhesion. Anneal only to the exact TDS, then inspect dimensions.
Evidence
Documented printed-part data: IPCON PPA-GF TDS, v1.0, June 28 2025. One brand/grade only.
PPS-CFCarbon-fiber PPSExtreme heat and chemical tooling
Characteristics & service
Exceptional heat, solvent, moisture, creep, flame, stiffness, and dimensional behavior in named commercial grades. It is not a universal metal replacement: impact and Z-direction strength can govern, and every certification belongs to a specific grade and process.
Best uses / avoid
Hot chemical fixtures, manufacturing aids, automotive/rail/aerospace tooling, sensor housings, and metal-replacement candidates with engineering review. Avoid impact-prone thin parts, consumer printers not rated for PPS, and transferring another brand’s UL/flame result.
Print & finish
Industrial high-temperature printer, heated chamber, aggressive drying/sealed feed, hardened nozzle, and material-specific surface. Post-anneal may be required. Excellent precision when the process is controlled; conductive dust precautions apply.
Evidence
Manufacturer-reported: UltiMaker PPS CF and TDS v1.00; Bambu PPS-CF. Test methods and grades differ.
PPS-GFGlass-fiber PPS · exact SKU neededInsulating extreme-environment aids
Characteristics & service
Expected to combine PPS heat/chemical/moisture stability with high GF stiffness and lower conductivity risk than CF. However, StuntzMFG.com does not identify a PPS-GF manufacturer, glass percentage, print TDS, or flame card, so performance is not yet documented for the offered grade.
Best uses / avoid
Potentially suitable for hot, chemical, or electrical-adjacent fixtures when the exact grade is verified. Do not quote PPS-CF numbers, molded PPS-GF data, or a UL rating for this listing. Avoid impact/flex features and unvalidated regulated use.
Print & finish
Expect PPS-class high-temperature equipment, heated chamber, drying, sealed feed, abrasive nozzle, and possible anneal. Glass-fiber dust controls apply. Actual settings must come from the selected manufacturer.
Evidence
Inferred: underlying PPS behavior from Celanese Fortron PPS plus general short-fiber FFF behavior. Exact printed PPS-GF evidence is a knowledge gap.
Temporary process materials
Soluble and breakaway supports
PVAWater-soluble supportInternal cavities and complex overhangs
Characteristics & service
A sacrificial water-soluble polymer, not an end-use material. It is highly moisture sensitive; damp filament softens, bubbles, clogs, feeds poorly, and prints rough. Light, heat, and weather are irrelevant because it should be removed.
Best uses / avoid
Support interfaces, trapped channels, caged mechanisms, deep cavities, and delicate surfaces with a compatible model material. Avoid structural parts, outdoor parts, uncontrolled wastewater disposal, and combinations not approved by the PVA supplier.
Print & removal
Dry and print from sealed storage; use a clean nozzle and purge transition. Dissolve with circulating lukewarm water when the model material permits, then rinse/dry the part. Compatibility varies—one PVA can work with PLA/PETG/nylon yet fail with ABS/PC.
Evidence
Documented: UltiMaker PVA TDS v5.00; Bambu PVA guidance.
BVOHFast water-soluble supportComplex multi-material support
Characteristics & service
A water-soluble butenediol-vinyl-alcohol copolymer designed for temporary supports, often dissolving faster and working with more model polymers than basic PVA. It is very hygroscopic and sensitive to light/UV; not an end-use material.
Best uses / avoid
Intricate overhangs, hollow parts, internal channels, and inaccessible support where the exact BVOH/model pair is compatible. Avoid load-bearing or weathered parts, mixing with an unverified high-temperature polymer, and dumping concentrated dissolved waste without supplier guidance.
Print & removal
Keep sealed and dry; BASF’s v1.3 TDS specifies drying and supplier-specific print settings. Dissolve in water with circulation and temperature safe for the model material. Purge carefully to prevent cross-contamination.
Evidence
Documented: Ultrafuse BVOH TDS v1.3, Nov. 11 2019; Verbatim BVOH.
Support for PLABreakaway/interface formulation · SKU unknownCleaner PLA support surfaces
Characteristics & use
A temporary interface formulation intended to bond weakly enough to PLA for mechanical removal. It is not a standard polymer name, so rigidity, heat, UV, chemical resistance, service life, cost, and safety cannot be responsibly generalized.
Best uses / avoid
Accessible PLA overhangs and contact surfaces where easier removal matters. Use it only for the support interface to reduce cost and purge waste. Avoid trapped cavities, end-use structure, or use with PETG/ABS/engineering polymers unless the supplier lists compatibility.
Print & removal
Usually prints through a standard nozzle; dry/storage needs depend on the exact product. Tune interface spacing, purge volume, and support temperature. Snap away with tools and eye protection; inspect the model surface for residue.
Evidence
Inferred/product-category only: compatibility comparison appears on Bambu’s Support for PLA/PETG page. Exact “Support for PLA” SKU/TDS/SDS is required.
Support for PLA/PETGBreakaway/interface formulationClean PLA and PETG interfaces
Characteristics & use
A sacrificial support-interface filament marketed for PLA and PETG. It is designed for poor interfacial bonding to simplify removal, not for structural properties. Exact composition and moisture behavior belong to the selected SKU.
Best uses / avoid
Accessible overhangs, broad support contact areas, and surfaces where same-material support scars would be costly. Avoid sealed internal channels that require dissolution, end-use parts, or unsupported model-material combinations.
Print & removal
Use at interfaces rather than the full support body where practical. Tune purge, prime tower, interface layers, and cooling to avoid contamination and weak model layers. Mechanically remove and inspect; follow the supplier for drying.
Evidence
Manufacturer-reported category: Bambu Support for PLA/PETG. Compatibility is brand/formulation-specific.
Support for ABSBreakaway/interface formulation · SKU unknownClean ABS support interfaces
Characteristics & use
A temporary support formulation intended to survive ABS print temperatures while releasing from ABS. The website does not identify composition, so all end-use property ratings are not applicable and processing claims must wait for a TDS.
Best uses / avoid
Accessible ABS overhangs, tooling cavities, and cosmetic faces where interface quality matters. Avoid trapped geometry, structural use, fire/electrical claims, and combinations with ASA/PC unless the exact supplier approves them.
Print & removal
An enclosure and ventilation follow from the ABS model material. Interface temperature, cooling, purge, and dry-storage requirements are SKU-specific. Mechanically break away after cooling; wear eye protection and remove residue before service.
Evidence
Inferred/product-category only: Bambu lists Support for ABS in its support collection. Exact SKU/TDS/SDS is a required gap.
Examples you can request
Parts we can help you make
This is a starting list, not a limit. Bring us the problem, broken part, sketch, or idea and we will help choose a practical approach.
Farm equipment organizers
Cab trays, radio mounts, hose/nozzle holders, and labeled storage in PETG or ASA.
Sensor and camera mounts
Outdoor ASA/ASA-CF brackets; TPU isolation pads where vibration matters.
Replacement knobs and handles
PETG, ASA, PC, or TPU overgrips for non-safety-critical equipment.
Assembly and welding fixtures
PET-CF, PET-GF, PA6-CF, or PPA/PPS near validated heat zones.
Inspection gauges and nests
Dimensionally stable PET-CF/PET-GF with wear inserts where needed.
Drill and cutting templates
PLA-CF for short runs; PET-CF/PA6-CF plus metal bushings for production.
Tool-control systems
Custom sockets, shadow-board clips, battery holders, and cart organizers in PETG.
Machine guards and covers
PETG/PC indoors or ASA outdoors—non-safety guarding unless engineered.
Dust and debris adapters
Custom vacuum/tool adapters in PETG, ASA, or TPU for compliant couplings.
Powersports accessories
GPS/phone accessory mounts, switch housings, clips, and guards in ASA/PC; no steering/braking/safety parts.
Contractor templates and spacers
Layout jigs, reveal gauges, shims, and reusable drill guides in PLA-CF or PETG-CF.
Small-business point-of-sale hardware
Display stands, label holders, cable management, and branded fixtures in PLA/PETG/ASA.
Protective boots and bumpers
Custom TPU caps, feet, corner guards, soft jaws, and vibration pads.
Legacy replacement parts
Reverse-engineered covers, clips, spacers, and knobs after load/environment review.
Design-for-additive consulting
Material selection, orientation, support strategy, prototype iterations, and low-volume transition planning.
Complex soluble-support parts
Premium prototyping service for channels, trapped geometry, and clean undersides using PVA/BVOH.
All materials in plain English
A one-sentence guide to every option
You are not expected to memorize these. Use the list for a quick comparison, then open a profile or ask us to recommend the right fit.
PLABest for crisp, affordable indoor prototypes and visual models.
PETGBest all-around choice for durable brackets, bins, housings, and organizers.
ABSBest for tough indoor technical parts that need heat resistance or smooth finishing.
ASABest for outdoor mounts, covers, and housings exposed to sun and weather.
TPUBest for flexible bumpers, feet, protective sleeves, and vibration control.
PCBest for tough, heat-resistant guards, housings, and functional parts.
PA (Nylon)Best for wear parts, clips, gears, and components that need toughness with some flex.
PETBest for stable engineering parts when the exact formulation matches the environment.
PPSBest for validated high-heat and chemical service on industrial equipment.
PPABest for validated engineering parts that must stay stiff in heat and humidity.
PLA-CFBest for rigid, accurate, matte indoor fixtures and presentation parts.
PETG-CFBest for stiff, durable shop fixtures and professional housings.
ABS-GFBest for dimensionally stable indoor tooling and warm-environment brackets.
ASA-CFBest for rigid outdoor fixtures with a clean matte finish.
PA6-CFBest for strong production jigs, tooling, and loaded machine brackets.
PA6-GFBest for rigid, wear-resistant tooling where carbon conductivity is undesirable.
PET-CFBest for precise jigs, gauges, fixtures, and dimensionally stable production aids.
PET-GFBest for durable, rigid industrial fixtures with low moisture uptake.
PC-CFBest for stiff tooling and housings that also need strong heat performance.
PPA-CFBest for premium high-heat, high-stiffness fixtures after engineering review.
PPA-GFBest for heat- and humidity-stable tooling with lower conductivity risk.
PPS-CFBest for extreme heat, chemical exposure, and precision industrial aids.
PPS-GFBest for specialist high-heat/chemical tooling once the exact grade is confirmed.
PVABest for dissolvable supports inside complex or inaccessible geometry.
BVOHBest for fast-dissolving support on intricate multi-material prints.
Support for PLABest for cleaner removable support interfaces on PLA parts.
Support for PLA/PETGBest for easy-to-remove interfaces on PLA and PETG prints.
Support for ABSBest for cleaner removable support interfaces on ABS parts.
Before we quote
What we confirm about your part
A little context lets us recommend the right material and give you a more useful price. A photo or simple sketch is enough to start.
What does it do?
Tell us whether it is a prototype, holder, cover, adapter, replacement part, jig, guard, or something entirely new.
Where will it live?
Indoor or outdoor, sheltered or exposed, near a motor or heat source, and whether dirt or washdown is expected.
What will it experience?
Approximate load, impact, vibration, repeated bending, wear, sunlight, and any water, oils, fuels, or cleaners.
How should it fit and look?
Critical dimensions, mating parts, holes, hardware, color, surface finish, and whether appearance or accuracy matters most.
How many do you need?
One prototype, a few replacements, or a repeating low-volume order. Quantity helps us choose the most efficient setup.
What matters most?
Budget, speed, durability, appearance, or a balance of all four. We can explain the tradeoffs and quote alternatives.
Technical research and source notesFor customers who want to review the underlying referencesView sources
- Bambu Lab Filament Guide — printed-part comparisons and printing requirements; current guide accessed Aug. 28, 2026.
- Prusa Filament Material Guide — process and practical material behavior; current pages accessed Aug. 28, 2026.
- NIOSH Publication 2024-103, Approaches to Safe 3D Printing — November 2023.
- UltiMaker PPS CF TDS v1.00 and SDS v1.0, issued Apr. 5, 2024.
- BASF Forward AM Ultrafuse BVOH TDS v1.3 — Nov. 11, 2019.
- Polymaker Fiberon PET-GF15, Flashforge PPA-CF TDS, and IPCON PPA-GF TDS v1.0 — grade-specific printed data.
- BASF PPA family and Celanese PPS family — underlying polymer context only, not printed-part allowables.
Different brands and test methods cannot always be compared directly. That is why this page uses practical relative ratings and links to the underlying sources instead of presenting one universal number.
Ready to get a part made?
Send what you have—a photo, broken sample, sketch, CAD file, or simply a description. We will help with the material choice and explain the cost before production.
Request a Quote