Choosing the right material is one of the most important steps in any 3D printing project. The wrong filament or resin can lead to weak, brittle, or warped parts — while the right one can mean precision, durability, and perfect results the first time around.
At Precision 3D Prints, we offer both FDM and resin printing through our 3D printing services. Here’s our guide to the most common materials we print with — and how to choose the best one for your application.
FDM Filaments
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- Best for: Prototypes, models, non-functional parts
- Pros: Easy to print, biodegradable, affordable
- Cons: Low heat resistance, brittle under stress
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- Best for: Functional parts, enclosures, automotive prototypes
- Pros: Tough, heat-resistant, smooth finish
- Cons: More prone to warping, requires heated bed
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
- Best for: Mechanical parts, jigs and fixtures
- Pros: Durable, moisture-resistant, less warping than ABS
- Cons: Slightly less detail than PLA
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
- Best for: Flexible parts like gaskets or grips
- Pros: Highly flexible, impact-resistant
- Cons: Can be tricky to print without fine-tuned settings
Resin Materials (SLA/DLP)
Standard Resin
- Best for: High-detail prototypes, figures, cosmetic models
- Pros: Smooth finish, sharp details
- Cons: Brittle, not suitable for functional parts
Tough Resin
- Best for: Functional parts requiring durability
- Pros: Impact-resistant, more forgiving under stress
- Cons: Slightly less resolution than standard resin
Flexible Resin
- Best for: Simulating rubber, grips, seals
- Pros: Good elasticity, rubber-like feel
- Cons: Requires very specific print settings
How to Choose the Right Material
When deciding on a material, consider the following:
- Mechanical strength: Does the part need to take load or stress?
- Heat/environment resistance: Will it be exposed to sun or friction?
- Visual quality: Is detail or surface finish most important?
- Flexibility: Will the part need to bend or compress?
Not sure where to start? Our team is happy to help. Just use our contact form to tell us about your project.
We Print It All
Whether you’re building a durable tool, a prototype, or a model for presentation, our printing services give you access to every major material type.
And if you’re not sure which one suits your needs, we also offer expert project consultation to help you choose the right process and material combination.
Have an idea but no file? Use our CAD design service to turn sketches into printable 3D files.
Need fast results? Our rapid prototyping service can deliver in 2–3 business days in most cases.
Start Your Print Today
Materials are just the beginning. Let Precision 3D Prints help you bring your idea to life with precision, speed, and care.