Different jobs need different plastics. Here is what each one is good at, so you can pick the right one and see why some cost more than others.
The most popular 3D printing plastic. Smooth finish, bright colors and sharp detail.
Best for
Decor, figures, toys, gifts and prototypes
Benefits
- Huge range of colors
- Sharp, clean detail
- Plant-based and low smell
- Our most affordable option
Budget
Silk PLA
Shiny & metallic
PLA with a silky, metallic shine. Perfect for gold, silver and color-shift looks.
Best for
Vases, display pieces, gifts and decor
Benefits
- Eye-catching glossy finish
- Hides layer lines well
- Gold, silver, copper and rainbow options
Standard
Tougher than PLA and handles water and everyday use.
Best for
Functional parts, household items, holders and outdoor use
Benefits
- Strong and durable
- Water and moisture resistant
- Flexes a little instead of snapping
Budget
ABS
Tough & heat resistant
A tough engineering plastic that handles heat and knocks.
Best for
Car interior parts, tool holders and enclosures
Benefits
- Handles heat better than PLA and PETG
- Impact resistant
- Can be sanded and smoothed
Standard
Like ABS, but built to handle sun and weather without fading. Great for hot, sunny weather.
Best for
Outdoor parts, signs, garden and car exterior parts
Benefits
- UV resistant, keeps its color in the sun
- Weather and heat resistant
- Long lasting
Standard
A rubber-like material that bends, squeezes and bounces back.
Best for
Phone cases, grips, bumpers, seals and wearables
Benefits
- Flexible and stretchy
- Shock absorbing
- Very hard to break
Standard
Nylon
Strong & smooth-moving
A tough, slightly slippery material for parts that move or rub together.
Best for
Gears, hinges, clips and moving parts
Benefits
- Very strong and wear resistant
- Low friction
- Chemical resistant
Premium
Polycarbonate is one of the strongest and most heat-resistant plastics you can print.
Best for
High-strength and high-heat parts
Benefits
- Extremely strong and impact resistant
- Handles high heat
- Keeps its exact shape
Premium
PETG-CF
Stiff carbon fiber
PETG mixed with carbon fiber for stiff, light parts with a premium matte look.
Best for
Drone and RC parts, tools and jigs
Benefits
- Very stiff and light
- Premium matte finish
- Keeps its shape
Premium
Nylon with carbon fiber. The strongest and toughest option for demanding parts.
Best for
Robotics, automotive and high-performance parts
Benefits
- Incredibly strong and light
- Heat and chemical resistant
- Very stable
Pro
How a custom print is priced
A custom print's price depends on how much filament it uses, how long it takes to print, and any finishing like sanding or painting. Budget materials keep the price low. Stronger or special materials cost more because the filament is pricier and often slower to print.
Get a price for your idea ↓