PLA
Choose PLA when the look matters and the part stays at room temperature.
Best for: Decor, models, visual prototypes, lightly loaded parts
Limits: Poor heat resistance (above 60 °C), limited impact
Studio timing: Fast
A guide to help you choose
Materials & processes
Which material for which use? Clear benefits, so you can choose. We advise on look, strength, heat or UV. Studio in Reims, Montpellier, Paris.
Material advice: quote
When to choose what
Each material has a moment when it fits. Write “FouTech3D advice” on the quote if you are unsure.
FDM
PETG
Choose PETG for an everyday technical part: solid, without extra complexity.
Best for: Everyday technical parts, housings, indoor signage
Limits: Less precise than resin on micro-detail
Studio timing: Standard
ABS / ASA
Choose ABS/ASA when heat, impact or outdoors (ASA) are part of the brief.
Best for: Housings, mechanics, hot or UV environments (ASA)
Limits: Shrinkage, studio ventilation required
Studio timing: Standard
TPU
Choose TPU when the part must flex, damp or grip: seals, shells, grips.
Best for: Seals, soft shells, dampers, grips
Limits: Very fine geometry is delicate
Studio timing: Standard
Nylon (PA)
Choose nylon for gears and parts under repeated load or wear.
Best for: Gears, wear parts, mechanical load
Limits: Absorbs moisture, filament needs drying
Studio timing: On request
Resin
Choose resin for extreme detail (figurines, jewellery, visual prototypes).
Best for: Figurines, jewellery, extreme detail, visual prototypes
Limits: More brittle on impact than technical FDM
Studio timing: Standard+
Studio comparison table
| Material | Process | Best for | Limits | Finishes | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | FDM | Decor, models, visual prototypes, lightly loaded parts | Poor heat resistance (above 60 °C), limited impact | Wide colours, sanding, paint | Fast |
| PETG | FDM | Everyday technical parts, housings, indoor signage | Less precise than resin on micro-detail | Tough, can be semi-clear | Standard |
| ABS / ASA | FDM | Housings, mechanics, hot or UV environments (ASA) | Shrinkage, studio ventilation required | Acetone (ABS), paint | Standard |
| TPU | FDM | Seals, soft shells, dampers, grips | Very fine geometry is delicate | Rubber-like look | Standard |
| Nylon (PA) | FDM | Gears, wear parts, mechanical load | Absorbs moisture, filament needs drying | Technical, inserts possible | On request |
| Resin | SLA / LCD | Figurines, jewellery, extreme detail, visual prototypes | More brittle on impact than technical FDM | Smooth surface, premium paint | Standard+ |
General trends: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA
A qualitative reading. It varies by brand and grade. These are not lab measurements. To decide a use: the orientation tool or the which-filament guide.
| Material | Stiffness | Heat | UV | Flex | Typical setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Stiff | Low | Low | No | Yes, light use |
| PETG | Stiff, a bit tougher | Medium | Limited | Very little | Yes, everyday |
| ABS | Stiff, better on impact | Better than PLA/PETG | Medium | No | Yes, mostly indoors |
| ASA | Close to ABS | Good | Better (as a trend) | No | Indoors and more often outdoors |
| TPU | Flexible, depends on grade | Variable | Variable | Yes | Grips, visual seals |
| PA (nylon) | Technical, tough | Good | Variable | Slight, depends on grade | Wear, gears |
Not sure about the material?
Write “FouTech3D advice” on your quote. Reply within 48 business hours.