Materials
The material decides whether the part holds.
PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, TPU, PC and fibre-reinforced materials compared: heat resistance, strength, applications. Filter by requirement.
Filter by requirement
Filter by requirement
15 of 15 materials
PLA
FDMPolylactic acid
For models, jigs and display parts with no heat or weather exposure.
- Tensile strength
- 35 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 2,750 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 57 °C
- Impact strength
- 26.6 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.24 g/cm³
- High stiffness
Chemical resistance
- not acid resistant
- not alkali resistant
- not resistant to some solvents
- resistant to most oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Design models and display parts
- Indoor jigs and fixtures
- Large, dimensionally stable geometries
Less suited for
- Parts above 50 °C
- Permanent outdoor use
PLA-CF
FDMPolylactic acid, carbon fibre reinforced
When PLA flexes too much: markedly stiffer, but more brittle.
- Tensile strength
- 40 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 3,950 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 55 °C
- Density
- 1.22 g/cm³
- High stiffness
Chemical resistance
No manufacturer statement on the chemical behaviour of this material.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Rigid brackets and frames
- Parts with a matte, technical finish
- Geometries that must not warp
Less suited for
- Impact-loaded parts
- Parts above 50 °C
PETG
FDMPolyethylene terephthalate glycol
The all-rounder for functional parts that see moisture, water and cleaning agents.
- Tensile strength
- 32 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 2,050 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 69 °C
- Density
- 1.27 g/cm³
- Impact resistant
Chemical resistance
No manufacturer statement on the chemical behaviour of this material.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Functional parts indoors, and outdoors out of direct sun
- Housings and covers
- Parts in contact with water and cleaning agents
Less suited for
- High-gloss finish without post-processing
- Sustained heat above 70 °C
ABS
FDMAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene
For parts that need to take heat and will be post-processed.
- Tensile strength
- 33 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 1,880 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 87 °C
- Impact strength
- 39.3 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.05 g/cm³
- Heat resistant
- Impact resistant
Chemical resistance
- acid resistant
- alkali resistant
- not resistant to some solvents
- not resistant to some oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Parts in engine-bay conditions
- Parts to be sanded, glued or painted
- Housings under thermal load
Less suited for
- Permanent UV exposure
- Very large, flat geometries
ASA
FDMAcrylonitrile styrene acrylate
The right choice for anything that lives outdoors permanently.
- Tensile strength
- 37 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 1,920 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 100 °C
- Impact strength
- 41.0 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.05 g/cm³
- Heat resistant
- UV & weather resistant
- Impact resistant
- Chemical resistant
Chemical resistance
- acid resistant
- alkali resistant
- not resistant to some solvents
- not resistant to some oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
Bambu Lab explicitly calls ASA UV and weather resistant. The only material on this list that carries such a statement.
Well suited for
- Outdoor parts in direct sunlight
- Brackets on vehicles and façades
- Replacement parts for outdoor use
Less suited for
- Food contact
- Very fine, delicate geometries
TPU 95A
FDMThermoplastic polyurethane
When the part needs to give, seal or absorb.
- Tensile strength
- 28 MPa
- Shore hardness
- 95 A
- Elongation at break
- 450 %
- Density
- 1.20 g/cm³
- Flexible
- Impact resistant
Chemical resistance
No manufacturer statement on the chemical behaviour of this material.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Seals and dampers
- Protective caps and grips
- Parts with a clip or snap function
Less suited for
- Dimensionally rigid parts
- Tight tolerances
PA6-CF
FDMEngineering material
Polyamide 6, carbon fibre reinforced
For mechanically demanding parts: gears, brackets, tooling fixtures.
- Tensile strength
- 102 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 5,460 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 186 °C
- Impact strength
- 40.3 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.09 g/cm³
- Heat resistant
- High stiffness
Chemical resistance
- not acid resistant
- not alkali resistant
- not resistant to some solvents
- resistant to most oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Gears and sliding elements
- Tooling and fixture construction
- Continuously loaded structural parts
Less suited for
- Price-sensitive applications
- Parts absorbing moisture in service
PC
FDMPolycarbonate
When impact strength and heat resistance are needed at once.
- Tensile strength
- 62 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 2,310 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 112 °C
- Impact strength
- 34.8 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.20 g/cm³
- Heat resistant
- Impact resistant
- High stiffness
Chemical resistance
- not acid resistant
- not alkali resistant
- not resistant to some solvents
- resistant to most oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Protective covers and viewing windows
- Parts under impact load
- Applications up to roughly 110 °C
Less suited for
- Outdoor use without coating
- Contact with solvents
PA6-GF
FDMEngineering material
Polyamide 6, glass fibre reinforced
Like PA6-CF but tougher: glass fibre does not break as brittly as carbon.
- Tensile strength
- 75 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 3,670 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 182 °C
- Elongation at break
- 4 %
- Impact strength
- 27.2 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.14 g/cm³
- Heat resistant
- High stiffness
Chemical resistance
- not acid resistant
- not alkali resistant
- not resistant to some solvents
- resistant to most oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Brackets that take knocks
- Fixtures in continuous use
- Parts close to a heat source
Less suited for
- Damp environments without re-drying
- Parts with tight fits
PET-CF
FDMEngineering material
Polyethylene terephthalate, carbon fibre reinforced
Stiff and dimensionally stable beyond 200 °C, and it barely takes up moisture.
- Tensile strength
- 74 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 5,320 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 205 °C
- Elongation at break
- 5 %
- Impact strength
- 36.0 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.29 g/cm³
- Heat resistant
- High stiffness
Chemical resistance
- not acid resistant
- not alkali resistant
- not resistant to some solvents
- resistant to most oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Gauges and measuring fixtures
- Parts that stay true through temperature swings
- Structural parts that must not warp
Less suited for
- Parts under impact load
- Contact with acids or alkalis
PPA-CF
FDMEngineering material
Polyphthalamide, carbon fibre reinforced
The strongest and stiffest material on offer: 168 MPa, and dimensionally stable to 227 °C.
- Tensile strength
- 168 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 9,860 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 227 °C
- Elongation at break
- 3 %
- Impact strength
- 41.7 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.25 g/cm³
- Heat resistant
- High stiffness
Chemical resistance
- resistant to some acids
- resistant to some alkalis
- solvent resistant
- resistant to most oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Heavily loaded structural parts meant to replace metal
- Parts in engine bays and near drivetrains
- Fixtures that must not deflect under load
Less suited for
- Permanently damp environments
- Parts that need to give
PPS-CF
FDMEngineering material
Polyphenylene sulfide, carbon fibre reinforced
The material for the case where every other one drops out: hot, chemically attacked, permanently loaded.
- Tensile strength
- 87 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 7,160 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 264 °C
- Elongation at break
- 1 %
- Impact strength
- 27.8 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.26 g/cm³
- Heat resistant
- High stiffness
- Chemical resistant
- Flame retardant
Chemical resistance
- acid resistant
- alkali resistant
- solvent resistant
- resistant to most oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Fire behaviour
Self-extinguishing away from the flame, flame retardant.
This comes from the material manufacturer and applies to standardised test specimens. A printed part has different wall thicknesses and infill; for evidence on the finished part, please talk to me beforehand.
Well suited for
- Parts in continuous service above 150 °C
- Parts in contact with acids, alkalis or solvents
- Applications where otherwise only metal would remain
Less suited for
- Price-sensitive applications
- Parts that need to flex
PC FR
FDMEngineering material
Polycarbonate, flame retardant
When fire safety has a say: as impact-resistant as PC, and set up to be flame retardant.
- Tensile strength
- 60 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 1,890 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 113 °C
- Elongation at break
- 2 %
- Impact strength
- 55.0 kJ/m²
- Density
- 1.18 g/cm³
- Heat resistant
- Impact resistant
- Flame retardant
Chemical resistance
- not acid resistant
- not alkali resistant
- not resistant to some solvents
- resistant to most oils and greases
From Bambu Lab's data sheet.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Fire behaviour
Flame retardant.
The manufacturer states UL 94 V-0 in the product description; the data sheet does not name the class.
This comes from the material manufacturer and applies to standardised test specimens. A printed part has different wall thicknesses and infill; for evidence on the finished part, please talk to me beforehand.
Well suited for
- Housings and covers in electrical engineering
- Parts inside control cabinets
- Applications with requirements on fire behaviour
Less suited for
- Outdoor use without coating
- Contact with solvents
Resin, tabletop
SLAPhotopolymer, detail-optimised
For anything where the surface matters and no load applies.
- Tensile strength
- 40 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 2,200 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 60 °C
- Density
- 1.10 g/cm³
- High stiffness
Chemical resistance
No manufacturer statement on the chemical behaviour of this material.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Figures and fine models
- Visible parts with no layer lines
- Small parts with crisp edges
Less suited for
- Load-bearing functional parts
- Permanent UV exposure
Resin, ABS-like
SLAPhotopolymer, toughened
When SLA detail is needed but the part must not break on first impact.
- Tensile strength
- 45 MPa
- Flexural modulus
- 2,400 MPa
- Heat deflection temp.
- 70 °C
- Density
- 1.12 g/cm³
- High stiffness
- Impact resistant
Chemical resistance
No manufacturer statement on the chemical behaviour of this material.
UV resistance
No manufacturer statement on this.
Well suited for
- Close-fitting prototypes with a smooth finish
- Small functional parts without sustained load
- Parts with fine threads and snap features
Less suited for
- Outdoor use
- Permanently highly loaded parts
No material meets all selected requirements at once. I will still find a solution, just ask.
All materials compared
The same figures as on the cards, side by side. Tap a column to sort by it.
The same figures as on the cards, side by side.
| Chemical resistance | Fire behaviour | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Standard | 35 | 2,750 | 57 | 26.6 | — | 1.24 | not acid resistantnot alkali resistantnot resistant to some solventsresistant to most oils and greases | — |
| PLA-CF | Standard | 40 | 3,950 | 55 | — | — | 1.22 | — | — |
| PETG | Standard | 32 | 2,050 | 69 | — | — | 1.27 | — | — |
| ABS | Standard | 33 | 1,880 | 87 | 39.3 | — | 1.05 | acid resistantalkali resistantnot resistant to some solventsnot resistant to some oils and greases | — |
| ASA | Standard | 37 | 1,920 | 100 | 41.0 | — | 1.05 | acid resistantalkali resistantnot resistant to some solventsnot resistant to some oils and greases | — |
| TPU 95A | Standard | 28 | — | — | — | 450.0 | 1.20 | — | — |
| PA6-CF | Engineering | 102 | 5,460 | 186 | 40.3 | — | 1.09 | not acid resistantnot alkali resistantnot resistant to some solventsresistant to most oils and greases | — |
| PC | Standard | 62 | 2,310 | 112 | 34.8 | — | 1.20 | not acid resistantnot alkali resistantnot resistant to some solventsresistant to most oils and greases | — |
| PA6-GF | Engineering | 75 | 3,670 | 182 | 27.2 | 3.9 | 1.14 | not acid resistantnot alkali resistantnot resistant to some solventsresistant to most oils and greases | — |
| PET-CF | Engineering | 74 | 5,320 | 205 | 36.0 | 4.5 | 1.29 | not acid resistantnot alkali resistantnot resistant to some solventsresistant to most oils and greases | — |
| PPA-CF | Engineering | 168 | 9,860 | 227 | 41.7 | 3.2 | 1.25 | resistant to some acidsresistant to some alkalissolvent resistantresistant to most oils and greases | — |
| PPS-CF | Engineering | 87 | 7,160 | 264 | 27.8 | 1.2 | 1.26 | acid resistantalkali resistantsolvent resistantresistant to most oils and greases | flame retardant |
| PC FR | Engineering | 60 | 1,890 | 113 | 55.0 | 2.4 | 1.18 | not acid resistantnot alkali resistantnot resistant to some solventsresistant to most oils and greases | flame retardant |
The bars show the share of the highest value in each column. They appear only on the four figures where more also means more performance; density and elongation deliberately carry none.
The comparison covers the filaments. The two resins are not in the table: their figures are not directly comparable with those of a filament.
Figures from Bambu Lab's data sheets, retrieved on 1 September 2026.
What I print with
Six manufacturers, chosen by material.
Not by price, and not all from one source: the strengths differ by material, and I pick the manufacturer to match. Which one is right for your part, I tell you with the quote.
standard materials and the carbon-filled range
tight diameter tolerance, every spool measured
larger quantities, where colour matters more than the data sheet
PETG and polyamide, where it has to carry load
European production, matte surfaces
specialty materials and colour consistency across batches
Why Printerking
Checked before it is printed
Every file goes through a technical review: wall thicknesses, load direction, fits and tolerances. If a different material carries the load better, I say so before the quote.