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THE BUILD BOX3D DESIGN & PRINTING
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MATERIALS, EXPLAINED.

The right material.
For your exact idea.

Appearance is one part of the decision. How a part will be used determines the material: on display, in everyday use, under flexing, or exposed to the weather. Start with what your part needs to do.

Compare materials

A practical guide • 5 materials • Choose by use

01 / QUICK COMPARISON

Start with what you need.

These uses are a starting point for discussion. Loads, temperature, exposure time and geometry can change the right choice.

An indicative comparison of filament materials
MaterialWhat stands out?Possible usesWhat to review
PLAClear detail and easy printingDisplay models, décor, visual prototypesHeat, impact and loads
PETGBalanced toughness and printabilityMounts, organizers, practical coversLoads, heat and the specific grade
TPU 90AFlexibility and bendingProtectors, flexible covers, feetHardness and wall thickness
ABSRigidity, toughness and finishing optionsDevice housings and assembliesUse environment and finishing needs
ASAUV and weather resistanceEquipment housings and outdoor partsHeat, loads and exposure time

On smaller screens, scroll the table horizontally to read the full comparison.

02 / MATERIAL PROFILES

Get to know each material.

Key properties, possible applications and the limits to keep in mind.

01For detail & décor

PLA

POLYLACTIC ACID

A material for crisp visual models and dimensional consistency. A useful choice when appearance, detail and color come first.

Key properties

  • Easy printing with low warpage
  • Clear detail and good layer bonding
  • Suited to visual and display models

Possible uses

Display models, décor and visual prototypes not exposed to high heat or loads.

Before choosing

Heat and impact tolerance are limited compared with functional materials. Tell us about the intended conditions.

Discuss this material for your project
02For practical everyday use

PETG

GLYCOL-MODIFIED POLYESTER

A balance of printability and toughness, with a glossy finish and good bonding. Useful for parts that need more resilience than simple display models.

Key properties

  • Good toughness and grade-dependent chemical resistance
  • Low warpage during printing
  • Glossy surface; transparent grades may be available

Possible uses

Mounts, organizers, connectors and practical covers after reviewing expected loads and temperatures.

Before choosing

Chemical compatibility or food contact suitability depends on a specific grade and use conditions; it should not be assumed.

Discuss this material for your project
03For flexibility & bending

TPU 90A

THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE

A flexible material for parts that need to bend and recover. The catalog example is 90A; the final feel depends on material hardness and the design’s wall thickness.

Key properties

  • High flexibility and elongation
  • Good fatigue resistance under repeated flexing
  • Lower stiffness than rigid materials

Possible uses

Protectors, flexible covers, feet and components that need bending rather than rigidity.

Before choosing

Flexibility does not imply suitability for every load or temperature. We review the geometry and required hardness.

Catalog example: TPU 90A. This profile does not apply to every TPU grade; hardness and wall thickness affect the finished part’s flexibility.

Discuss this material for your project
04For housings & functional parts

ABS

ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE

A blend of rigidity, toughness and impact resistance. Used for assemblies and housings that need finishing options and greater heat tolerance than PLA.

Key properties

  • Balanced rigidity and toughness
  • Good impact resistance
  • Suitable for sanding and finishing

Possible uses

Device housings, assemblies and functional prototypes after reviewing the requirements.

Before choosing

For exposure to sunlight, discuss weather-resistant alternatives. Printing and finishing requirements differ from PLA.

Discuss this material for your project
05For weather exposure

ASA

ACRYLONITRILE STYRENE ACRYLATE

A material aimed at outdoor use, with good UV and weather resistance and practical toughness for equipment housings.

Key properties

  • UV resistance
  • Good weather resistance
  • Toughness and impact resistance

Possible uses

Equipment housings and outdoor parts, with temperature, load and exposure duration reviewed.

Before choosing

Outdoor suitability does not make it right for every application. We confirm the project requirements first.

Discuss this material for your project

LET’S BUILD SOMETHING.

Not sure which material to choose?

Send your idea or file and tell us where the part will be used and what it needs to withstand. We’ll review the requirements with you before confirming a material.

Discuss your projectCall us055 090 9637