Material guide for industrial parts

PLA

Polylactic Acid

Best for: Prototypes, proof-of-concept models, display parts, low-stress brackets, jigs that operate at room temperature in a clean shop environment.

Avoid when: The part sees temperatures above 50°C, prolonged sun exposure, moisture, solvents, or significant mechanical load in service.

PETG

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

Best for: Fixtures, brackets, functional enclosures, food-adjacent parts, anything that needs moderate impact resistance with good layer adhesion and some chemical resistance.

Avoid when: The part will live outdoors (UV degrades it over time) or in high-heat environments above 80°C. Not as stiff as ASA under continuous load.

ASA

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate

Best for: Outdoor-rated fixtures, equipment covers exposed to sun, parts in engine bays or high-temperature shop environments, anything that has to hold up in Texas heat year-round.

Avoid when: You need maximum flexibility or impact resistance — ASA is stiffer and slightly more brittle than PETG. Cost is modestly higher. Requires enclosed printing to prevent warping.

TPU

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Shore 95A)

Best for: Gaskets, vibration-dampening mounts, protective bumpers, flexible covers, grip surfaces, tubing, seals, and any part that needs to compress, flex, or absorb impact without fracturing.

Avoid when: You need rigid structure, tight dimensional tolerances, or high continuous load. TPU isn't a structural material — it's an elastomeric functional material.

It's a prototype or mock-up

Use PLA. Fastest and cheapest. Fine for geometry validation when the part won't be used under real conditions.

It's a production jig or fixture

Use PETG for indoor shop use. Upgrade to ASA if the fixture will see heat, UV, or solvents.

It needs to flex, seal, or absorb

Use TPU. Gaskets, bump stops, vibration mounts, grip covers — this is the only material in our lineup that bends without breaking.

It lives outdoors or in a hot vehicle

Use ASA. Texas summers will warp PLA and degrade PETG. ASA handles UV and 100°C+ ambient without deforming.

It's a replacement part for equipment

Describe the environment when you quote. We'll recommend the right material based on temperature, load, chemical exposure, and required dimensional stability.

You're still not sure

Select "Not sure — recommend based on use case" on the quote form and describe what the part does. We'll pick the right material and explain why.