FDM materials · In-house
Choosing PLA, PETG or TPU for a 3D printed part
Material choice starts with the job: what the part needs to do, where it will be used and how it will be loaded. We currently print these three filament families in-house.
At a glance
Three materials, different trade-offs.
| Material | Useful starting point | Consider carefully |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Concepts, fit checks and parts used in moderate conditions. | Heat exposure, repeated impact or sustained load. |
| PETG | Functional parts where toughness or moisture resistance may help. | Exact fit, flex and surface appearance still depend on design and print setup. |
| TPU | Flexible pieces such as grips, bumpers and protective parts. | Hardness, shape and printability depend on the specific filament and geometry. |
This is a practical guide, not a material datasheet. Different filament brands and part geometries can behave differently.
What affects performance
Choose a material for the job.
Where a part will be used matters as much as its shape. Tell us if it will face heat, moisture or repeated handling.
Need something different?
We’ll help find the right route.
Some requirements may not suit PLA, PETG or TPU. Tell us where and how the part will be used, and we’ll confirm whether one of these materials fits.
See the file guide or browse retail display parts and prototypes and enclosures.
Not sure what fits?