At ConceptXYZ, we offer a selection of 3D printing materials suitable for prototypes, replacement parts, functional components and finished products.
Different plastics have different properties, so the best material will depend on how your part will be used. If you're unsure which material to choose, send us your STL file and tell us what the part needs to do and we'll help you select the most appropriate option.
PLA 3D Printing
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is our standard general-purpose 3D printing material. It produces accurate parts with an excellent surface finish and is available in a wide range of colours.
Pros: Excellent finish, good dimensional accuracy, large colour range, cost-effective and ideal for prototypes.
Cons: Lower heat resistance, more brittle than some alternatives and not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure.
Best for: Prototypes, models, housings, organisers, decorative products and general indoor components.
PETG 3D Printing
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a strong, durable material that's particularly useful for functional 3D printed parts. It offers better impact, moisture and temperature resistance than standard PLA.
Pros: Strong, durable, moisture resistant, good chemical resistance and less brittle than PLA.
Cons: Can have slightly less crisp surface detail than PLA and isn't as heat resistant as ABS or ASA.
Best for: Functional parts, brackets, enclosures, containers, workshop components and parts exposed to moisture.
ABS 3D Printing
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a tough plastic suitable for components that require greater impact and temperature resistance.
Pros: Tough, durable, impact resistant, heat resistant and suitable for functional components.
Cons: More prone to warping, produces fumes during printing and has poorer UV resistance than ASA.
Best for: Functional prototypes, housings, automotive components, workshop parts and mechanical applications.
ASA 3D Printing
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is an excellent choice for outdoor 3D printing because of its resistance to sunlight, weather and higher temperatures.
Pros: Excellent UV and weather resistance, strong, durable, heat resistant and suitable for long-term outdoor use.
Cons: More expensive than PLA/PETG, more difficult to print and available in fewer colours.
Best for: Outdoor products, garden equipment, vehicle components, exterior housings and weather-exposed parts.
TPU Flexible 3D Printing
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like plastic used when a conventional rigid material isn't suitable.
Pros: Flexible, durable, abrasion resistant and excellent at absorbing impacts and vibration.
Cons: Slower to print, more difficult to manufacture than rigid filament and unsuitable for components that need to remain rigid.
Best for: Flexible parts, grips, feet, bumpers, protective covers and vibration-damping components.
Not Sure Which Plastic You Need?
You don't need to understand 3D printing materials to use our service. Send us your STL file and tell us what the part is for, whether it will be used indoors or outdoors and whether it needs to withstand heat, moisture, impacts or flexing.
We'll help you choose between PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA or TPU based on the requirements of your part.
You provide the design. We provide the print.