Materials
May 28, 2026
One of the most common questions we get from new clients is simply: which material should I use? The honest answer is "it depends on what the part needs to do" — so here's a practical breakdown of the three materials we work with most.
PLA is the easiest to print and the most affordable, with a smooth surface finish that's great for visual prototypes, display pieces, and anything that won't be under mechanical stress or heat. It's a strong default choice when you're not sure what you need yet.
PETG trades a bit of that ease-of-printing for meaningfully better strength, flexibility, and heat resistance. It's our go-to recommendation for functional parts — brackets, enclosures, anything that needs to hold up to everyday handling.
Resin (SLA) produces the finest detail and smoothest finish of the three, which makes it ideal for miniatures, jewelry patterns, and any project where fine surface detail matters more than raw strength. It's also the most labor-intensive to post-process.
Cost generally follows that same order — PLA is cheapest, PETG a step up, resin the most expensive per part once post-processing time is factored in. If you're not sure which fits your project, send us the details and we'll recommend a material before you order.