[01] Materials
PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA or TPU
What the part is for decides the material. Not sure? Choose 'Not sure yet' in the quote form and you will get advice.
[02] Choose
What is it for?
By requirement
| PLA | PETG | ABS | ASA | TPU | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoors | PLA: Best choice | PETG: Suitable | ABS: Suitable | ASA: Suitable | TPU: Less suitable |
| Impact resistant | PLA: Suitable | PETG: Best choice | ABS: Best choice | ASA: Best choice | TPU: Suitable |
| Weather-resistant | PLA: Not suitable | PETG: Suitable | ABS: Less suitable | ASA: Best choice | TPU: Not specified |
| Heat resistant 80+ °C | PLA: Not suitable | PETG: Not suitable | ABS: Suitable | ASA: Best choice | TPU: Not specified |
| Flexible | PLA: Not suitable | PETG: Not suitable | ABS: Not suitable | ASA: Not suitable | TPU: Best choice |
Heat deflection temperature (HDT)
- PLA 57 °C
- PETG 69 °C
- ABS 87 °C
- ASA 100 °C
- TPU Not specified
ISO 75 · 0.45 MPa80 °C: heat-resistant threshold
Heat deflection temperature (HDT): from this temperature the material bends under a light load. It does not melt yet, but it no longer holds its shape. A dashboard in the sun can reach 70 °C or more.
[03] Technical
The figures
Typical values from the datasheets, for anyone who wants to compare.
| Material | Heat resistance HDT · ISO 75 · 0.45 MPa | Tensile strength ISO 527 | Impact strength Charpy · ISO 179 | Elongation at break ISO 527 | Outdoors sun and rain | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 57 °C | 35 MPa | 27 kJ/m² | 12 % | Not suitable | Decoration, models and prototypes for indoor useNote: lowest heat resistance, not for use in a car or in the sunQuote in PLA |
| PETG | 69 °C | 34 MPa | 32 kJ/m² | 9 % | Suitable | Strong everyday items, clips and holders, outdoors tooNote: slightly weaker between the layersQuote in PETG |
| ABS | 87 °C | 33 MPa | 39 kJ/m² | 11 % | Less suitable | Technical parts that get warm or need to take a knockNote: can discolour and become brittle in the sun; less suitable for large, solid partsQuote in ABS |
| ASA | 100 °C | 37 MPa | 41 kJ/m² | 9 % | Best choice | Long-term outdoor and sun exposure: cars, gardens, signageNote: less suitable for large, solid partsQuote in ASA |
| TPU | Not specified | 27 MPa | 123 kJ/m² | > 650 % | Not specified | Flexible and shock-absorbing: caps, dampers, cases, gripsNote: soft and elastic, not for rigid partsQuote in TPU |
These are typical values from the datasheets, measured on test pieces with 100% infill. Heat resistance: ISO 75 (0.45 MPa). Tensile strength and elongation: ISO 527. Impact strength: ISO 179 (unnotched). – = not specified. Design, infill and print orientation also play a part. Not suitable for food contact.
[04] Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which material is suitable for outdoor use?
ASA copes best with outdoor air and sun. PETG is also suitable for outdoors. ABS is less suitable: it can discolour and become brittle in the sun. PLA is for indoor use only.
Which material can handle heat, for example in a car?
ASA (100 °C) and ABS (87 °C) are the most heat resistant. PLA (57 °C) is not suitable for a car or the sun.
Can a part be printed flexible?
Yes, in TPU. It is soft and flexible, with an elongation at break of more than 650 %. Suitable for caps, dampers, cases and grips.