Section 01 · FFF / FDM
Filament Materials
Fused Filament Fabrication — 8 thermoplastic materials covering everything from low-cost prototyping to aerospace-grade composites.
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500mmMax Build
0.1mmResolution
2–5 daysLead Time
FFF
Moderate Strength
Standard Temp
The most widely used FFF filament and the easiest to print of any material in our library. Made from renewable resources (corn starch / sugarcane), PLA is biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, prints with minimal warping, and produces excellent surface finish straight off the printer with virtually no odour during printing.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | ~50–60 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | ~80 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ~5–8% |
| Impact Strength | Low |
| Hardness | ~75–80 Shore D |
| Density | ~1.24 g/cm³ |
Thermal Properties
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | ~60°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | ~50–55°C |
| Max Continuous Service Temp | ~45–50°C |
Processing Parameters
| Print Temperature | 190–220°C |
| Bed Temperature | 0–60°C |
| Print Speed | Fast (40–80 mm/s) |
| Cooling | High fan required |
| Warping Risk | Very Low |
Available Colours
Wide rangeStandard & custom on request
Post-Processing Options
- Sanding & polishing
- Acrylic paint (limited adhesion vs ABS)
- Vapor smoothing not recommended (low solvent resistance)
Best Applications
Visual prototypesDisplay modelsEducational modelsConcept validationLow-cost iterations
PETG
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
FFF
High Strength
Moderate Temp
PETG sits between PLA and ABS — combining PLA's ease of printing with ABS-like durability and chemical resistance. It's significantly less brittle than PLA, doesn't warp the way ABS does, and offers food-safe grades, making it a strong all-round default for functional parts.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | ~50–55 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | ~70–75 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ~20–25% |
| Impact Strength | Good |
| Hardness | ~80 Shore D |
| Density | ~1.27 g/cm³ |
Thermal Properties
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | ~80–85°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | ~70°C |
| Max Continuous Service Temp | ~70°C |
Processing Parameters
| Print Temperature | 230–260°C |
| Bed Temperature | 70–90°C |
| Print Speed | Moderate (40–60 mm/s) |
| Cooling | Moderate fan |
| Warping Risk | Low |
Chemical Resistance
Good vs oils & greasesFood-safe grades availableTransparent options
Post-Processing Options
- Sanding (requires more effort than PLA)
- Painting with proper primer
- Vapor polishing not standard
Best Applications
Functional brackets & housingsMechanical fixturesFood-contact partsOutdoor-tolerant componentsTransparent enclosures
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
FFF
High Strength
Heat Resist. 98°C
A tough, impact-resistant engineering thermoplastic widely used in automotive interiors, electronics housings, and consumer products (it's the material LEGO bricks are made of). ABS requires an enclosed, heated print chamber to control warping but rewards the extra care with strong, heat-tolerant parts.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | ~40–45 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | ~60–70 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ~15–20% |
| Impact Strength | High |
| Hardness | ~85 Shore D |
| Density | ~1.04 g/cm³ |
Thermal Properties
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | ~105°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | ~95–98°C |
| Max Continuous Service Temp | Up to 98°C |
Processing Parameters
| Print Temperature | 230–250°C |
| Bed Temperature | 90–110°C |
| Enclosure Required | Yes (heated chamber) |
| Print Speed | Moderate (40–60 mm/s) |
| Warping Risk | High (without enclosure) |
Chemical Resistance
Acetone-soluble (vapor smoothing)Good vs dilute acids/alkalis
Post-Processing Options
- Acetone vapor smoothing for glossy finish
- Sanding & priming
- Painting — excellent adhesion
Best Applications
Automotive componentsElectronics enclosuresImpact-resistant housingsTooling & jigsConsumer products
ASA
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
FFF
High Strength
Excellent UV Resistance
Often described as "ABS for outdoors," ASA shares ABS's strength and toughness but adds excellent UV and weather resistance — it won't yellow, crack, or become brittle under prolonged sun exposure. The preferred choice for any part that lives outside.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | ~40–48 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | ~65–70 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ~15–25% |
| Impact Strength | High |
| Hardness | ~85 Shore D |
| Density | ~1.07 g/cm³ |
Thermal Properties
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | ~100–105°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | ~92–96°C |
| Max Continuous Service Temp | ~95°C |
Processing Parameters
| Print Temperature | 240–260°C |
| Bed Temperature | 90–110°C |
| Enclosure Required | Yes (heated chamber) |
| Print Speed | Moderate (40–60 mm/s) |
| Warping Risk | Moderate–High |
Environmental Resistance
UV stableWeatherproofLow moisture absorption
Post-Processing Options
- Acetone vapor smoothing
- Sanding & priming
- Outdoor-grade painting
Best Applications
Outdoor signageEnclosures exposed to sunAutomotive exterior trimGarden & rooftop fixturesDrone & UAV bodies
TPU
Thermoplastic Polyurethane
FFF
Flexible — Shore 95A
Moderate Temp
A flexible, rubber-like elastomer that can be printed on standard FFF printers. TPU combines the elasticity of rubber with the durability and abrasion resistance of a thermoplastic — ideal for parts that need to bend, compress, or absorb shock repeatedly without tearing.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | ~30–35 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ~400–600% |
| Hardness | ~95A Shore |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent |
| Compression Set | Low (good rebound) |
| Density | ~1.2 g/cm³ |
Thermal Properties
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | ~-30 to -20°C (flexible cold) |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | ~70–80°C |
| Max Continuous Service Temp | ~80°C |
Processing Parameters
| Print Temperature | 220–240°C |
| Bed Temperature | 40–60°C |
| Print Speed | Slow (20–35 mm/s) |
| Retraction | Minimal (direct drive preferred) |
| Warping Risk | Low |
Chemical Resistance
Good vs oils & fuelsResists abrasion & tearing
Post-Processing Options
- Minimal sanding (flexible surface)
- Dyeing possible on natural TPU
- Not suitable for acetone smoothing
Best Applications
Gaskets & sealsPhone & device casesWearable strapsVibration dampersGrips & handles
Nylon (PA)
Polyamide — FFF Filament
FFF
Very High Strength
Heat Resist. ~120°C
Engineering-grade Nylon filament offering the highest mechanical strength and wear resistance of any standard FFF material. Excellent fatigue resistance makes it the go-to choice for gears, hinges, and parts under repeated mechanical cycling. Hygroscopic — requires dry storage and drying before printing.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | ~45–55 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | ~60–70 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ~150–250% |
| Impact Strength | Very High |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent |
| Density | ~1.01–1.15 g/cm³ |
Thermal Properties
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | ~50–55°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | ~110–120°C |
| Max Continuous Service Temp | ~120°C |
Processing Parameters
| Print Temperature | 240–270°C |
| Bed Temperature | 70–100°C |
| Drying Required | Yes — highly hygroscopic |
| Enclosure Recommended | Yes |
| Warping Risk | Moderate |
Chemical Resistance
Excellent vs fuels & oilsGood vs solvents
Post-Processing Options
- Dyeing (absorbs dye well)
- Sanding & polishing
- Annealing improves dimensional stability
Best Applications
Gears & mechanical assembliesHinges & living hingesTooling & jigsWear-resistant bushingsFunctional end-use parts
Carbon Fibre Composite
CF-Reinforced Filament (Nylon/PETG/PLA base)
FFF
Very High Stiffness
Ultralight
Chopped carbon fibre strands embedded in a polymer matrix (commonly Nylon or PETG base) dramatically increase stiffness and reduce weight, while giving printed parts a distinctive matte, fibre-textured finish. Abrasive — requires a hardened steel or ruby nozzle to avoid rapid nozzle wear.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | ~60–80 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | Significantly increased vs base polymer |
| Stiffness-to-Weight | Very High |
| Elongation at Break | Low (more brittle than base) |
| Surface Texture | Matte, fibre-visible |
| Density | ~1.1–1.3 g/cm³ (lighter than unfilled equivalents at same stiffness) |
Thermal Properties
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | Higher than base polymer (~100–120°C) |
| Max Continuous Service Temp | ~120°C (Nylon-CF base) |
Processing Parameters
| Print Temperature | 240–280°C |
| Nozzle Requirement | Hardened steel / ruby (abrasive) |
| Bed Temperature | 70–100°C |
| Drying Required | Yes (if Nylon-based) |
| Warping Risk | Low–Moderate (CF reduces warping) |
Mechanical Notes
Anisotropic — fibre orientation mattersImproved dimensional stability
Post-Processing Options
- Light sanding (matte finish typical)
- Painting requires good primer adhesion prep
- Annealing (if Nylon base)
Best Applications
Drone & UAV framesMotorsport componentsRigid lightweight bracketsJigs & fixtures requiring stiffnessCamera & gimbal mounts
FFF
Very High Strength
Heat Resist. up to 130°C
The toughest and most heat-resistant of our standard FFF thermoplastics. PC offers extreme impact resistance and dimensional stability at high temperature, with optically clear grades available. Requires high print temperatures and an enclosed chamber — among the more demanding materials to print well.
Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | ~55–65 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | ~90–100 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ~5–10% |
| Impact Strength | Extreme |
| Hardness | ~80–85 Shore D |
| Density | ~1.2 g/cm³ |
Thermal Properties
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) | ~145–150°C |
| Heat Deflection Temp (HDT) | ~125–130°C |
| Max Continuous Service Temp | Up to 130°C |
Processing Parameters
| Print Temperature | 260–310°C |
| Bed Temperature | 100–130°C |
| Enclosure Required | Yes — high temp chamber |
| Drying Required | Yes — moisture-sensitive |
| Warping Risk | High (without enclosure) |
Optical Properties
Clear grades availableUV stabilised variants exist
Post-Processing Options
- Annealing improves heat resistance further
- Sanding & polishing
- Painting with proper primer
Best Applications
High-temperature jigs & fixturesImpact-resistant housingsOptical-grade transparent partsIndustrial toolingElectrical enclosures
