Early size and ergonomic studies
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
AIHFABS MATERIAL GUIDE
Filament 3D Printing Materials
Compare filament grades for form studies, fixtures and early functional prototypes.
FDM builds parts from extruded thermoplastic layers. It is a practical starting point for checking overall size and geometry, but material selection should include the print orientation and service conditions. PLA, PETG and ABS are different choices rather than interchangeable low-cost plastics.
START WITH THE APPLICATION
Where this material family fits
Use the application to shortlist a grade, then confirm the exact requirements against the part design and operating conditions.
Assembly aids and shop fixtures
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
Large concept models and prototype housings
Define the required fit, finish and working environment. Include the intended test or acceptance criteria with your model.
DESIGN & MANUFACTURING
What to review before selecting a grade
- Describe heat, impact, chemical and outdoor exposure before selecting a filament. Use the exact supplied grade data for performance limits.
- Identify the main load direction. Layer orientation, walls and internal structure affect strength and dimensional behavior.
- Allow for support contact and visible layer texture. Mark mating faces and any features that need additional finishing.
COMPARE THE AVAILABLE GRADES
Explore individual materials
FDM
PLA
The printed part of Polylactic Acid (PLA) has high stiffness and low warping with biodegradable composition and low odor emission, and is ideal for concept prototypes, architectural models, educational tools, medical training aids, food-safe utensils, decorative items, consumer packaging mock-ups, assembly jigs, and low-stress mechanical components.
View material details →
FDM
PETG
The printed part of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) offers excellent layer adhesion, balanced strength and flexibility, with low warping, chemical resistance, and minimal odor emission, and is ideal for functional prototypes, mechanical components, outdoor fixtures, food-safe containers, protective housings, medical device parts, retail displays, custom tools, and applications requiring durability under stress.
View material details →
FDM
ABS
The printed part of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) offers high impact strength, excellent heat resistance, and good machinability, making it ideal for functional prototypes, automotive components, protective housings, industrial jigs, consumer product casings, toys, sporting goods, and applications requiring durability in demanding environments.
View material details →MATERIAL QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Is PLA appropriate for every prototype?
PLA can be useful for form studies, but the application may call for different heat or impact behavior. Select material around the intended test.
Why does build orientation matter?
FDM deposits layers, so loading across and along those layers can produce different behavior. Include the load direction in the manufacturing brief.
Can I request a specific infill or wall strategy?
Describe the objective and any required settings with your model. Confirm the build specification in the quote rather than assuming a default internal structure.
FROM THE AIHFABS BLOG
Recommended reading for material selection
sla vs fdm for surface finish and small features
Compare SLA and FDM 3D printing for surface quality and fine details. Learn which technology suits smooth finishes, tight tolerances, and intricate geometries in prototyping and en
Read article →SLA vs Other Manufacturing Processes: How to Choose
Compare SLA with DLP, LCD, FDM, SLS, MJF, SLM, and CNC machining. Shortlist processes by material, geometry, finish, cost, and your part's intended use.
Read article →Compare other material families
Choose a material around your part
Upload CAD for a quote, or share the complete requirements for a material and manufacturing review.
