Thermoplastic
PLA
Friendly first prints; low heat resistance and long-term creep matter.
Library 02
Matter has the final word
The same geometry behaves differently in PLA, nylon, resin, steel, clay, mortar, or living hydrogel. Material choice begins with environment and failure—not color.
Six questions before “what filament?”
01
EnvironmentHeat, UV, moisture, chemicals, fire, and time change parts.
02
LoadStiffness, strength, impact, fatigue, creep, and layer direction differ.
03
ProcessA material name does not predict performance without a process window.
04
HandlingVentilation, exposure, dust, curing, drying, and waste are part of the material.
05
FinishMachining, sanding, firing, sintering, sealing, and inspection affect the result.
06
EvidenceA datasheet, printed coupon, and qualified production part answer different questions.
Starter shelf
16 feedstock families to learn
These are orientation notes, not engineering qualification or handling instructions. Consult supplier data and applicable standards.
Thermoplastic
PETG
Tough and moisture-resistant; stringing and surface adhesion need control.
Thermoplastic
ABS / ASA
Useful heat and weather performance; enclosure and ventilation matter.
Elastomer
TPU / TPE
Flexible parts; feed path, speed, hardness, and moisture change results.
Engineering polymer
Nylon
Tough and fatigue-resistant; hygroscopic and often warp-prone.
Engineering polymer
Polycarbonate
High-performance potential with demanding heat and drying needs.
Composite
Fiber-filled polymer
Stiffer prints with abrasive feedstock; not the same as continuous fiber.
Thermoset
Photopolymer resin
Fine detail with a complete exposure, wash, cure, and waste workflow.
Metal
Metal powder
High-value production feedstock requiring controlled industrial handling.
Metal
Wire feedstock
Efficient for large deposition and repair, commonly followed by machining.
Ceramic
Clay
Printable plastic body before drying, firing shrinkage, and glazing.
Granular
Sand
Binder-jetted molds, cores, and architectural research forms.
Mineral
Concrete / mortar
A timed rheological system—not ordinary bagged concrete in a nozzle.
Mineral
Geopolymer
Promising binder family whose performance depends on exact formulation.
Elastomer
Silicone
Soft functional forms with curing, support, and multi-part chemistry challenges.
Research
Biomaterial
Bioinks and hydrogels used under controlled research and medical protocols.
Complete material guides