An overview of the material families behind our FDM, SLA and SLS processes.
Material choice has as much influence on how a part performs as the process used to print it. This page gives a general overview of the material families we work with across our three 3D printing technologies, to help you understand the options available before you request a quote.
FDM covers a broad family of general-purpose and engineering thermoplastics, including materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG and nylon-based filaments, suited to prototypes and functional parts of varying durability and heat resistance. Some material families in this group prioritise ease of printing and dimensional stability, others prioritise toughness and impact resistance, and others are formulated for greater heat resistance in more demanding applications. The right choice depends on how the part will be used — a concept model has very different needs from a jig that will see repeated handling on a shop floor.
SLA uses photopolymer resins, a material family generally chosen for the fine detail and smooth surface finish it produces. Standard resins are typically formulated for rigidity and visual accuracy, making them well suited to presentation models and detailed prototypes, while other resin formulations are geared more toward flexibility or general-purpose durability. As with any resin-based process, the specific formulation used affects how a part looks, feels and holds up over time, so material choice should reflect the purpose of the part.
SLS most commonly uses nylon-based (PA) powders, a material family recognised for producing functional parts with a good balance of strength and durability. Different powder formulations within this family offer different characteristics — some are suited to parts that need rigidity and structural performance, others to parts that benefit from additional toughness or flexibility. Because SLS parts don't rely on support structures, this material family is often paired with more complex, functional geometries.
This overview is intended as general guidance rather than a specification sheet. Exact material availability, and which material family is the right fit, depends on your specific part, application and quantity — please confirm material availability and specifications with our team when you request a quote, so we can recommend the material that actually suits your project rather than assume it from a general description.
Share your CAD file and application details with our team and request a quote — we'll recommend a material as part of the process.