Materials Guide

We choose the best material for each product based on its purpose. Here's what we work with and why.

PLA

Polylactic Acid

Our most popular material. PLA is a plant-based plastic that produces beautiful, detailed prints with a smooth matte finish. It's great for decorative items, figurines, and display pieces.

Strengths

  • +Excellent detail and surface quality
  • +Wide range of colors available
  • +Eco-friendly (plant-based)
  • +No strong odor

Limitations

  • –Not heat resistant (softens above 140°F / 60°C)
  • –Brittle under high stress
  • –Not ideal for outdoor use
Best for: Figurines, planters (indoor), home decor, display pieces

PETG

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

PETG is a step up in durability from PLA. It's the same family of plastic as water bottles, making it tough, slightly flexible, and more resistant to heat and impact.

Strengths

  • +Strong and durable
  • +Good heat resistance (up to 175°F / 80°C)
  • +Chemical resistant
  • +Slight flexibility (won't snap easily)

Limitations

  • –Slightly less detail than PLA
  • –Can be prone to stringing (minor cosmetic issue)
  • –Fewer color options than PLA
Best for: Functional parts, outdoor items, phone cases, mechanical components

TPU

Thermoplastic Polyurethane

TPU is a flexible, rubber-like material. Think of it like a 3D-printed rubber band — it can bend, stretch, and absorb impact without breaking.

Strengths

  • +Flexible and elastic
  • +Extremely durable
  • +Shock-absorbing
  • +Resistant to oils and grease

Limitations

  • –Slower to print
  • –Less precise details
  • –Limited color selection
Best for: Phone cases, bumpers, grips, wearable items, vibration dampeners

Resin

UV-Cured Photopolymer Resin

Resin printing produces the highest detail possible. Using UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer, it can capture incredibly fine features that filament printers can't match.

Strengths

  • +Unmatched detail and resolution
  • +Smooth surface finish
  • +Perfect for small, intricate items
  • +Sharp edges and fine features

Limitations

  • –More brittle than filament prints
  • –Smaller build volume
  • –Higher cost per item
Best for: Miniatures, jewelry, detailed figurines, small precision parts