Published 2026-07-16 · Layerzim
We get asked this almost every day: "which material should I use?" There's no single right answer; it depends on what the part needs to survive. Our full material guide covers the properties of each filament in detail; this post is the short version, organised by job rather than by spec sheet.
"I just need to check if this fits."
Go with PLA. It's the cheapest and easiest material to print cleanly, which makes it the default choice for prototypes, scale models, and anything where you're testing fit and form rather than long-term durability.
"This part lives outside or takes a knock."
Go with PETG. It resists UV and moisture noticeably better than PLA, which is why it's our default recommendation for anything left in Harare's sun: outdoor brackets, mounts, and enclosures. It's also our go-to for general mechanical parts that need more toughness than PLA can offer.
"This part gets hot, or needs real industrial toughness."
Go with ABS. It handles higher temperatures than PLA or PETG and is the standard choice for automotive-adjacent parts and housings that sit near heat sources. It's harder to print well, but worth it when heat resistance is a real requirement rather than a nice-to-have.
"This part needs to bend, stretch, or absorb impact."
Go with TPU. Nothing else on our material list flexes the way TPU does, so it's the right call for phone cases, wearable straps, gaskets, and anything acting as a rubber-like seal or bumper.
Still not sure?
Tell us what the part needs to do when you send us your file, and we'll recommend a material as part of your quote, with no guesswork required. If you don't have a file yet, we can connect you with a designer from our network to produce one. Here's how that works. Read the full material guide for a side-by-side comparison table, or browse the portfolio to see real examples printed in each material.