PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a Biodegradable thermoplastic polymer made of a vegetable-based plastic material, which uses cornstarch or sugarcane as a raw material. It is the standard material used in 3D printing for its ease of printing and for how consistent it prints. The big con of using PLA is its low heat resistance, so it’s not recommended for parts used in direct sunlight or outdoors.

Print Stats:

3/5 Strength

3/5 Stiffness

2/5 Durability

Applications: Prototype Items, Props, Decorations, Geometrically Accurate Parts.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a great, low-cost material used for printing mechanical parts that need to be durable. It is a very tough and impact-resistant material. Most commonly used in making LEGO blocks. ABS has high heat resistance, making it a good choice for applications outdoors and in high temperatures.

Print Stats:

2/5 Strength

2/5 Stiffness

4/5 Durability

Applications: Automotive Hardware, Toys and Figures, Cases or Enclosures

PETG is a Glycol Modified version of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which is commonly used to make water bottles. PETG’s print stats live right between ABS and PLA, it is slightly rigid and impact resistant but also soft which makes it prone to wear. PETG is Chemically and Water-Resistant, it is also food safe while still having high heat resistance. PETG is a very all-rounded material but still has its applications where it isn’t always the best.

Print Stats:

3/5 Strength

2/5 Stiffness

4/5 Durability

Applications: Snap-to-fit parts, Food Safe parts, Water Proof Applications

SLA or Resin Printing Material is a great material for making miniatures or model figures because it has the highest resolution in its detail and is a very strong material. But it does have its cons since it’s very strong it makes it very stiff making it easy to snap when bent. Being so, it tends not to be used in a sense where a functional part is needed.

Print Stats:

4.5/5 Strength

4.5/5 Stiffness

3/5 Durability

Applications: Tabletop Miniature Figures, Collectable Model Figures, Cosplay Props, Prototype Molds