Materials
Materials for the job.
Material decides how a part performs, how it is finished, how long it lasts and what it costs. Three are available now, and the difference between them is the difference between a part that works and one that only looks right. More materials are coming soon.
Why material decides the part
The same geometry printed in two materials is two different products. One flexes and seals; the other holds a tolerance and cracks if you bend it. Neither is better — they answer different questions.
- PerformanceHow much load the part carries, and whether it returns to shape afterwards.
- FinishHow the surface reads off the machine: matte or semi-gloss, as printed. No post-processing finish is offered yet.
- DurabilityHow the part behaves in heat, in sunlight, and after being dropped.
- CostMaterial is one of the inputs to your quote, alongside the geometry itself.
PLA
The default. Dimensionally stable, sharp detail, matte finish.
Choose it for
- Parts where the shape matters more than the load it carries.
- Fine geometry that has to come off the machine crisp.
- The first version of something, before the design is settled.
Choose something else for
- Anything that will sit in a hot car or near a heat source.
- Parts that flex repeatedly in use. PLA is stiff, and stiff eventually cracks.
Typical applications
Relative properties
- Strength
- 3 out of 5
- Flex
- 2 out of 5
- Heat
- 2 out of 5
Technology
FDM
Colours
- Black
- White
Custom print
Available for uploaded models
No catalog parts in PLA yet.
Print your ownPETG
Tougher than PLA. Semi-gloss surface.
Choose it for
- Parts that take a knock and have to keep their shape.
- Enclosures and brackets that live outside the workshop.
- The usual answer when PLA is not quite enough.
Choose something else for
- The very finest surface detail. PETG rounds sharp edges slightly.
Typical applications
Relative properties
- Strength
- 4 out of 5
- Flex
- 3 out of 5
- Heat
- 4 out of 5
Technology
FDM
Colours
- Black
- White
Custom print
Available for uploaded models
No catalog parts in PETG yet.
Print your ownTPU
Elastomeric. Gaskets, dampers, protective housings.
Choose it for
- Anything that has to compress, seal, grip or absorb vibration.
- Parts that must bend in service and return to shape.
Choose something else for
- Structural parts. TPU deflects under load, which is the point of it.
- Tight-tolerance fits, because a flexible part does not hold one.
Typical applications
Relative properties
- Strength
- 3 out of 5
- Flex
- 5 out of 5
- Heat
- 3 out of 5
Technology
FDM
Colours
- Black
- White
Custom print
Available for uploaded models
No catalog parts in TPU yet.
Print your ownComing soon
Materials planned for Reality 3D. They are not available to order yet — no quote, cart or custom print accepts them — and no date has been set.
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
ABS
Coming soonImpact-resistant engineering thermoplastic.
Not available to order yet.
- SLA photopolymer
Resin
Coming soonPhotopolymer resin, cured layer by layer.
Not available to order yet.
On technical data
Ratings are relative and compare the materials on this page with each other. They are not measured values. Reality 3D publishes no material datasheets, tolerances or certifications, so none appear here — if your part depends on a specific figure, send the geometry and we will confirm it against the part before you order.