Core

Our Core Materials: The Big Four

PLA (Polylactic Acid) & Its Variants 

PLA is the most widely used 3D printing material in the world, and for good reason. Derived from renewable, plant-based resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, PLA is an eco-friendly, biodegradable thermoplastic. It is the ultimate choice for projects where visual perfection and high-resolution details are more important than structural load-bearing capabilities.

• Standard PLA: Prints with zero warping, crisp edges, and a smooth finish. It is perfect for visual prototypes, detailed miniatures, educational models, and decorative pieces. However, it has a low heat resistance (softening around 60°C) and is not suited for outdoor use.

• PLA+ / High-Speed PLA: An engineered upgrade to standard PLA. It features improved layer bonding, increased impact resistance, and far less brittleness, making it excellent for light functional prototypes. Our High-Speed PLA allows us to leverage the rapid motion of our CoreXY printers without sacrificing a flawless finish.

• Silk PLA: Modified to provide a highly reflective, glossy sheen, Silk PLA creates visually striking prints that closely resemble polished metal or glass, perfect for display items and art.

• LW-PLA (Lightweight/Foaming PLA): Incorporates a foaming agent that expands during printing, reducing the weight of the final part. It is ideal for drones, RC planes, or any project where weight reduction is critical.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

If PLA and ABS had a child, it would be PETG. It is often considered the "Goldilocks" material because it seamlessly balances the easy printability of PLA with the rugged durability of ABS.

• Performance: PETG offers fantastic impact resistance, high flexibility (it will bend before it breaks), and incredible layer adhesion.

• Resistance: It boasts extremely low moisture absorption and is highly resistant to water and harsh chemicals. It also holds up well to mild heat and UV exposure.

• Best Uses: Because it is dimensionally stable and tough, PETG is our go-to for mechanical parts, snap-fit enclosures, fluid handling components, and outdoor gear. With proper surface sealing, it can also be utilized for food-safe containers and pet accessories.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

When a project demands serious structural integrity, we turn to ABS. This durable, petroleum-based thermoplastic is an industry standard used in everything from Lego bricks to automotive dashboards.

• Performance: ABS is renowned for its high mechanical strength, toughness, and superior impact resistance. It also boasts excellent heat resistance, easily withstanding temperatures up to 100°C without deforming.

• Post-Processing Magic: One of the greatest advantages of ABS is its ability to be chemically smoothed. By exposing ABS prints to acetone vapor, we can melt away the visible layer lines, resulting in a perfectly smooth, glossy finish that looks like a commercial injection-molded part.

• Best Uses: Functional end-use parts, automotive components, heavy-duty enclosures, tooling, and high-wear mechanical assemblies.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

When your project needs to bend, stretch, or absorb impacts, rigid plastics won't cut it. TPU is highly elastic, rubber-like materials that bring flexibility to the 3D printing world.

• Performance: TPU features exceptional elasticity, allowing prints to stretch significantly and return to their original shape without permanent deformation. It also provides outstanding abrasion resistance, low friction, and chemical stability against oils and greases.

• Varying Hardness: We can print flexible materials in varying degrees of hardness—from ultra-soft silicone-like feels to the firmness of a skateboard wheel or shoe sole.

• Best Uses: Custom phone cases, weather-tight gaskets, flexible hinges, vibration dampeners, drone mounts, wearable accessories, and tires for RC vehicles.