Shaping Innovation
IMECA3D - FDM MATERIALS
3D Printing Materials We Work With
Every material has strengths and limitations. We print in PLA, PETG, ABS and Nylon PA12 — each chosen for specific mechanical, thermal, and environmental requirements. This page helps you understand the differences and choose correctly for your project.
4
FDM Materials
±0.1mm
Best Accuracy
100°C
Max Heat (Nylon)
1
Right Material
HOW TO CHOOSE
01
Define the Function
Is the part decorative, structural, or under load? A display model and a functional bracket have completely different requirements — and the wrong material will fail.
02
Consider the Environment
Heat, moisture, UV, and chemicals each degrade specific materials. Outdoor parts, electronics enclosures, and indoor displays all have different exposure profiles.
03
Match Mechanical Demand
Impact, fatigue, and wear resistance vary significantly across materials. Use the selector tool below or contact us — we'll confirm the right choice before printing.
OUR MATERIALS
PLA
POLYLACTIC ACID
The most precise FDM material we print in. PLA delivers clean surface finishes, sharp details, and excellent dimensional accuracy. Use it for visual prototypes, concept models, and presentation parts where appearance and precision matter most.
BEST FOR PROTOTYPES
Visual Prototypes
Display Parts
Concept Models
Presentation Models
ABS
ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE
When parts need to survive drops, impacts, and elevated temperatures that PLA or PETG cannot handle, ABS is the answer. A long-established engineering plastic used in automotive interiors, power tool housings, and industrial enclosures.
IMPACT RESISTANT
Automotive Parts
Impact Parts
Tool Housing
Industrial Enclosures
Full Guide - Coming Soon
PETG
POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE GLYCOL
Our most-ussed functional material. PETG balances strength, moisture resistance, and printability in a way no other standard material does. It handles real-world conditions - enclosures, outdoor fixtures, functional brackets - without the printing complexity of ABS.
MOST VERSATILE
Electronics Enclosures
Functional Brackets
Outdoor Parts
Sensor Housings
Nylon PA12
Polyamide 12
The highest-performance material in our FDM range. Nylon PA12 handles fatigue loading, impact, wear, and elevated temperatures that no other standard filament can sustain. For gears, bearings, hinges, and mechanically demanding assemblies.
High Performance
Gears & Bearings
Hinges
Fatigue Parts
Dynamic Assemblies
Full Guide - Coming Soon
QUICK COMPARISON
PROPERTY | PLA | PETG | ABS | NYLON PA12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best For | Visual prototypes | Functional parts | Impact / heat parts | Mechanical demand |
Printability | ● Easy | ● Easy | ● Moderate | ● Demanding |
Dimensional Accuracy | ● Excellent | ● Very Good | ● Good | ● Moderate |
Moisture Resistance | ● Poor | ● Excellent | ● Moderate | ● Poor* |
Impact Resistance | ● Low | ● Moderate | ● High | ● Excellent |
Max Temp (HDT) | ~55°C | ~70°C | ~85°C | ~100°C |
Tensile Strength | 50–65 MPa | 45–55 MPa | 40–50 MPa | 45–55 MPa |