One of the key strengths of 3D printing lies in its versatility—especially when it comes to materials. Each type of filament offers unique advantages depending on the application, making material selection an important part of any project. At A Squared Printworks, we work with a variety of high-quality filaments to ensure you get the performance, durability, and finish your project demands.

PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a favorite for prototyping and aesthetic models. It’s easy to print with, eco-friendly, and produces great surface detail. While not ideal for high-stress or outdoor use, it’s perfect for quick iterations, display models, and low-impact parts.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
PETG strikes a great balance between strength and flexibility. It’s more durable than PLA and resistant to water and chemicals, making it ideal for mechanical parts, enclosures, and anything that needs a bit more toughness.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Known for its impact resistance and heat tolerance, ABS is used when durability matters. It’s great for automotive components, functional prototypes, and parts exposed to higher temperatures—but it does require a controlled printing environment due to warping.

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)
ASA offers many of the same mechanical properties as ABS but with significantly better UV and weather resistance. This makes it ideal for outdoor parts, enclosures, and components that need to withstand long-term exposure to the elements.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Flexible, rubbery, and tough—TPU is the go-to material for shock-absorbing parts, gaskets, and wearables. If your project calls for bendability and resilience, TPU delivers.

Nylon
Nylon is strong, wear-resistant, and slightly flexible, making it ideal for high-performance parts like gears, hinges, and mechanical components. It does absorb moisture from the air, so proper storage is essential, but the tradeoff is excellent durability.

Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is one of the strongest 3D printable materials, known for its heat resistance and impact strength. It’s a go-to option for demanding industrial applications, including high-stress mechanical parts, tooling, and safety equipment.

Reinforced Materials (Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber, etc.)
For applications requiring high stiffness, strength, or dimensional stability, reinforced filaments like carbon fiber-infused nylon or PETG are excellent choices. These materials retain the base polymer’s qualities while drastically increasing strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for functional prototypes, jigs, and structural parts.

Each material has its place, and choosing the right one depends on your project’s function, environment, and budget. Not sure what to pick? We’re happy to consult with you to match your idea with the best-performing material for the job.