PLA
Accurate, cost-effective and easy to finish for visual models and general prototypes.
Models · concepts · housings
Materials Engineered for Performance
3D Printing Materials
for Every Application
From cost-effective FDM thermoplastics to high-detail Formlabs engineering resins, we help select the right material for your component.
Wide SelectionFDM & SLA
Engineering GradeFunctional Materials
Expert GuidanceApplication Led
UK BasedTrusted Support
Free Online 3D Tools
Powerful tools to view, analyse, repair, convert and prepare your 3D files.
Explore All Tools ›
STL Viewer
View & Inspect STL Files
STL Repair
Analyse & Repair Meshes
STEP Viewer
View & Measure CAD
G-Code Viewer
Analyse Printability
Lithophane Maker
Create 3D Lithophanes
STEP to STL
Convert STEP / STP
IGES to STL
Convert IGES / IGS
OBJ to STL
Convert OBJ Models
3MF to STL
Convert 3MF Models
PLY to STL
Convert PLY Meshes
GLB to STL
Convert GLB / GLTF
SKP Viewer
View & Measure CAD
SKP to STL
View & Measure CAD
MATERIAL SELECTION
Choosing the Right Material
Material selection affects strength, stiffness, flexibility, temperature resistance, dimensional accuracy and appearance. The best option is determined by what the finished component must actually do.
NS3D combines engineering experience with FDM and Formlabs SLA printing to recommend an appropriate process and material for prototypes, tooling, models and low-volume production.
FDM
FDM Thermoplastic Materials
Practical materials for visual models, robust prototypes, tooling and functional engineering components.
PET-G
Good impact resistance, layer adhesion and durability for functional components.
Brackets · guards · containersABS & ASA
Durable engineering thermoplastics, with ASA offering improved weather and UV resistance.
Enclosures · outdoor parts · assembliesNylon
Strong, fatigue resistant and durable, with useful wear and abrasion performance.
Gears · clips · hinges · bushesTPU
Flexible and resilient for components that must bend, compress or absorb impact.
Seals · grips · covers · feetReinforced Composites
Carbon or glass-fibre filled options for increased stiffness and dimensional stability.
Jigs · fixtures · structural prototypesPolycarbonate
A strong engineering thermoplastic with useful impact and temperature performance.
Housings · fixtures · loaded partsSpecialist Filaments
Additional materials can be sourced for particular mechanical or environmental requirements.
Discuss your application ›
SLA
Formlabs SLA Resins
High-detail standard resins plus tough, flexible, rigid and specialist materials for demanding applications.
Standard & Rapid Prototyping
Detailed models with smooth surfaces, accurate features and fast iteration.
- Grey, Black, White and Clear
- Draft Resin
- Fast Model Resin
Tough & Durable
Functional materials designed for impact, repeated handling, wear and mechanical loading.
- Tough Resin
- Tough 1000, 1500 and 2000
- Durable Resin
Rigid & High Performance
Specialist engineering resins for stiffness, heat, electronics and controlled applications.
- Rigid 4000 and Rigid 10K
- High Temp Resin
- ESD and Flame Retardant Resin
Flexible & Elastomeric
Materials for soft-touch, compressible, resilient and silicone components.
- Flexible 80A
- Elastic 50A
- Silicone 40A
Castable
Accurate patterns formulated for clean burnout and investment casting workflows.
- Castable Wax
- Castable Wax 40
- Clear Cast
Dental & BioMed
Specialist materials for compatible dental, healthcare and biocompatible workflows.
- Model, Dental LT and Surgical Guide
- BioMed Clear, White, Black and Amber
- BioMed Durable and Flex
Specialist, dental and BioMed materials are subject to current availability, printer compatibility, intended use and any applicable validation or regulatory requirements.
What We Consider Before Printing
The material recommendation is based on the complete application—not simply the file format or appearance.
Mechanical Loads
Strength, stiffness, impact, fatigue and wear.
Temperature
Continuous and short-term heat exposure.
Environment
Moisture, chemicals, UV and operating conditions.
Accuracy
Tolerances, fit and critical dimensions.
Appearance
Colour, detail, transparency and finish.
Quantity
One-off prototypes or repeat production runs.
MATERIAL FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Need advice for a specific component? Send us the file and intended application.
Which 3D printing material should I choose?
The right material depends on strength, flexibility, temperature, environment, accuracy and finish. We can review the application and recommend a suitable option.
What is the difference between FDM and SLA?
FDM is generally suited to robust, larger and cost-effective thermoplastic parts. SLA provides finer detail, smoother surfaces and a broad range of specialist resin properties.
Can you print flexible parts?
Yes. Options include TPU filament and compatible Formlabs Flexible, Elastic and Silicone resins.
Are all Formlabs resins kept in stock?
Frequently used materials may be stocked, while specialist resins can be sourced subject to availability and printer compatibility.
EXPLORE MORE
From Material Selection to Finished Parts
Explore our browser-based 3D tools, industry applications and engineering case studies, or discuss your own component with NS3D.
3D Printing Tools
Inspect, convert and prepare 3D files using our free browser-based STL, STEP, SKP and G-Code tools.
Explore 3D Tools →Industry Applications
See how additive manufacturing supports engineering, subsea, industrial, aerospace and other specialist applications.
Explore Industries →Engineering Case Studies
View examples of real engineering projects delivered by NS3D, from subsea equipment to technical demonstration models.
View Case Studies →Engineering-Led Material Selection
Application Review
Selection based on how the component must perform.
Process Choice
FDM or SLA matched to geometry, finish and quantity.
Design Support
Guidance on tolerances, orientation and part strength.
Clear Advice
Practical recommendations without unnecessary complexity.