Time to read: 2 min
The most popular question we get at Fictiv is around3D printingmaterial choice: “Which material is best for my project?” Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, and it can be hard to make a decision without holding and seeing the material for yourself.
You’re always welcome to come bythe Fictiv office in San Franciscoto take a look at samples, or take a look at theFictiv Capabilities Guide, but as the next best thing…we have videos!
Here’s a high-level overview of the specs for each material + a quick showcase video, so you can get a feel for the resolution, aesthetic, and functionality of each.
PLA
Technology:FDM
Cost:$
Pros:Cheap, rigid, and non-toxic
Cons:Low resolution
Great for:Testing initial form
VeroWhite
Technology:Polyjet
Cost:$$$
Pros:High resolution, easy to sand and easy to paint
Cons:Not great for mechanical functionality
Great for:Visual Models.
VisiClear
Technology:SLA
Cost:$$$
Pros:Uses a wax support system, so really easy to melt away support material for accurate geometries
Cons:Counter to its name, it’s not actually very clear / transparent
Great for:Strong and accurate parts; Parts that have complex internal geometries
VeroClear
Technology:Polyjet
Cost:$$
Pros:Relatively clear and not too expensive
Cons:Still not 100% transparent (somewhat foggy); If you need a completely transparent material, contact us at info@fictiv.com.
Great for:Most enclosures and light pipes (check outthis postto see how VeroClear works for light pipes)
Rubber-Like
Technology:Polyjet
Cost:$$$
Pros:Flexible
Cons:Not stretchy
Great for:Functional prototypes that need a rubbery material in the overmold
Nylon
Technology:SLS
Cost:$$
Pros:Strong and durable
Cons:Not a smooth finish; Has more of a fine-grit sandpaper feel
Great for: Functional parts, fixtures, and high strength-to-weight parts.
ABS
Technology:FDM
Cost:$
Pros:Low cost like PLA but with a slightly higher resolution
Cons:Still prints with a fairly low-resolution finsh, so not great for visual models
Great for: More complex early-stage prototypes that need to be low in cost
ABS-Like
Technology:FDM
Cost:$$$
Pros:High resolution, high strength & high temperature tolerance
Cons:Expensive
Great for:Functional prototypes with mechanical parts, such as gears; Great for parts that require tapping or mounting
To get an instant quote for 3D printing in any of these materials, create a Fictiv accounthere.
