For each material: its heat figures without and under load, how stiff and impact resistant it is, and what it resists. Unsure? Let the material selector help.
Heat, stiffness, impact resistance, chemicals and UV match the material selector's table and are indicative. The two heat figures are the heat deflection temperature from the manufacturer data sheet minus a 10 C margin, rounded down to 5 C: without load for a part that only has to keep its own shape, under load once something presses, pulls or hangs on it. Where a card says after annealing, the manufacturer recommends annealing and the figure is for an annealed part (for the nylons, dry); nylon and PPA lose stiffness and heat resistance as they absorb moisture. For PPA-GF, PPA-CF, PET-CF and PET-GF the manufacturer calls annealing optional: the figure shown is as printed, with the value after annealing on request next to it. Unfilled PPA shows its wet value. For TPU the manufacturer gives no heat deflection temperature. Green is affordable, red is expensive. Black or grey by default depending on the material, other colours on request.
More background per material: PPS-CF and heat, PPA, fibre reinforced nylon, the PET family, PCTG, the ASA family, polycarbonate, TPU and ESD materials. Looking for a part that is no longer sold? Read how we remake a spare part.
Very stiff and light, dimensionally stable. For structural parts that stay cool.
As printed. Annealing on request: about 165 C without load / 105 C under load.
Stiff, slightly tougher than the carbon version, with no conductive fibre (glass instead of carbon).
As printed. Annealing on request: about 120 C without load / 95 C under load.
The stiffest ASA. In our experience ASA holds up well outdoors. For stiff outdoor parts.
ASA with glass fibre; the manufacturer says it keeps its colour and properties in harsh conditions. No conductive fibre (glass instead of carbon).
Nylon composite that takes up the least moisture of our nylons, but is still best kept dry.
Both figures after annealing.
Stiff, with the highest heat deflection temperature of the nylons when dry and annealed. Loses stiffness when damp. For warm, loaded parts that stay dry.
Both figures after annealing.
Stiff, with a high heat deflection temperature when dry and annealed, and lower moisture uptake than PA6-GF.
Both figures after annealing.
A nylon for oil and solvents. Unfilled PPA has a low heat limit, so keep it cool.
Both figures are damp (wet) values: PPA takes up moisture.
For oil and solvents. The heat limit as printed is modest; annealing on request raises it a long way. No conductive fibre (glass instead of carbon). The middle option among the PPAs.
As printed. Annealing on request: about 175 C without load / 100 C under load.
For oil and solvents, and very stiff. The heat limit as printed is modest; annealing on request raises it.
As printed. Annealing on request: about 180 C without load / 105 C under load.
Very resistant to many chemicals; check your medium with us. Stiff, and very heat resistant once annealed.
Both figures after annealing.
Same base polymer as PPS-CF and so also very resistant to many chemicals; slightly tougher and electrically insulating.
Both figures after annealing.
Unfilled all-rounder, also available in transparent. For non-critical parts.
Tougher than PETG and also available in transparent, less heat resistant under load. For impact-resistant parts.
Outdoor classic: the manufacturer states improved weather resistance. For parts that see sun and weather.
Very impact-resistant. For parts that must take a hit.
Both figures after annealing.
Light-transmitting PC: you see light, not what is behind it. Less impact resistant than black PC. For covers and indicator windows.
Both figures after annealing.
Flexible and shock-absorbing, springs back. For bendable and damping parts.
The manufacturer gives no heat deflection temperature for this material. If heat matters for your part, please ask us.
Tough and shock-absorbing, stiffer than regular TPU.
The manufacturer gives no heat deflection temperature for this material. If heat matters for your part, please ask us.
Static dissipative: drains static charge in a controlled way. For electronics environments.
Static dissipative nylon, for parts that need more heat than PETG-ESD allows (dry, annealed).
Both figures after annealing.
Answer a few questions about your part and the selector suggests the right material.