Materials Guide
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| PLA | PETG | ASA | PC | FLEX TPU-95A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | 55°C | 70°C | 95°C | 120°C | 65°C |
| Strength | Medium | Medium | High | Very High | Low |
| Durability | Medium | High | High | Very High | High |
| Flexibility | Low | Medium | Low | High | Very High |
| Difficulty to Print | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
| Density | 1.24 g/cm3 | 1.27 g/cm3 | 1.07 g/cm3 | 1.20 g/cm3 | 1.20 g/cm3 |
SUMMARY
| Pros | Cons | Applications | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | - Easy to print - Stiff and good strength - Low warping - Good dimensional accuracy - Good shelf life - Biodegradable |
- Brittle - Low temperature resistance - Not suitable for outdoors (sunlight exposure) |
- Test and calibration items - Action figures - Jewellery - Large prints - Decorative parts - Cosplay Props |
| PETG | - High temperature resistance - Easy to print - Low shrinking and warping - Strong and durable - Not brittle - Glossy and smooth surface finish - Strong layer adhesion |
- Not suitable for tiny parts - Possibility of stringing - Supports are harder to remove - Prone to scratches |
- Mechanical parts - Holders - Waterproof prints |
| ASA | - Strong UV resistance - High temperature resistance - Detailed prints without stringing - Can be smoothed with acetone vapours - Strong layer adhesion - High impact and wear resistance - Tough |
- Large models have a tendency to warp - Requires higher extruder temperatures - Requires ventilation due to potentially dangerous fumes - Hygroscopic |
- Automotive exterior parts - Smoothed surfaces - Mechanical parts - Exterior signage |
| PC | - High temperature resistance - Excellent mechanical resistance - Impact-resistant - Elastically ductile - Very good dimensional stability |
- Requires very high print temperatures - Prone to warping - High tendency to ooze while printing - Hygroscopic - Poor bed adhesion |
- Mechanical stressed parts - Temperature resistant parts - Functional engineering parts |
| FLEX TPU-95A | - Excellent vibration dampening - Ease of printing compared to similar flexible materials - Excellent layer bonding - Outstanding fatigue resistance - Low moisture absorption - Retains flexibility at low temperatures |
- Difficult to print - Poor bridging characteristics - Possibility of blobs and stringing - May not work well on Bowden extruders |
- Vibration dampening - Grip sleeves - Phone cases |
PRINTING GUIDELINES
| Extruder | Nozzle | Bed | Adhesion | Surface | Cooling | Layer | Enclosure | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 205 ± 15 °C | ≥ 0.15mm | 50 ± 10 °C (optional) | Medium | - PEI - Powder-coated - Glass Plate - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
100% | ≥ 0.05mm | Not Required |
| PETG | 230 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.15mm | 80 ± 10 °C (required) | High | - Powder-coated - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
50% | ≥ 0.10mm | Not Required |
| ASA | 245 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.15mm | 100 ± 5 °C (required) | Low | - PEI - Glass Plate - Polymide Tape (e.g. Kapton) - ABS/ASA Slurry |
30% | ≥ 0.10mm | Recommended |
| PC | 260 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.15mm | 100 ± 10 °C (required) | Poor | - Glass Plate - Polymide Tape (e.g. Kapton) |
0% | ≥ 0.10mm | Recommended |
| FLEX | 220 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.40mm | 40 ± 10 °C (optional) | High | - Powder-coated - Painter's Tape |
50% | ≥ 0.20mm | Not Required |
| CF+PLA | 200 ± 15 °C | ≥ 0.40mm Hard Steel |
50 ± 10 °C (optional) | Medium | - PEI - Powder-coated - Glass Plate - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
100% | ≥ 0.25mm | Not Required |
| CF+PETG | 230 ± 20 °C | ≥ 0.40mm Hard Steel |
80 ± 10 °C (required) | High | - Powder-coated - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
50% | ≥ 0.25mm | Not Required |
| METAL | 200 ± 15 °C | ≥ 0.40mm Hard Steel |
50 ± 10 °C (optional) | Medium | - PEI - Powder-coated - Glass Plate - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
100% | ≥ 0.25mm | Not Required |
| WOOD | 205 ± 15 °C | ≥ 0.40mm Hard Steel |
30 ± 10 °C (optional) | Medium | - PEI - Powder-coated - Glass Plate - Painter's Tape - Glue Stick |
100% | ≥ 0.25mm | Not Required |
PLA - Polylactic Acid
Known by many names PLA+, PLA Pro; Our state of the art PLA has been formulated to deliver detailed surface quality, effortless prints at high speeds, and dimensional accuracy. Its versatility makes it the go-to material for everyday hassle-free 3D printing.
PLA is the most used type of filament, being a rigid, easy-to-print, biodegradable polymer. Because of its low thermal expansion (with little to no warping) and low melting temperature, it’s ideal for printing both large and small items. However, at temperatures over 60°C, parts begin to lose mechanical strength. PLA is also unable to flex too much, thus parts will shatter under too much force (brittle).
Due to its biodegradability, low temperature resistance, and low UV resistance, PLA is not suitable for outdoor use.
PETG - Polyethylene Terephthalate
We have created a masterpiece. Our PETG printability is comparable to PLA but with outstanding mechanical properties, enhanced toughness, chemical resistance, wear resistance, temperature resistance, and UV resistance. It is, therefore, the material of choice for functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and waterproof applications.
It unlocks a wide range of technical applications, making it suitable for industrial parts, tools, and prototypes. It is more resistant to heat, more flexible, and less brittle than PLA, producing durable prints suitable for indoor and outdoor use. PETG has a low thermal expansion; thus, it rarely lifts from the bed and warps, even when printing large parts without an enclosure.
PETG also has the property of being ductile, and it contains a good amount of flex, which helps keep pieces from breaking under stress.
ASA - Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate
It is the top choice for outdoor applications; As a result of extensive experimentation under the harsh Australian weather conditions, ASA engineered grade is the most UV-resistant material we've produced. Its high impact and heat resistance make it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts.
PC - Polycarbonate
Turn up the heat! Our Polycarbonate (PC) has been designed specifically for demanding environments and engineering applications. It's no secret that it has some of the best high resistance and mechanical properties in the 3D printing universe.
FLEX TPU-95A - Thermoplastic Polyurethane
FLEX optimised for easier and faster printing; We’ve engineered a TPU elastomer that perfectly balances printability, flexibility, and toughness. It has a hardness of 95A, ideal for applications that demand the qualities of rubber and chemical resistance.
MakerHero FLEX is a semi-flexible material that can be employed in a wide range of engineering applications where performance is more important than aesthetics. Although most flexible filaments are challenging to print, the FLEX Series is optimised for easier and faster printing without compromising layer bonding.
CARBON FIBRE Filled
For those looking for tougher materials combined with ease of printing, our Carbon Fiber Reinforced Blend is a PLA or PETG polymer base filled with carbon fibres to improve its strength and toughness. It also offers excellent layer adhesion, low warpage, and a sexy matt finish. The Carbon fibre reinforcing provides enhanced rigidity, ideal for printing technical components requiring high strength, outstanding surface quality, and dimensional stability.
METAL Filled
Our Metal Blend filament is as beautiful as it is versatile, printing like plastic yet finishing like actual metal for weighted and robust parts. This composite is created using natural metal powder such as Copper, Bronze, Brass, and Stainless Steel. The possibilities are infinite with this speciality metal PLA filament; whether you want a polished dazzling mirror surface or a natural rustic finish with an acquired patina reminiscent of an aged sculpture, the possibilities are endless with this speciality metal PLA filament. Be sure to upgrade to a wear-resistant nozzle to print this filament effectively.
WOOD Filled
Our WOOD filled PLA composite is created using natural wood dust, giving models the aesthetics, feel, and smell of actual wood carving. Changing the print temperature produces minor colour changes, and sanding and applying different paints, stains, and coatings after printing creates infinite possibilities.