Forma
Guide

Materials guide

Every listing on Forma specifies its material. Use this guide to understand the trade-offs and pick the right one for your project.

PLA
Best all-rounder
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The most common 3D printing material. Easy to print, biodegradable, great surface finish. Ideal for decorative objects, prototypes, and everyday items.

StrengthMedium
FlexibilityRigid
Heat resist.Low (60 °C)
Print diff.Easy
Price$
DecorativePrototypesModelsToys
ABS
Tough & heat-resistant
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Durable thermoplastic used in automotive and consumer products. Good mechanical properties but requires an enclosure and good ventilation.

StrengthHigh
FlexibilityRigid
Heat resist.Medium (90 °C)
Print diff.Moderate
Price$
AutomotiveFunctionalEnclosuresJigs
PETG
Strong & food-safe
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Combines the ease of PLA with the strength of ABS. Chemical-resistant, food-safe when printed correctly. Excellent for functional parts.

StrengthHigh
FlexibilitySemi-flex
Heat resist.Medium (80 °C)
Print diff.Easy
Price$$
FunctionalFood containersOutdoorBrackets
Resin
Ultra-high detail
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Used in SLA/MSLA printers. Achieves surface finish and detail impossible with FDM. Ideal for jewelry, miniatures, and dental models.

StrengthMedium
FlexibilityBrittle
DetailExtreme
Print diff.Moderate
Price$$
JewelryMiniaturesDentalArt
Nylon
Flexible & durable
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Engineering-grade material with excellent fatigue resistance. Absorbs moisture so must be stored dry. Great for hinges, gears, and snap-fit parts.

StrengthVery high
FlexibilitySemi-flex
Heat resist.High (110 °C)
Print diff.Hard
Price$$$
GearsHingesEngineeringFunctional
TPU
Flexible & rubber-like
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Thermoplastic polyurethane, prints like rubber. Excellent for phone cases, gaskets, shock absorbers, and any part that needs to flex.

StrengthMedium
FlexibilityVery flexible
Heat resist.Medium (80 °C)
Print diff.Moderate
Price$$
Phone casesGasketsSealsGrips
Carbon Fiber
Lightweight & stiff
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PLA or Nylon infused with chopped carbon fiber. Extremely stiff and strong-to-weight ratio. Requires hardened steel nozzles.

StrengthExtreme
FlexibilityVery rigid
WeightVery light
Print diff.Hard
Price$$$$
AerospaceRacingStructuralDrones
Wood Fill
Natural wood texture
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PLA infused with wood fibers. Can be sanded, stained, and finished like real wood. Great for artistic, decorative, and interior objects.

StrengthLow–medium
FlexibilityRigid
FinishSandable
Print diff.Easy
Price$$
DecorArtFurnitureProps