Materials: Which filament should you choose ?

WHICH FILAMENT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING?

Choosing the right filament is essential to get the most out of your eMotion Tech industrial 3D printers. Whether for rapid prototyping, functional technical parts, or flexible and durable components, each material has its own specific characteristics.

On this page, we guide you in selecting the filament best suited to your project from our professional range: PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, PP, ASA, Nylon and PolyFlex.

PLA

Rapid prototyping or visual models.

PLA (POLYLACTIC ACID): SIMPLE AND AESTHETIC PROTOTYPING

PLA is ideal for visual prototypes and decorative objects. Easy to print and with minimal shrinkage, it delivers smooth and precise surface finishes. It is well suited for architectural models and presentation objects.

CHARACTERISTICS	ADVANTAGES	USE CASES
Easy to print, low shrinkage, minimal warping. High rigidity but brittle under impact. Printing temperature: 190–230°C.	Easy printing with very little warping. Good aesthetic appearance with a smooth finish. Biodegradable (made from renewable resources).	Rapid and visual prototyping. Architectural models. Decorative or presentation objects.

ABS

SIMPLE FUNCTIONAL PARTS

ABS (ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE): TOUGH AND POST-PROCESSABLE

ABS is more resistant to impact and heat than PLA. It allows the production of lightweight functional parts and can be post-processed with acetone to achieve a smooth, high-quality finish. It is well suited for tooling and prototypes requiring moderate mechanical and thermal performance.

CHARACTERISTICS	ADVANTAGES	USE CASES
More heat- and impact-resistant than PLA. Prone to shrinkage and warping, requires a heated build plate. Printing temperature: 220–250°C.	Good resistance to impacts and moderate mechanical stress. Can be post-processed with acetone to smooth the surface.	Functional and mechanical parts. Light tooling. Prototypes requiring some thermal resistance.

PC, NYLON, PP, PETG

HIGH-PERFORMANCE TECHNICAL PARTS

PC (POLYCARBONATE): HIGH INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE

Polycarbonate offers exceptional mechanical and thermal resistance. It is used for parts under high stress, electrical components, and demanding industrial tooling.

CHARACTERISTICS	ADVANTAGES	USE CASES
Very high mechanical and thermal resistance (up to 110–130°C) Semi-rigid, impact-resistant Printing temperature: 260–300°C	Excellent heat and impact resistance Ideal for demanding technical parts	Mechanical or functional parts exposed to high stress Heat-resistant electrical or electronic components Industrial tooling and demanding prototypes

NYLON (POLYAMIDE): ROBUST AND DURABLE

Nylon is extremely strong and durable. It supports moving mechanical parts, gears, and bearings, providing low friction and long lifespan.

CHARACTERISTICS	ADVANTAGES	USE CASES
Very strong and flexible Absorbs moisture, requires dry storage Printing temperature: 240–270°C	Excellent mechanical and chemical resistance Low friction and high durability Ideal for moving or stressed parts	Gears, bearings, moving mechanical parts Industrial components subject to friction Durable technical parts for prototypes and small series

PP (POLYPROPYLENE): STRONG AND FLEXIBLE

Polypropylene is flexible, durable, and chemical-resistant. It is ideal for hinges, clips, seals, or any part subjected to repeated stress.

CHARACTERISTICS	ADVANTAGES	USE CASES
Flexible and resistant to chemicals Low adhesion to the build plate (often requires a special surface) Printing temperature: 220–250°C	High chemical and moderate mechanical resistance Flexible, durable, and impact-resistant	Parts exposed to fatigue (hinges, clips, seals) Chemical-resistant components Light industrial use and maintenance parts

PETG (POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE GLYCOL): FLEXIBLE AND DURABLE

PETG combines rigidity and flexibility, resists moisture and mechanical stress. It is ideal for functional parts, technical containers, and components exposed to humidity.

CHARACTERISTICS	ADVANTAGES	USE CASES
Combination of rigidity and flexibility Resistant to impact and moisture Printing temperature: 230–250°C	Good chemical and thermal resistance (up to 70–80°C) Easy to print, less warping than ABS Transparent options, smooth finish	Functional and durable parts Mechanical components exposed to moisture Containers and technical parts requiring some flexibility

ASA

Outdoor and UV-resistant use

ASA (ACRYLONITRILE STYRENE ACRYLATE): OUTDOOR AND UV RESISTANT

ASA is similar to ABS but designed to withstand UV exposure and weather conditions. It is ideal for outdoor parts, enclosures, panels, and equipment exposed to the elements.

CHARACTERISTICS	ADVANTAGES	USE CASES
Similar to ABS but more resistant to UV and weather conditions. Printing temperature: 230–260°C	High outdoor durability (sun, rain, and general outdoor conditions) Good impact resistance and mechanical strength Can be post-processed for an improved aesthetic finish	Outdoor parts, enclosures, and panels Prototypes or functional parts exposed to weather Signage and outdoor equipment

POLYFLEX

Flexible or ergonomic parts

POLYFLEX (FLEXIBLE, TPU/TPE): SOFT AND ELASTIC

PolyFlex allows you to create flexible and elastic parts, such as seals, protective elements, or ergonomic handles. Ideal for prototypes requiring both flexibility and wear resistance.

CHARACTERISTICS	ADVANTAGES	USE CASES
Highly flexible, elastic, and strong in tension. Printing temperature: 210–250°C	Enables soft and compressible parts. Resistant to wear and light impacts. Compatible with complex designs that require flexibility.	Seals, elastic parts, and dampers. Handles, protective elements, ergonomic parts. Prototypes requiring flexibility and elasticity.