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Plastic 3D printing

A wide range of 3D printing plastic materials from thermoplastics for functional parts to high detail resins (thermosets) for visual prototypes.

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PLA
Desc High stiffness, good detail, affordable.
Price

$ $ $ $ $

ABS
Desc Commodity plastic, improved mechanical and thermal properties compared to PLA.
Price

$ $ $ $ $

Nylon
Desc Used to substitute functional injection moulded parts, good chemical resistance.
Price

$ $ $ $ $

resin
Desc High detail and smooth surface, injection mold-like prototyping.
Price

$ $ $ $ $

PETG
Desc Good for mechanical parts with high impact resistance and flexibility. Sterilizable.
Price

$ $ $ $ $

TPU
Desc Rubber-like material, suitable for tubes, grips, seals and gaskets.
Price

$ $ $ $ $

ASA
Desc UV stability and high chemical resistance, preferred material for outdoor applications.
Price

$ $ $ $ $

PEI
Desc Engineering plastic, high performance applications, flame retardant.
Price

$ $ $ $ $

Name Description Price
PLA
High stiffness, good detail, affordable.

$ $ $ $ $

Browse PLA materials Get instant quote
ABS
Commodity plastic, improved mechanical and thermal properties compared to PLA.

$ $ $ $ $

Browse ABS materials Get instant quote
Nylon
Used to substitute functional injection moulded parts, good chemical resistance.

$ $ $ $ $

Browse Nylon materials Get instant quote
resin
High detail and smooth surface, injection mold-like prototyping.

$ $ $ $ $

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PETG
Good for mechanical parts with high impact resistance and flexibility. Sterilizable.

$ $ $ $ $

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TPU
Rubber-like material, suitable for tubes, grips, seals and gaskets.

$ $ $ $ $

Browse TPU materials Get instant quote
ASA
UV stability and high chemical resistance, preferred material for outdoor applications.

$ $ $ $ $

Browse ASA materials Get instant quote
PEI
Engineering plastic, high performance applications, flame retardant.

$ $ $ $ $

Browse PEI materials Get instant quote

3D printed plastic parts

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an excellent option for producing plastic components quickly and cost-effectively. Plastic AM is generally cheaper than subtractive manufacturing, and its speed and automation allow for rapid, iterative part optimization. 3D printing plastic parts involves precisely building up a part layer by layer, distinguishing it from subtractive CNC plastic machining. As 3D printing uses a huge variety of polymer materials, it's ideal for many applications, including prototyping and low volume production runs.

Plastic 3D printing service

Protolabs Network offers a state-of-the-art plastic prototyping service, guaranteeing consistent quality and fast lead times. We work with a robust network of manufacturers operating over 2,400 3D printing machines, which means we can ensure both competitive prices and fast lead times. With our global network and diverse capabilities, we can produce parts with all sorts of materials and properties, with various production methods. We specialize in industry-standard 3D printing processes, including FDM, SLA, SLS and MJF, bringing you everything you need for custom 3D printing projects, including rapid prototyping and  industrial applications. Work with us to access our global plastic 3D printing supply chain today.

Custom plastic 3D printing

Our services enable designers and engineers to create custom 3D printed plastic parts for many applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, defense, industrial automation, machinery, manufacturing, medical devices, hardware setups, energy and robotics. We use a machine learning algorithm to transform CAD files into quotes for your custom parts, ensuring the manufacturability of your designs before they reach a manufacturing partner. Our platform offers a wide variety of plastic materials and technologies fit for producing plastic parts, including post-processing options for certain 3D printing methods.

Frequently asked questions

What plastic is used for 3D printing?

We offer 3D printing capabilities in the following plastics: PLA, Formlabs Resins, 3D Systems Resins, ABS, Nylon, PETG, TPU, ASA and PEI.

How much does 3D printing plastic cost?

3D printing costs depend on part size and complexity and your choice of plastic. Variables to consider include the type of 3D printing process, production and post-processing time and the quantity and quality of plastic filament, resin or powder required. Thanks to our quick quote builder and decentralized manufacturing network of 3D print shops, we can offer competitive prices for your custom parts needs. 

How strong is 3D printed plastic?

As there are many different types of polymers, 3D printed plastic parts tend to vary in strength. This also depends on build orientation and technology. We recommend using Markforged Onyx, PA12, PETG and PP for optimal part strength.


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