Pick the right material — or let the AI pick for you
- Strong and affordable → PA12
- Flexible, grippy, cushioning → TPE / TPU
- Fine detail, smooth look → resin
12 materials
Questions about materials
Is it strong?
Laser-sintered PA12 is a tough engineering nylon used for functional parts. The AI sizes the walls (2 to 3 mm for a structural part) and calculates load-bearing objects with a safety factor of at least 3 — these are calculations, not physical tests.
Link to this answer →Can I use it outdoors?
PA12 and TPE cope well outdoors; bright colours can fade in the sun. Resins are for indoor use only (they yellow and soften with heat). Each material's page says so.
Link to this answer →Is it dishwasher-safe?
Not recommended: printed parts are porous and can warp with heat. Wash them by hand, without soaking.
Link to this answer →What's the difference between SLS and MJF?
Two ways of fusing PA12 nylon powder layer by layer: with a laser (SLS) or with a jetted agent and an infrared lamp (MJF). MJF gives a more even finish and slightly finer details; SLS takes larger parts and more colours.
Link to this answer →Why no printed metal?
The metal on offer is lost-wax cast (brass): a wax model is printed, then replaced by the metal. Direct metal printing and machining aren't available at launch; for a metal tube or shaft, the AI plans an off-the-shelf part.
Link to this answer →Why is the blade bought separately?
A printed part doesn't cut cleanly and can't be cleaned like stainless steel. So cutting elements are always off-the-shelf parts; no printed part is ever presented as sharp.
Link to this answer →