Skip to content

Materials & capabilities

What we print, and what it's good for

FORMYQ is an FDM studio. Here's what each material does well, where it falls short, and what our equipment can currently handle.

New to 3D printing materials? Start with the Filament Buyer's Guide.

Heat limits, strength, outdoor use, food-contact caveats and a 4-question selector — for every material we can print.

Read the guide

AI materials advisor

Ask the Materials Expert

Ask anything about 3D-printing materials — what to use for your product, heat, outdoors, strength, finish. Answers come from our Filament Guide and the materials we actually print.

Please don't include personal details. Questions are logged anonymously to improve our guide. Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line.

The question we hear most

PLA or PETG?

PLA vs PETG at a glance

PLA (white part) PETG (black part)

PLA and PETG compared on relative 1–5 ratings from the FORMYQ Filament Guide
PLAPropertyPETG
4
Stiffness
3
2
Impact toughness
4
4
Layer adhesion
4
1
Heat resistance
2
2
UV / outdoor
3
2
Chemical resistance
3
3
Moisture resistance
4
5
Surface detail
3

Relative ratings, 1–5 within FDM filaments, from our Filament Guide. Both are rated lowest-cost ($).

Where each starts to soften (HDT @ 0.45 MPa)
PLA 55.3 °C
PETG 72.9 °C
ASA 93.0 °C

Under heavier loads, softening starts lower. ASA shown for reference: the usual next step up for heat and sun.

Two identical gusseted L-brackets side by side on a grey wood desk: white PLA on the left, black PETG on the right, each with two holes in the back plate, two in the base and a triangular gusset on each side
See it on a real partThe same bracket printed in white PLA and black PETG — slide between them.View the project →

Typical values from manufacturer datasheets — not measured on these parts. Numbers: QIDI — Choose the Right Filament: 3D Filaments Guide for QIDI Printers (comparison table, HDT @ 0.45 MPa). Values vary by brand, colour, settings and orientation.

Materials we offer

“In stock” materials use our standard turnaround. “On request” materials are sourced for your job; we confirm availability and lead time in your quote.

Everyday

PLA

In stock

The crisp, economical default for prototypes, models and indoor parts — but it softens in a hot car.

  • Low heat: Softens at relatively low temperatures (e.g. a car in summer).
  • Food contact: caution: Not certified food-safe as a printed part. Read the food-safety notes.
Strengths
  • Good surface detail and dimensional stability
  • Stiff
  • Wide colour range
  • Usually the most economical option
Limitations
  • Softens at relatively low temperatures — not for hot cars, dashboards or near heat sources
  • More brittle than PETG under impact
  • Limited UV and outdoor durability

Good for: Visual prototypes · Architectural and display models · Indoor fixtures and organisers · Fit checks

Colours: Black, White, Gray

Full PLA guide: heat, strength, design tips →

Matte PLA

On request

PLA with a low-sheen, layer-hiding finish for display pieces and product mock-ups.

  • Low heat: Softens at relatively low temperatures (e.g. a car in summer).
  • Food contact: caution: Not certified food-safe as a printed part. Read the food-safety notes.

Full Matte PLA guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PETG

In stock

Tougher, more heat- and moisture-tolerant than PLA — the practical choice for everyday functional parts.

  • Food contact: caution: Not certified food-safe as a printed part. Read the food-safety notes.
Strengths
  • Tougher and less brittle than PLA
  • Better heat tolerance than PLA
  • Good chemical and moisture resistance for many uses
Limitations
  • Slightly less crisp detail than PLA
  • Surfaces can show stringing; may need finishing
  • Not a substitute for engineering polymers in high-load or high-heat applications

Good for: Functional brackets and mounts · Electronics enclosures · Parts handled often or exposed to moisture

Colours: Black, White, Clear

Full PETG guide: heat, strength, design tips →

Engineering

ABS

On request

Classic tough engineering plastic: handles heat better than PETG, sands and paints well, needs an enclosed chamber.

  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.

Full ABS guide: heat, strength, design tips →

ASA

On request

ABS-like toughness with much better UV and weather resistance — our go-to for outdoor parts.

  • Outdoor / UV: Better UV and weather resistance than most FDM plastics.
  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.

Full ASA guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PC

On request

Polycarbonate: tough, stiff and heat-resistant for demanding functional parts — sensitive to sharp corners and notches.

  • Heat resistant: Holds its shape at higher temperatures than everyday plastics — see the guide for ranges.
  • High strength: Among the stronger FDM materials (relative rating).
  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PC guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PC/ABS

On request

A polycarbonate–ABS blend: tougher and more heat tolerant than ABS, easier to print than pure PC.

  • High strength: Among the stronger FDM materials (relative rating).
  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PC/ABS guide: heat, strength, design tips →

Nylon (PA)

On request

Nylon: exceptionally tough, wear- and chemical-resistant — ideal for gears, hinges and clips. Very moisture-sensitive.

  • High strength: Among the stronger FDM materials (relative rating).
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full Nylon (PA) guide: heat, strength, design tips →

Flexible

TPU 95A

On request

Rubber-like and extremely tough: grips, bumpers, gaskets, cases and anything that must flex.

  • Flexible: Bends and recovers; rubber-like.
  • Food contact: caution: Not certified food-safe as a printed part. Read the food-safety notes.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full TPU 95A guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PEBA 95A

On request

A lighter, springier flexible than TPU with excellent energy return — for cushioning and high-rebound parts.

  • Flexible: Bends and recovers; rubber-like.
  • Food contact: caution: Not certified food-safe as a printed part. Read the food-safety notes.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PEBA 95A guide: heat, strength, design tips →

Composite / Fibre

PLA-CF

On request

Carbon-fibre-filled PLA: very stiff with a premium matte finish, but no more heat-resistant than PLA.

  • Low heat: Softens at relatively low temperatures (e.g. a car in summer).
  • Hardened nozzle: Abrasive: printed with a hardened-steel nozzle.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PLA-CF guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PETG-CF

On request

Carbon-fibre PETG: stiffer and more dimensionally stable than PETG, with a matte finish.

  • Hardened nozzle: Abrasive: printed with a hardened-steel nozzle.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PETG-CF guide: heat, strength, design tips →

ASA-CF

On request

Carbon-fibre ASA: stiff, heat-tolerant and UV-stable — for outdoor brackets and under-hood-adjacent parts.

  • Heat resistant: Holds its shape at higher temperatures than everyday plastics — see the guide for ranges.
  • Outdoor / UV: Better UV and weather resistance than most FDM plastics.
  • Hardened nozzle: Abrasive: printed with a hardened-steel nozzle.
  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full ASA-CF guide: heat, strength, design tips →

ABS-GF

On request

Glass-fibre ABS: stiffer, lower-warp ABS for jigs, fixtures and housings.

  • Hardened nozzle: Abrasive: printed with a hardened-steel nozzle.
  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full ABS-GF guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PA-CF

On request

Carbon-fibre nylon (PA12-CF): stiff, tough and light — a workhorse for functional engineering parts.

  • Heat resistant: Holds its shape at higher temperatures than everyday plastics — see the guide for ranges.
  • High strength: Among the stronger FDM materials (relative rating).
  • Hardened nozzle: Abrasive: printed with a hardened-steel nozzle.
  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PA-CF guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PAHT-CF

On request

High-temperature carbon-fibre nylon (PPA-CF): among the strongest, most heat-resistant FDM materials once annealed.

  • Heat resistant: Holds its shape at higher temperatures than everyday plastics — see the guide for ranges.
  • High strength: Among the stronger FDM materials (relative rating).
  • Hardened nozzle: Abrasive: printed with a hardened-steel nozzle.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PAHT-CF guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PA-GF

On request

Glass-fibre high-temperature nylon (PPA-GF): very strong and tough with high heat resistance after annealing.

  • Heat resistant: Holds its shape at higher temperatures than everyday plastics — see the guide for ranges.
  • High strength: Among the stronger FDM materials (relative rating).
  • Hardened nozzle: Abrasive: printed with a hardened-steel nozzle.
  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PA-GF guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PET-CF

On request

Carbon-fibre PET: very stiff, low moisture uptake and high heat resistance — precise engineering parts.

  • Heat resistant: Holds its shape at higher temperatures than everyday plastics — see the guide for ranges.
  • High strength: Among the stronger FDM materials (relative rating).
  • Hardened nozzle: Abrasive: printed with a hardened-steel nozzle.
  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PET-CF guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PPS-CF

On request

Carbon-fibre PPS: extreme heat and chemical resistance for the harshest environments. Stiff but brittle.

  • Heat resistant: Holds its shape at higher temperatures than everyday plastics — see the guide for ranges.
  • High strength: Among the stronger FDM materials (relative rating).
  • Outdoor / UV: Better UV and weather resistance than most FDM plastics.
  • Hardened nozzle: Abrasive: printed with a hardened-steel nozzle.
  • Heated chamber: Printed in the closed, actively heated chamber to avoid warping and cracking.
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PPS-CF guide: heat, strength, design tips →

Support / Specialty

Silk PLA

On request

High-gloss, metallic-sheen PLA for decorative pieces, gifts and display models.

  • Low heat: Softens at relatively low temperatures (e.g. a car in summer).
  • Food contact: caution: Not certified food-safe as a printed part. Read the food-safety notes.

Full Silk PLA guide: heat, strength, design tips →

Wood PLA

On request

PLA filled with wood particles: a warm, wood-like look and feel for decor and display — not for strength.

  • Low heat: Softens at relatively low temperatures (e.g. a car in summer).
  • Food contact: caution: Not certified food-safe as a printed part. Read the food-safety notes.

Full Wood PLA guide: heat, strength, design tips →

Metallic PLA

On request

PLA with a metallic-effect finish (not metal-filled) for display models and cosmetic parts.

  • Low heat: Softens at relatively low temperatures (e.g. a car in summer).
  • Food contact: caution: Not certified food-safe as a printed part. Read the food-safety notes.

Full Metallic PLA guide: heat, strength, design tips →

PVA

On request

Water-soluble support for PLA and PETG: enables internal channels and overhangs that couldn't be printed otherwise.

  • Low heat: Softens at relatively low temperatures (e.g. a car in summer).
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full PVA guide: heat, strength, design tips →

BVOH

On request

A faster-dissolving water-soluble support than PVA, with broader material compatibility.

  • Low heat: Softens at relatively low temperatures (e.g. a car in summer).
  • Dried before printing: Absorbs moisture; filament is dried before every print.

Full BVOH guide: heat, strength, design tips →

Not sure? Read the Filament Guide

Side-by-side ratings for every material: comparison table.

Capabilities

Build volume

  • QIDI Max4390 × 390 × 340 mm
  • QIDI Plus5320 × 320 × 300 mm

Accuracy depends on geometry, material and orientation. We don't advertise industrial tolerances for FDM parts — see our tolerances guide.

Processes

  • FDM (fused deposition modelling)Available
  • Resin (SLA/MSLA)Not offered
  • SLS / MJF powder printingNot offered
  • Metal printingNot offered
  • CNC machiningNot offered

Not sure which material fits?

Tell us how the part will be used and we'll recommend one — or tell you honestly if FDM isn't the right process.

Upload Your STLDiscuss Your Project