Choose the right material
for your project
We recommend starting with PLA. If its properties don't meet your needs, explore the options below.
Our Materials
We offer different products based on specific and high quality materials. On this page we explain the differences between these materials and when to choose them. Over time we will add more materials for specific use-cases. If you wish us to support a specific material, let us know using the contact form.
Our advice is to start with PLA, which has a lot of good qualities and is most nature-friendly and widely used filament.
If the properties of PLA don’t meet your requirements, go to the next material until you find one that does.
As an example, if you need a flexible material like TPU, then PLA is no match at all.
PLA
PLA is a thermoplastic polymer made from lactic acid. It is biodegradable, meaning it can be broken down into natural substances by bacteria and fungi.
This is in contrast to many traditional plastics, which are oil-based.
In addition to the high precision and the beautiful aesthetic surface quality, the mechanical properties of the high-quality PLA that Kubify uses are well above average.
Directives and Regulations
RoHS directive 2011/65/EC
REACH directive 1907/2006/EC
Advantages
PLA is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic.
It’s easy to print, uses less energy due to its lower melting temperature, and doesn’t produce harmful fumes.
It’s less expensive than alternatives, yet allows for the printing of highly detailed materials, making it highly versatile and the most commonly used material in 3D printing.
Disadvantages
Limited strength: PLA is not as strong as some other plastics and is less suitable for applications that require heavy loads.
Limited heat resistance: PLA can soften or deform at high temperatures.
Specific composting conditions: PLA is only biodegradable under specific industrial composting conditions and not in a regular home compost bin.
Suitable applications
Functional prototyping
Creating visualization aids
3D printing manufacturing aids
Making detailed concept models
Mechanical Properties
Impact strength: 16 J/m (ASTM D256, Izod notched 23°C)
Tensile strength at yield: 60 MPa (ASTM D882)
Tensile strength at break: 53 MPa (ASTM D882)
Tensile modulus: 3.5 MPa (ASTM D882)
Elongation at yield: 6% (ASTM D882)
Flexural strength: 83 MPa (ASTM D790)
Flexural modulus: 3.8 MPa (ASTM D790)
Thermal Properties
Heat deflection temperature: 55°C (ASTM E2092, HDT A)
Glass transition temperature: 60°C (ASTM D3418)
PETG
PETG plastic is a high-quality thermoplastic polyester that is strong, impact-resistant and transparent.
An affordable filament with high dimensional stability and transparency, along with excellent chemical durability.
The specific PETG selected by Kubify produces virtually no warping and therefore no distortions and is therefore able to print larger and more complex objects.
The excellent layer adhesion comparable to PLA and well above common PETG also contributes.
This high-performance filament boasts extremely good impact resistance, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Advantages
High Impact Resistance: PETG is known for its ability to withstand impacts and stress, making it suitable for functional parts and applications requiring durability.
Good Layer Adhesion: PETG typically adheres well to the print bed and layers bond strongly, reducing the risk of warping and delamination.
Low Warping: Compared to materials like ABS, PETG experiences minimal warping, which simplifies printing and reduces the need for heated enclosures.
Heat Resistance: PETG has a higher heat resistance than PLA, making it suitable for applications where parts may be exposed to slightly elevated temperatures.
Transparency: PETG can be printed with a glossy, translucent finish, allowing for interesting visual effects and applications.
Chemical Resistance: PETG exhibits good chemical resistance, making it suitable for certain applications in the medical and industrial sectors.
Disadvantages
Susceptibility to Scratching: PETG can be prone to scratching, which may affect the surface finish and appearance of printed parts.
Harder to print: Compared to PLA, prone to stringing, can struggle with bridging and overhangs.
Printing Challenges: While easier to print than ABS, PETG is more challenging than PLA and is somewhat prone to stringing and can struggle with bridging and overhangs.
Environmental Considerations: PETG is not as biodegradable like PLA; the selected PETG by Kubify however is possible to recycle and the production is optimized to be environmentally friendly.
Directives and Regulations
RoHS directive 2011/65/EC
REACH directive 1907/2006/EC
Food compliancy*
EU-Framework Regulation on materials and articles intended for food contact: (EC) No 1935/2004
EU-Regulation on good manufacturing practice for materials and articles intended to come into contact
with food: (EC) No. 2023/2006
EU-Regulation on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food (EU) No 10/2011
* Feel free to request more information regarding food compliancy
Suitable applications
Visual and functional prototyping.
Boards and signage.
3D printing manufacturing aids.
Fit testing and concept models.
Mechanical Properties
Impact strength: 126 J/m (ASTM D256, Izod notched 23°C)
Tensile strength at yield: 26 MPa (ASTM D638)
Tensile strength at break: 48 MPa (ASTM D638)
Tensile modulus: 1950 MPa (ASTM D638)
Elongation at yield: 4.3% (ASTM D638)
Elongation at break: 58% (ASTM D638)
Flexural strength: 64 MPa (ASTM D790)
Flexural modulus: 1880 MPa (ASTM D790)
Rockwell hardness: 108 R scale
Thermal Properties
Heat deflection temperature: 70°C (ASTM D648, HDT A)
TPU (95A)
Our 95A is a TPU-based filament which is perfect for parts needing flexibility and elasticity.
It allows itself to be stretched a lot before breaking, is extremely transparent in its natural form and has excellent resistance to oil, greases, microorganisms and abrasion.
Shore A hardness
Shore A hardness in TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) refers to the material’s resistance to indentation, with higher Shore A values indicating a harder and less flexible material. TPU filaments used in 3D printing typically range from Shore 80A to 98A, with lower values indicating greater flexibility. For example, 80A is considered very soft TPU, while 98A is considered somewhat hard TPU.
Compliance
RoHS directive 2011/65/EC
REACH directive 1907/2006/EC
Characteristics
– Flexible and soft
– Sturdy and durable
– High flexibility
– High toughness
– High impact resistance
Applications
– Shoe material
– Machinery
– Automobile
– Electronic appliances
– Conveying pipeline
– Sporting products
– Medical prosthesis
Physical Properties
Density: 1.21 g/cm³ (GB/T 1033)
Melt Flow Index: 1.2 (190°C/2.16kg) (GB/T 3682)
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength: 35 MPa (GB/T 1040)
Elongation at Break: >800% (GB/T 1040)
TPE (83A)
Our 83A is a TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) filament with a Shore A hardness of 83, making it notably softer and more rubber-like than our TPU 95A. It is ideal for applications that demand a gentle, compliant feel — such as grips, seals, gaskets, and wearable parts — while still offering the reliability and precision expected from FDM printing.
TPE combines the elastic properties of rubber with the processing advantages of thermoplastics, making it easy to recycle and reprocess. Its extremely low Shore A value results in a very pliable, skin-friendly material that compresses and rebounds without permanent deformation.
Shore A hardness
At 83A, this filament sits in the soft segment of the flexibility spectrum. Compared to our TPU 95A, it deforms more easily under load and returns to its original shape more readily, making it well-suited to parts that need to flex repeatedly without fatigue.
Compliance
RoHS directive 2011/65/EC
REACH directive 1907/2006/EC
Characteristics
– Very soft and pliable
– Excellent elasticity and shape recovery
– High elongation before break
– Good resistance to abrasion and wear
– Resistant to many oils, greases and common chemicals
– Skin-friendly and comfortable to the touch
Applications
– Handles, grips and soft-touch covers
– Seals, gaskets and vibration dampers
– Wearables and orthotic aids
– Protective casings and bumpers
– Flexible hoses and tubing
– Shoe soles and insoles
Physical Properties
Density: 1.20 g/cm³ (GB/T 1033)
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength: 8.3 MPa (GB/T 1040)
Elongation at Break: >620% (GB/T 1040)