Materials

Pick the right plastic for the job.

Name: PLA, 3D printing material
Brand: Rigid Prints
Price: 0.022 GBP
Availability: InStock

We stock six engineering plastics covering everything from quick display models to outdoor enclosures and load-bearing mechanical parts. Every option below is in stock and prints on the same day it's accepted.

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Group

Other materials

PLA

£0.022/g

Our default material. Bio-derived, dimensionally stable, and prints with crisp surface detail. Best choice for prototypes, display models, and anything that lives indoors at room temperature.

Available colours

Jet BlackArctic WhiteRigid PinkSlate GreySignal Red

Quote in PLA

Technical data

Density: 1.24 g/cm³
Heat deflection (HDT): 55 °C
Tensile strength: ~50 MPa
UV resistance: Poor
Chemical resistance: Poor (attacked by acetone, alcohols)
Food contact: Not certified

Typical use cases

· Architectural models
· Concept mock-ups
· Tabletop & display parts
· Marketing samples

Good for

· Sharp surface detail and small features
· Consistent colour matching across batches
· Tight dimensional accuracy out of the printer

Not great for

· Anything left in a hot car (softens above ~60 °C)
· Outdoor parts exposed to UV for months
· Load-bearing structural components

PETG

£0.028/g

The everyday workhorse for parts that need to handle moisture, mild heat, and the occasional impact. A noticeable step up in toughness over PLA without the warping headaches of ABS.

Available colours

Jet BlackClearTranslucent Green

Quote in PETG

Technical data

Density: 1.27 g/cm³
Heat deflection (HDT): 70 °C
Tensile strength: ~50 MPa
UV resistance: Moderate
Chemical resistance: Good (resistant to most household chemicals)
Food contact: Material is food-safe; printed parts are not certified

Typical use cases

· Outdoor brackets
· Hose & cable clips
· Light enclosures
· Garden & garage parts

Good for

· Mild outdoor use (months, not years)
· Holding up to humidity and rain
· Snap-fits and living hinges (vs PLA)

Not great for

· Highest-detail cosmetic prints (slight stringing)
· Continuous direct sunlight (use ASA instead)
· Sustained temperatures above ~70 °C

ASA

£0.036/g

ABS with the UV problem solved. Same heat and impact performance, but stays colourfast and crack-free under years of direct sunlight. The default for outdoor enclosures.

Available colours

Jet BlackLight Grey

Quote in ASA

Technical data

Density: 1.07 g/cm³
Heat deflection (HDT): 95 °C
Tensile strength: ~45 MPa
UV resistance: Excellent
Chemical resistance: Good (better than ABS in solvents)
Food contact: Not certified

Typical use cases

· Outdoor electronics enclosures
· Number plates & signage
· Garden gadgets
· Roof-rack accessories

Good for

· Permanent outdoor installation
· UV-stable colour over multiple seasons
· Heat resistance similar to ABS

Not great for

· Cost-sensitive throwaway prototypes (use PLA)
· Flexible parts (use TPU)

Not sure which to pick?

Upload your part and we'll suggest the best material based on size, geometry, and intended use, no engineer call needed.

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Last reviewed May 2026 · Rigid Prints engineering team