Choosing the Right Material: A Guide for Functional and Visual Prototypes

In our Vienna workshop located in the Neubau district, we see daily how clients hesitate between different technologies. Often, the decision is made based solely on price, which can lead to costly errors. A prototype intended for use in a high-temperature environment cannot be made from standard PLA, just as a high-precision jewelry model gains no benefit from the robustness of ABS.

To make your decision easier, we have analyzed the most common materials we use at Choanaevo based on their physical properties and application areas. We primarily distinguish between Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA).

FDM Materials: Versatility and Robustness

The FDM process is the workhorse of prototyping. Thermoplastics are used here, which are melted through a nozzle. The choice of filament directly influences dimensional stability and surface quality.

PLA (Polylactic Acid): The ideal material for initial drafts and visual models. It is biodegradable, exhibits minimal shrinkage during cooling, and can be printed with high precision. However, it is brittle and deforms at temperatures above 50-60 °C, making it unsuitable for use in a car interior during a Viennese summer.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): An excellent compromise. It combines the ease of printing of PLA with significantly higher impact strength and chemical resistance. PETG is the first choice for functional parts exposed to moderate mechanical stress.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): When heat and mechanical resilience are paramount, ABS is the only viable option. It is extremely robust and can be smoothed using acetone vapors to achieve a surface almost identical to injection molding. Due to its high shrinkage rate, it requires a controlled environment, which is guaranteed by our professional infrastructure.

SLA Resins: Precision in Every Detail

When the layer lines of an FDM print are unacceptable, we turn to photopolymers. Here, liquid resin is cured by UV light. The depth of detail is many times higher, which is particularly relevant for the jewelry industry, dental technology, or complex small mechanical parts in Vienna.

We offer standard resins for rapid iterations as well as high-precision resins for final models. The latter are characterized by higher dimensional stability and lower brittleness. More information on our specific capacities can be found under Resin Printing (SLA).

Comparison Table: Which Material for Which Purpose?

The Role of Post-Processing

The material determines not only the function but also the effort required for final finishing. While PLA parts are often ready for use immediately, ABS components frequently require chemical smoothing to remove typical stepping. SLA parts must be cleaned in isopropanol and undergo final UV curing to reach their full strength.

For clients in Vienna who require an industrial look, we recommend a combination of ABS printing and professional painting. This transforms a simple plastic prototype into a model that is barely distinguishable from a mass-produced product.

Checklist for Your Material Decision

Before sending your request to us, please go through these short questions:

• Will the part be mechanically loaded? (Yes $\rightarrow$ PETG or ABS)
• Will the part be exposed to a heat source? (Yes $\rightarrow$ ABS)
• Are details under 0.5 mm critical? (Yes $\rightarrow$ SLA Resin)
• Is the model only for visual presentation? (Yes $\rightarrow$ PLA)
• Must the surface be perfectly smooth? (Yes $\rightarrow$ SLA or ABS with post-processing)

Local Expertise in Vienna

The choice of material often depends on the environment. In Vienna, we frequently see projects from the fields of architecture and design. Here, the combination of precise SLA models for detail planning and robust FDM models for haptic testing is most effective. Thanks to our central location in the 7th district, we can work closely with local engineers to test material samples on-site and find the optimal solution.

If you are unsure, we invite you to contact us. We will analyze your STL file and suggest the most economical and technically sensible material based on the physical requirements.

Once you have chosen the right material, the next important step is the technical preparation of the file. Read more in our guide: How to Prepare Your Model for Printing.