Welcome
This tool helps you select the optimal FDM filament or 3D printing resin for your application, with a focus on automotive and engineering requirements.
How it works:
- Answer 9 basic questions about your application (required)
- Optionally answer up to 15 additional questions for more precise results
- Get top 3 FDM + top 3 resin recommendations with print parameters
Engineering factors considered: creep, fatigue, thermal cycling, chemical stress cracking, CTE mismatch, anisotropy — beyond typical hobbyist material selectors.
Saved Comparisons
What is the application category?
Select the type of part you are designing. This determines the priority weighting of material properties.
Structural bracket: Primary load path, requires high stiffness and creep resistance.
Cosmetic cover: Surface finish priority, low mechanical demands.
Seal/Gasket: Requires flexibility, chemical resistance, compression set resistance.
Clip/Fastener: Snap-fit design, needs elongation + impact resistance.
What is the primary loading type?
How will the part be stressed during its service life?
Static sustained: Constant load over time — creep becomes dominant. Example: cable clip under constant tension.
Dynamic/Cyclic: Repeated loading — fatigue endurance is critical. Example: vibrating engine bracket.
Impact/Shock: Sudden energy absorption — Charpy/Izod values matter. Example: stone guard.
Where will the part be installed?
The installation zone determines temperature envelope, chemical exposure, and vibration level.
Underhood on-engine: −40°C to +150°C, extreme vibration, oil/coolant splash.
Underhood general: −40°C to +125°C, high vibration.
Passenger cabin: −40°C to +85°C (up to +105°C dashboard sun-soak).
Exterior/wheel well: −40°C to +105°C, road salt, brake dust, stone impact.
Geographic climate zone?
Adjusts minimum temperature baseline and UV exposure expectations (IEC 60721).
Chemical exposure during service?
Select ALL chemicals the part may contact. Incompatible materials will be eliminated.
Smallest critical feature dimension?
Select the smallest wall thickness, pin diameter, or slot width that must be structurally functional.
Include: thin walls, snap-fit arms, alignment pins, mounting holes, rib thickness.
FDM limit: ~0.8mm minimum (0.4mm nozzle). Resin limit: ~0.2mm minimum.
Mechanical strength requirement?
Estimate the tensile/flexural strength needed. When in doubt, pick one category higher — printed parts have lower effective strength due to anisotropy.
UV / outdoor sun exposure?
UV radiation degrades most polymers. Only ASA, PMMA, and specially stabilized materials survive prolonged direct exposure.
Is a specific color required?
If yes, you'll pick a color next. Some engineering materials (PA-CF, PEEK) are only available in black or natural.
What color do you need?
Materials will be filtered to those available in your chosen color.
Optional Questions
You've completed the basic questions. The following 15 optional questions refine the recommendation. Skip any that don't apply — the algorithm will use conservative defaults.
Each skipped question slightly reduces recommendation precision but won't produce wrong results. Answer what you know — skip what you don't.
Maximum sustained operating temperature?
Override the temperature derived from your zone selection. Skip to use the default for your chosen installation zone.
Transparency / opacity requirement?
Flexibility requirement?
Shore hardness — lower = softer. Car tire ≈ 65A, rubber band ≈ 25A, hard hat ≈ 75D.
Surface finish requirement?
Moisture / humidity environment?
Vibration level?
Abrasion / wear resistance?
Electrical insulation needed?
Skin contact / biocompatibility?
Expected service life?
Dimensional precision needed?
Post-processing planned?
Select all that apply.