Fast, high-level lookup while working scenarios.

PLA / PLA+

• Heat: Softens early; deformation can occur well below boiling water. Poor for warm environments / heat soak.
• Chemicals: Weak against petroleum products and many solvents. Alcohol wipes generally tolerated briefly.
• Water: Stable in cold water. Hot water causes softening and creep.
• Mechanical: Rigid but brittle. Poor long-term creep resistance under load.
• Best use: Visual, low-stress, indoor parts. Avoid heat, oils, fuels, long soaks.

PETG

• Heat: Better than PLA but still creeps under sustained warmth. Not suitable for high-heat soak.
• Chemicals: Tolerates water-based cleaners. Marginal with oils/petroleum over time.
• Water: Good water resistance. Dishwasher/steam not recommended.
• Mechanical: Tough and more flexible than PLA. Can creep under load.
• Best use: General shop containers, guards, light enclosures. Avoid long-term oil/solvent exposure.

TPU (95A)

• Heat: Low heat tolerance. Softens and deforms easily.
• Chemicals: Generally resistant to oils/greases. Solvents can swell the material.
• Water: Excellent water resistance.
• Mechanical: Flexible, impact resistant. Poor structural stiffness.
• Best use: Gaskets, bumpers, vibration isolation. Not structural; not for sharp edges.

ABS

• Heat: Good heat resistance. Better creep resistance than PETG.
• Chemicals: Resistant to many household chemicals. Attacked by some solvents.
• Water: Good water resistance.
• Mechanical: Tough, moderately flexible. Can crack under UV over time.
• Best use: Enclosures, moderate-heat shop parts. Indoor or protected outdoor use.

ASA

• Heat: Similar to ABS with improved stability.
• Chemicals: Good resistance to oils and cleaners. Still not solvent-proof.
• Water: Good water resistance.
• Mechanical: Tough and stable. Better long-term performance than ABS.
• Best use: Outdoor parts, sun exposure. Preferred ABS alternative when printing allows.

Nylon (PA – general)

• Heat: Good heat resistance. Maintains strength under warmth.
• Chemicals: Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, greases. Solvent sensitivity varies by formulation.
• Water: Hygroscopic; absorbs moisture. Wet nylon changes dimensions and strength.
• Mechanical: Strong, tough, fatigue resistant. Can creep under constant load.
• Best use: Functional mechanical parts. Requires drying and moisture control.

HDPE / PP (Non-Printed Liners / Inserts)

• Heat: Moderate heat tolerance. Not structural at elevated temps.
• Chemicals: Excellent chemical resistance. Suitable for petroleum and many solvents.
• Water: Excellent.
• Mechanical: Flexible, low stiffness.
• Best use: Liners/inserts for chemical containment; pair with printed structure for hybrid designs.

Conventions

• Keep this reference short and scannable.
• Use scenario canvases for decisions.
• Structural design guidance lives elsewhere.

Source: PDF “Material Resistance - Quick Reference”.