Materials & Capabilities

Materials selected around the part, environment and end use

We work with a practical range of FDM and SLA materials for prototypes, replacement components, low-volume production, production aids and functional end-use parts.
Material choice depends on more than strength alone. We consider the intended use, working environment, fit, flexibility, appearance, temperature exposure and production requirements before recommending a suitable route.

PRACTICAL CAPABILITY

More than material choice alone.

The right result depends on the full process, not only the material name. We support projects with appropriate print methods, material guidance and practical production planning.

Capability items

FDM
Printing

Suitable for functional prototypes, replacement parts, production aids, jigs, fixtures and repeatable small-batch components

SLA /
Resin Printing

Suitable for fine-detail parts, smooth-surface components, transparent parts and selected functional applications.

One-Off to Low-Volume Production

We support individual parts, prototype runs and repeatable low-volume batches depending on the project requirements.

Fibre-Reinforced Materials

Selected fibre-filled materials are available for appropriate functional applications where stiffness or material performance is important.

Inserts and
Basic Assembly

Threaded inserts, fitting and basic assembly can be provided where suitable and agreed as part of the project.

Post-Processing
& Finishing

Support removal, cleaning, sanding, smoothing and other finishing processes may be available depending on the material and application.

Material
Guidance

If you are not sure which material is suitable, we can review the application and recommend a practical starting point.
FDM MATERIALS

Functional thermoplastics for a wide range of applications.

FDM materials are often the most practical choice for prototypes, replacement components, production aids and small-batch parts. Different materials offer different balances of strength, stiffness, impact resistance, heat resistance, appearance and durability.

PLA

A versatile and cost-effective material for prototypes, concept models and general-purpose printed parts.

Typical uses

  • concept models
  • fit-check prototypes
  • non-demanding functional parts
  • presentation parts
  • light-duty custom components

Typical uses

  • concept models
  • fit-check prototypes
  • non-demanding functional parts
  • presentation parts
  • light-duty custom components

Key qualities

  • easy to print
  • good dimensional stability
  • clean surface finish
  • cost-effective for early prototypes

Considerations

PLA is not usually the best choice for parts exposed to higher temperatures, heavy loading or more demanding outdoor use.

PETG

A practical material for functional parts requiring better toughness and general durability than PLA.

Typical uses

  • functional brackets
  • housings and enclosures
  • workshop aids
  • general-purpose end-use parts
  • moisture-tolerant applications

Key qualities

  • good toughness
  • improved durability over PLA
  • good general-purpose performance
  • suitable for many functional applications

Considerations

Surface finish and stiffness may differ from more specialised engineering materials.

ASA

A durable material suited to outdoor and more demanding functional applications.

Typical uses

  • outdoor-use parts
  • automotive-related components
  • housings and enclosures
  • functional brackets
  • replacement parts exposed to temperature variation

Key qualities

  • good weather resistance
  • suitable for outdoor exposure
  • better heat resistance than PLA
  • practical for durable functional parts

Considerations

ASA requires more controlled printing conditions than easier general-purpose materials.

PETG Carbon Fibre

A reinforced PETG-based material offering a more technical appearance and improved stiffness for suitable applications.

Typical uses

  • functional brackets
  • housings
  • production aids
  • practical parts where a stiffer PETG-type material is useful

Key qualities

  • improved stiffness compared to standard PETG
  • technical matte finish
  • suitable for many functional applications
  • good visual appearance for practical parts

Considerations

Material behaviour depends on part design and application. Carbon-fibre-filled materials are not automatically stronger in every direction or every use case.

PA12 + 15% Carbon Fibre

A higher-performance technical material for demanding functional components where stiffness, durability and material performance are important.

Typical uses

  • automotive components
  • structural brackets
  • fixtures
  • replacement parts
  • demanding workshop and machine applications 

Key qualities

  • strong functional performance
  • improved stiffness
  • technical, durable material
  • suitable for higher-demand applications

Considerations

This material is more specialised and may not be necessary for simpler or lower-cost applications.

PC+PBT

A robust engineering-grade material suited to more demanding practical applications.

Typical uses

  • technical enclosures
  • functional machine parts
  • brackets and supports
  • practical end-use components

Key qualities

  • tough and durable
  • suited to functional use
  • appropriate for more demanding parts
  • useful where a higher-performance thermoplastic is needed

Considerations

This is a more advanced material and is usually chosen for a practical reason rather than general prototyping.

TPU

A flexible material for parts that require resilience, cushioning or controlled movement.

Typical uses

  • flexible components
  • protective covers
  • pads and bumpers
  • seals and soft-contact parts
  • specialist functional components

Key qualities

  • flexible
  • durable
  • impact-tolerant
  • suited to parts requiring elastic behaviour

Considerations

Flexible materials require different design and production considerations compared with rigid plastics.

RESIN MATERIALS

Fine detail, smoother surfaces and specialist resin options.

Resin printing is useful for fine-detail components, smoother surface finishes, transparent parts and selected functional applications. Material choice depends on the required strength, flexibility, appearance and intended use.

Standard Resin

A practical resin for detailed visual parts, prototypes and general-purpose resin applications.

Typical uses

  • visual prototypes
  • presentation parts
  • detailed models
  • test components

Key qualities

  • fine detail
  • smooth surface finish
  • accurate small features
  • good presentation quality

Considerations

Standard resin is not always the best choice for parts requiring higher toughness or flexibility.

Tough Resin

A more durable resin for parts that need better resilience than standard presentation resins.

Typical uses

  • tougher prototype parts
  • practical resin components
  • small functional parts
  • development pieces requiring improved durability

Key qualities

  • more resilient than standard resin
  • useful for selected functional applications
  • good detail and finish
  • suitable for practical prototypes

Considerations

Even tougher resins should still be chosen with the application and geometry in mind.

Flexible Resin

A resin option for components requiring controlled flexibility or soft behaviour.

Typical uses

  • flexible features
  • specialist prototype parts
  • soft-contact components
  • demonstration parts requiring movement or elasticity

Key qualities

  • flexible behaviour
  • useful for specialised applications
  • good detail reproduction
  • suitable for design evaluation of softer features

Considerations

Flexible resin is a specialist material and is chosen where flexibility is required, not as a general-purpose option.

Clear Rigid Resin

A transparent resin suitable for clear or translucent parts where appearance and detail are important.

Typical uses

  • functional brackets
  • housings
  • production aids
  • practical parts where a stiffer PETG-type material is useful

Key qualities

  • transparent appearance
  • fine detail
  • suitable for specialist visual applications
  • useful where a clear part is required

Considerations

The final optical finish depends on part geometry and any post-processing applied after printing.

IN DEVELOPMENT

Additional reinforced materials coming soon.

We are continuing to test additional reinforced materials for more demanding functional applications. These options will be added once print settings, repeatability and expected performance have been properly validated.
  • ASA + Kevlar — Coming Soon
  • ASA + Glass Fibre — Coming Soon
  • ASA + Carbon Fibre — Coming Soon
  • PC+PBT + Glass Fibre — Coming Soon
  • PC+PBT + Carbon Fibre — Coming Soon
MATERIAL GUIDANCE

Material choice begins with the application.

There is rarely one material that is best for every application. We consider the part geometry, intended use, working environment and production method before recommending a material.

Factors we consider

Where several options may work, we can explain the practical differences and help identify a suitable starting point.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE

Compare material samples in person.

Selected material samples can be viewed at our Swindon workspace by appointment. This can help demonstrate differences in surface finish, stiffness, flexibility and printed appearance before a material is chosen for a project.

Material sample availability may vary.

RETAIL FILAMENT & PRODUCTS

Use 3D printers in your own business?

Blue Box Goblin is the product and retail side of Maikoot Limited. If your business operates its own 3D printers, or you would like to explore selected filament and related products, please visit the Blue Box Goblin store.

Only materials genuinely available for retail purchase should be shown or implied as stocked.

FAQ

Common material questions.

There is no universal best option. The right material depends on the application, geometry, environment, strength, flexibility, appearance and budget.
No. You can explain what the part needs to do and we can help identify a suitable starting point.
No. Colour availability depends on the material, grade, supplier availability and project requirements.
Yes, suitable materials can be used for outdoor applications where appropriate, depending on the part and environment.
Selected samples can be viewed at our Swindon workspace by appointment.
Yes — selected filament and related products are available through Blue Box Goblin.

Which material is best for my part?

There is no universal best option. The right material depends on the application, geometry, environment, strength, flexibility, appearance and budget.

Do I need to choose a material before requesting a quote?

No. You can explain what the part needs to do and we can help identify a suitable starting point.

Are all materials available in every colour?

No. Colour availability depends on the material, grade, supplier availability and project requirements.

Can you print outdoor-use parts?

Yes, suitable materials can be used for outdoor applications where appropriate, depending on the part and environment.

Can I see material samples?

Selected samples can be viewed at our Swindon workspace by appointment.

Do you sell filament?

Yes — selected filament and related products are available through Blue Box Goblin.
NOT SURE WHAT TO CHOOSE?

Tell us what the part needs to do.

You do not need to know the exact material before getting in touch.

Send the information you have, explain the intended use and any known requirements, and we can help identify a suitable material and production route.