Materials

Materials we work with

The right material makes the part. ProtoAnything prototypes and manufactures in 60+ plastics, metals and silicones across four processes — browse by category to find the best fit, then upload your CAD file for an instant quote with DFM feedback.

CNC machining · 22 materials

Explore CNC machining

ProtoAnything CNC machines over 20 materials, spanning engineering plastics — ABS, Nylon (PA), PEEK, PEI (Ultem), Acrylic (PMMA), POM (Acetal/Delrin), PTFE (Teflon) and PVC — and metals including Aluminium, Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel and Titanium. This depth suits functional prototypes and end-use parts needing tight tolerances or chemical, thermal or wear resistance. Upload a CAD file for material-specific quoting across the UK, Sweden and Europe.

ABS

PlasticsCNC machining

Prototypes, enclosures, and automotive parts

Aluminium

MetalsCNC machining

Parts where weight matters, such as aerospace and automotive components

Brass

MetalsCNC machining

Decorative parts, electronic hardware, and valves

Copper

MetalsCNC machining

Electrical components, heat exchangers, and decorative parts

PA (Nylon)

PlasticsCNC machining

Mechanical parts, gears, and bearings

PEEK

PlasticsCNC machining

Demanding applications such as gears and bearings

PEI (Ultem)

PlasticsCNC machining

Electrical components and structural parts

PET

PlasticsCNC machining

Mechanical parts and high strength components

PMMA (Acrylic)

PlasticsCNC machining

Lenses, signs, and light guides

Polycarbonate (PC)

PlasticsCNC machining

Transparent components and protective shields

Polypropylene (PP)

PlasticsCNC machining

Brackets, bases, and high strength components

POM (Acetal/Delrin)

PlasticsCNC machining

Gears, bearings, and precision parts

PPE/PS

PlasticsCNC machining

Electronic components and structural parts

PPSU

PlasticsCNC machining

Medical and food contact applications

PS

PlasticsCNC machining

Models, prototypes, and low-stress components

PSU

PlasticsCNC machining

Medical and food contact applications

PTFE (Teflon)

PlasticsCNC machining

Seals, gaskets, and non-stick components

PVC

PlasticsCNC machining

Connectors, housings, and valves

Stainless Steel

MetalsCNC machining

Parts requiring strength and corrosion resistance, such as medical devices and marine applications

Steel

MetalsCNC machining

Structural components, gears, and shafts

Titanium

MetalsCNC machining

Aerospace applications, medical devices, and High-performance automotive parts

UHMW

PlasticsCNC machining

Bearings, gears, and wear pads

Injection molding · 28 materials

Explore Injection molding

ProtoAnything injection moulds 28+ materials, from commodity plastics like ABS, HDPE, PP and Nylon (PA) to engineering resins such as PEEK, PEI (Ultem), PC-ABS, POM and PPS, plus TPE/TPV, TPU and silicone rubbers, including medical-grade and optical-grade silicones. This range supports consumer parts, engineering components and biocompatible or optically clear applications. Upload a CAD file for material-specific quoting across the UK, Sweden and Europe.

ABS

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Consumer goods, automotive components

Fluorosilicone

ThermosetsInjection molding

Components that need to resist harsh chemicals

HDPE

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Packaging, containers, and piping systems

LCP

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

High-temperature electronic parts

LDPE

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Film applications, packaging

LLDPE

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Films, sheets, and injection moulded parts

Medical-Grade Silicone Rubber

ThermosetsInjection molding

Components that will be in direct contact with the body

Nylon (PA)

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Mechanical and structural parts

Optical Silicone Rubber

ThermosetsInjection molding

Ideal for light transmitting components

PBT

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Electrical and automotive parts

PC-ABS

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Demanding applications like automotive and electronics

PC/PBT

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Automotive parts, electrical components

PEEK

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Demanding applications such as aerospace, medical, and automotive

PEI (Ultem)

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

High performance electrical and structural components

PET

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Packaging and fibres

PETG

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Packaging and 3D printing

PMMA (Acrylic)

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Lenses, displays, and signs

Polycarbonate (PC)

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Optical and impact-resistant applications

Polypropylene (PP)

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Packaging, automotive parts, textiles

POM (Acetal/Delrin)

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Gears, bearings, and zippers

PPE/PS

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Electronic and electrical parts

PPS

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Automotive, electronics, and aerospace applications

PS

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Packaging, disposables, and insulation

PSU

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Medical and food contact applications

SB

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Toys, packaging, and disposables

Silicone Rubber

ThermosetsInjection molding

Ideal for components requiring flexibility and heat resistance

TPE/TPV

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Seals, gaskets, and soft touch grips

TPU

ThermoplasticsInjection molding

Footwear, automotive components, and cables

Sheet Metal Fabrication · 8 materials

Explore Sheet Metal Fabrication

ProtoAnything's sheet metal fabrication covers Aluminium, Brass, Carbon Steel, Copper and Stainless Steel, formed through cutting, bending and welding into enclosures, brackets, panels and structural parts. Finishing options include anodizing, galvanizing and powder coating for corrosion resistance and appearance. Upload a CAD file for material and finish-specific quoting with DFM feedback across the UK, Sweden and Europe.

Choosing a material

Material selection — frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right material for my prototype?
Material choice depends on function, environment, load, temperature and finish requirements — there's no single best material for every part. ProtoAnything offers 60+ materials across CNC machining, 3D printing, injection moulding and sheet metal fabrication, and reviews your CAD file to flag material fit alongside manufacturability. Upload a STEP, IGES, SLDPRT or STL file for an instant quote with DFM feedback across the UK, Sweden and Europe.
What plastics does ProtoAnything offer?
ProtoAnything works with a wide range of plastics across all four processes: ABS, Nylon (PA), Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, PEEK, PEI (Ultem), PET, PETG, PMMA (Acrylic), POM (Acetal/Delrin), PPSU, PSU, PTFE (Teflon), PVC, HDPE, LDPE, TPE/TPU and more, depending on whether you need CNC machining, 3D printing or injection moulding. Upload a CAD file to confirm plastic availability and get an instant quote across the UK, Sweden and Europe.
What metals does ProtoAnything work with?
ProtoAnything machines and prints a broad range of metals: Aluminium, Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Steel, Carbon Steel and Titanium via CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication, plus Aluminium, Titanium, Stainless Steel, Cobalt Chrome and Inconel via 3D printing. Metal choice depends on strength, weight and corrosion needs — upload a CAD file for material-specific guidance and an instant quote across the UK, Sweden and Europe.
Which materials are strongest or most heat-resistant?
For strength and heat resistance, ProtoAnything offers metals like Titanium, Stainless Steel and Inconel via CNC machining and 3D printing, and high-performance plastics like PEEK, PEI (Ultem) and PPSU, which retain strength at elevated temperatures. Cobalt Chrome adds wear and corrosion resistance for demanding parts. The right choice depends on your load and temperature range — upload a CAD file for material-specific guidance across the UK, Sweden and Europe.
Do you offer food-safe or medical-grade materials?
Yes. ProtoAnything's injection moulding material range includes medical-grade silicone rubbers alongside optical-grade silicones, suited to biocompatible components, seals and clear optical parts. Material certification and food-contact or biocompatibility requirements vary by application, so confirm specifics against your CAD file and intended use. Upload a CAD file for a quote and material guidance across the UK, Sweden and Europe.
Should I choose CNC machining, 3D printing, injection moulding or sheet metal for my material?
Process choice follows material and part function. CNC machining and 3D printing suit most plastics and metals for prototypes and low volumes; injection moulding suits high-volume plastic and silicone parts; sheet metal fabrication suits Aluminium, Brass, Carbon Steel, Copper and Stainless Steel formed into panels or enclosures. Upload a CAD file and ProtoAnything will confirm the right process for your material and volume across the UK, Sweden and Europe.

Not sure which material to use?

Upload your CAD file for a free, real-time quote — our engineers include DFM and material feedback.