MATERIALS SELECTED FOR REAL-WORLD USE.
Material choice affects strength, appearance, weather resistance, heat tolerance, machinability, finish, and cost. Use this guide to compare common FabCo materials before requesting a quote.
Availability may vary by process, thickness, color, supplier stock, and project requirements.
3D PRINTING MATERIALS
Our 3D printing materials are selected primarily for functional parts, prototypes, fixtures, brackets, enclosures, and utility components.
| Material | Best For | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| PETG | General-purpose functional parts | Durable, good layer adhesion, moisture resistant, and suitable for many everyday applications | Less rigid than some technical materials; surface finish varies with geometry |
| ABS | Heat-tolerant parts and post-processed components | Good impact resistance, useful heat performance, and compatible with finishing techniques | More demanding to print and not ideal for every geometry |
| ASA | Outdoor and weather-exposed components | Strong UV and weather resistance with properties similar to ABS | Usually selected when environmental exposure justifies the added cost |
| Carbon-fiber reinforced materials | Rigid fixtures, jigs, brackets, and technical components | Increased stiffness, reduced visual layer texture, and good dimensional feel | Abrasive to equipment; strength depends on the base polymer and print orientation |
| Polycarbonate | High-demand functional applications | High toughness and useful temperature performance when properly designed and printed | Available only for suitable designs and project requirements |
CNC MATERIALS
CNC routing and milling are well suited to flat components, panels, plates, fixtures, templates, inserts, and repeatable parts produced from compatible stock.
| Material | Best For | Common Applications | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061 Aluminum | Light-duty machined components | Brackets, plates, prototypes, fixtures, and simple mechanical parts | Geometry, thickness, tool access, tolerances, and finish requirements affect feasibility |
| HDPE | Durable plastic utility components | Panels, guides, fixtures, wear surfaces, templates, and shop aids | Excellent for functional use; edges and surfaces are typically more industrial than decorative |
| Hardwood and softwood | Routed wood products and components | Signs, templates, fixtures, panels, decorative pieces, and small-batch goods | Grain, moisture, movement, and finishing requirements affect the result |
| Plywood and sheet goods | Flat routed parts and assemblies | Panels, inserts, templates, cabinetry components, furniture parts, and shop fixtures | Material grade, veneer quality, and internal voids influence cut quality |
| Packaging foam | Protective and organizational inserts | Tool cases, equipment cases, product packaging, presentation kits, and storage systems | Density and thickness should be selected for the protected item |
| Corrugated cardboard | Prototypes, templates, and short-run packaging | Mockups, package trials, dividers, inserts, and light-duty forms | Intended primarily for testing, packaging, and low-load applications |
LASER MATERIALS & PRODUCTS
Laser processing supports detailed cutting, engraving, marking, identification, personalization, and repeatable production on compatible materials.
| Material or Product | Best For | Common Applications | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood and plywood | Cutting and engraving | Signs, tags, templates, ornaments, panels, small products, and utility parts | Color, grain, resin, thickness, and finish affect appearance |
| Acrylic | Precision cutting and engraving | Panels, signs, displays, templates, inserts, labels, and product components | Cast and extruded acrylic produce different engraving and edge results |
| Leather | Cutting and engraving | Patches, tags, accessories, labels, and product accents | Only laser-compatible materials will be accepted |
| Coated tumblers and mugs | Surface engraving | Personalized products, branded goods, gifts, and small production runs | Coating consistency and blank construction affect the result |
| Customer-supplied blanks | Repeatable customization | Branded products, partner items, gifts, and small-batch fulfillment | Samples or testing may be required before production approval |
READY TO PRICE YOUR PROJECT?
Start with the instant quote tool to view available processes, materials, quantities, and options for your file.