A planter in full sun. A screen that catches the light. A component that needs to hold its shape. Start with what you need to make, then choose the material with us.
Meet the materials.
Two names you’ll see in our workshop. Here’s what they mean.
PETG
PETG is a tough, melt-processable polyester. Its full name is polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified. Clear grades can give printed objects a translucent, layered finish.
Where you already see PETG
Packaging, display stands, protective covers and 3D-printed prototypes.
Where does it come from?
PETG begins as manufactured polymer resin. Recycled grades use recovered material, such as production scrap. The selected supplier’s data identifies its source and recycled content.
What matters in a printed part?
Wall thickness, print direction and geometry affect how the part behaves. We work through these alongside the material grade, loads and heat exposure.
PETG + glass fibre (GF)
GF stands for glass fibre. Short glass fibres are mixed into PETG to make a reinforced blend with greater stiffness. The result depends on the fibre content and print design.
Where glass-reinforced plastics are used
Vehicle parts, pipes, tool housings and seating. These use different resins and fibre blends; they are examples of the wider material family.
Where does it come from?
Glass is drawn into fine fibres, then short strands are blended with the plastic. The resin and fibres have separate supply chains; their origins depend on the chosen grade.
When would we consider reinforcement?
When stiffness is part of the brief. We assess the blend alongside the shape, connections and loads; adding fibres alone does not make a finished part structurally rated.
Shown here: pellet feedstock. The exact grade and finish are selected for each project.
Choose by use
Where will it live?
The setting helps us narrow the choices.
Inside
For screens, furniture and displays: start with light, texture, cleaning and everyday contact.
Outside
For planters, public art and landscape elements: start with sunlight, temperature, drainage and fixing points.
At work
For prototypes, tooling and components: start with loads, tolerances, heat and how the part connects.
From pellets to pieces.
Three printed examples from our collection. Look closely at how the layers meet the form.
Printed example · Clear PETG
Spine panels
Broad contours and translucent layers change the way light passes through a screen.
Recycled content, repair and recovery belong in the design brief.
Can we use recycled material?
Ask us about recycled grades for your project. We specify the material and its declared recycled content for the chosen grade, rather than applying one percentage to every piece.
How do we keep it in use?
Design for cleaning, accessible fixings and replaceable parts. A piece made for one space or event may be useful in the next.
Can it be recycled afterwards?
The route depends on the polymer, fibres, coatings and local facilities. Plan for disassembly and confirm a recycler that accepts the material. Large printed parts are not automatically suitable for household recycling.
Will it stand up to sunlight?
UV stability is a material’s resistance to damage from ultraviolet light. Sun exposure can affect colour and toughness; protection and performance vary by formulation.
For outdoor work, we check the selected grade’s UV and weathering data against the site and intended lifespan. PETG or GF on a label is not enough to confirm outdoor suitability.
Start with a sample.
Have a surface, colour or project in mind? Tell us what you’re making and where it will go. We’ll discuss suitable sample options, cost and timing.
