Space Academy 3.0 is open — want to become a project contributor?Join in

Mechanical

3D Printing

Material choice, orientation, and settings for parts that survive matches.

1 min readUpdated Jul 21, 2026

Printed parts fail for two reasons: printed in the wrong orientation, or printed in the wrong material. Both are free to fix.

MaterialUseWatch out
PLA / PLA+Prototypes, brackets, mountsCreeps under sustained load
PETGStructural, impact-prone partsStringing; dry the filament
ABS/ASAHeat exposure, post-machiningWarps without an enclosure
Nylon / CFGears, high-wear partsVery hygroscopic

Settings that matterLink to this section

  • Layer lines must run perpendicular to the load, never along it.
  • 4+ perimeters beat high infill for strength per gram.
  • Add fillets at every internal corner — that is where cracks start.
  • Print holes undersized and drill to final size for press fits.