When you are deciding what type of material to use for your 3D printing project, it is important to consider a few key factors. Choosing the right material can be an instrumental part of creating strong and successful 3D prints.

Xometry offers top-quality 3D printing services to its customers around the globe. We also put together this guide to help you decide which material is best for your project 3D printing project. So take the time to explore all available options before selecting the perfect material for your next project.

Rigid Plastics

ABS

ABS, owing to its favourable thermoplastic properties, is a widely used material for 3D printing. Its 2270 MPa tensile modulus and 46 MPa of tensile strength make it suitable for modern applications and a replacement for conventional materials. The ABS material with its 221 – 227 ^oC melting temperature (20 ^oC/min), is easy to melt and shape during 3D printing.

• Key features: High rigidity • Excellent dimensional stability • Resistant to impact and scratches.
• Applications: It is generally used to produce 3D printing parts for automotive, manufacturing, and marine industries.
• See the datasheet

ABS M30

ABS M30 also termed Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene M30 is a tough material providing thermoplastic properties. It is highly impact-resistant and widely used to produce 3D printed components for FDM 3D printers. Its softening temperature is approximately 99°C. It is sensitive to sunlight and can be used to make functional prototypes and conceptual models.

• Key features: High resistance to water, phosphorous, and HCL • Sensitive to sunlight • Strong layer bonding • Impact resistance.
• Applications: It is extensively used for the production of conceptual models, end-user parts, and prototypes.
• See the datasheet

ABS-ESD7

ABS-ESD7 is a durable material with excellent thermoplastic properties and is suitable for electrostatic charge-sensitive applications. Its high impact strength and electrostatic-dissipative properties make it suitable for jigs and fixtures for electronic components. This ABS grade provides 3% elongation before the break. It offers a tensile modulus of 2400 MPa and tensile strength of 36 MPa.

• Key features: Excellent impact strength • Durability • Desired chemical properties • Electrostatic Dissipative
• Applications: It is suitable for a range of applications, including the manufacturing of jigs and fixtures for electronic parts. It is also appropriate for applications sensitive to static charges.
• See the datasheet

Alumide®/Nylon 12 (PA 12) filled with Aluminum

Nylon 12 (PA 12) is a metallic grey polyamide powder filled with aluminium, used in SLS type 3D printing. It is a strong and lightweight combination providing high rigidity and desired dimensional accuracy to 3D printing applications. This material, having a melting temperature of 176 ^oC, provides good machinability with good thermal conductivity.

• Key features: Good Machinability • Desired thermal conductivity • Hardness
• Applications: It is recommended for applications that rely on their lightweight and durability. Nylon 12, filled with aluminium, is ideal for printing circuit boards or electrical components.
• See the datasheet

ASA

ASA is an amorphous material with improved weather resistance. It offers excellent mechanical properties along with good resistance to chemicals and heat (100 ^oC glass transition temperature). Comes in a variety of colours and provides a seamless 3D printing experience owing to its UV resistance.

• Key features: Resistant to UV light and chemicals • Enhanced wear resistance • Improved mechanical and chemical properties.
• Applications: Considering its improved wear resistance, it is recommended to be used for hand and power tools. Owing to its UV light resistance, it can be used for outdoor appliances.
• See the datasheet

CE 221 (Cyanatester)

CE 221 (Cyanatester) is a thermosetting plastic material with excellent heat deflection properties. Its unconventional thermal stability and high strength make it useful in the aerospace industry. It is also used in the electronics industry owing to its heat-resistant characteristics. It offers a tensile modulus with a value of 3900 MPa. CE 221 is formulated to provide 200 ^oC of heat deflection temperature at 1.80 MPa while 230 ^oC at 0.45 MPa.

• Key features: Heat deflection • Enhanced thermal stability • Resistant to chemicals and UV light
• Applications: It’s primarily used in the aerospace industry. Owing to its high stiffness and heat-deflection properties, CE 221 is often used in the electronics and automotive industries.
• See the datasheet

DPR 10

DPR 10 is known to be a digital production resin formulated with the use of LCD-based 3D printers. It is a UV-curable photopolymer resin with excellent print quality making it ideal for use in a wide range of applications. DPR 10 offers rigidity and tensile strength of 45 MPa and a tensile modulus measuring 1800 MPa. It has excellent flexural strength measured to be 80 MPa.

• Key features: Rigidity • Outstanding print quality • UV Curable
• Applications: DPT 10 is often used in dental labs due to its high accuracy and excellent rigidity. Also used in orthodontic labs.
• See the datasheet

EPX 82

EPX 82 is known for its toughness and thermal stability. It is remarked upon owing to its biocompatibility and high tensile strength. With a tensile strength of 80 MPa and 130 MPa flexural strength, it offers a solution for housings, jigs, and light fixtures.

• Key features: Brittles and tough • Stability against UV radiations • Biocompatible.
• Applications: Its biocompatibility and high tensile strength make it an excellent material for light fixtures and jigs. Its properties like rigidity and durability attract automotive applications.
• See the datasheet

FPU 50

FPU 50 is a rigid plastic known as flexible polyurethane. It has fluorinated characteristics and semi-rigid behaviour providing low compression. FPU 50 provides high resistance to fatigue making it ideal for use in the electronics industry. It offers 700 MPa of tensile modulus and 25 MPa of tensile strength.

• Key features: Low compression • Impact resistance • Semi-rigid.
• Applications: It is primarily used in the electronics industry to seal fragile or pressure-sensitive components such as circuit boards. Underwater cabling and microelectronics are also applications of FPU 50.
• See the datasheet

Industrial Black, ABS-Like

Industrial black SL 7820 is a rigid plastic material commonly used in SLA-type 3D printing. It has a black appearance and provides excellent surface finishing. Its resistance to aqueous solutions and alcohol makes it suitable for consumer items and packaging. It is engineered to have a heat deflection temperature of 51^oC.

• Key features: Good stiffness and rigidity • Premium surface finish • Resistant to oil and fats.
• Applications: Its major applications include products that are frequently exposed to oil, alcohol, and aqueous solutions including automobile components, toys, coverings, and consumer packaging.
• See the datasheet

Industrial Grey, ABS-like

Other than moulding, Industry Grey (ABS-like) is also used for SLA-type 3D printing. It has a high tensile modulus ranging from 1790 – 1980 MPa providing excellent toughness and resistance to breaking. It is ideal for use in snap fits used in consumer products.

• Key features: Durability • Breakage resistant • Thermal resistance.
• Applications: It is suitable to be used in consumer and electronic products due to its toughness and thermal resistance.
• See the datasheet

Industrial Heat resistant, PC-like

It is a heat resistance Polycarbonate-like type of plastic formulated to provide high-impact resistance. Industrial heat resistance PC-like plastic can be used in applications subjected to high vibration levels. Owing to its high impact strength, it is ideal for products subjected to high stress.

• Key features: Excellent dimensional stability • High strength and brilliance • Chemical resistance.
• Applications: This polycarbonate plastic is primarily used in electronic components and electrical products due to its heat-resistive properties and dimensional stability.
• See the datasheet

Industrial Transparent, ABS-like

Industrial Transparent is an ABS-like, transparent plastic material used in applications that require low viscosity, toughness, and water resistance. Owing to its uncommon properties, it is suitable to be used in medical devices and concept models. Consumer electronics and optical lenses are another application. Its properties can be compared to standard ABS except for transparency.

• Key features: Transparency • Low viscosity • Water resistance.
• Applications: It is majorly used in medical electronics and consumer products including optical lenses and is also suitable for consumer electronics.
• See the datasheet

Industrial White, ABS-like

Accura Xtreme White 200 is a thermoplastic material with high-impact strength and durability. It is widely used in the production of strong plastic parts that are subjected to moisture. Industrial White ABS-like is known for its white finish with the finest sidewall quality while 3D printing. It offers a variety of automotive and medical applications.

• Key features: Excellent Finish • High impact strength • Durability.
• Applications: It is primarily used in the manufacturing of medical devices and automotive parts owing to its thermoplastic nature.
• See the datasheet

Standard Black, ABS-like

It is an opaque polymeric substance formulated to provide a good surface finish and detail. Standard black is suitable for SLA 3D printing. It offers low water absorption, and resistance to alcohols, oils, and fats. As suggested by the name, it is black.

• Key features: Low water absorption • Stiff • Tough.
• Applications: It is originally formulated to be used to print automobile components and electronic coverings. It is also used for consumer packaging and toys.
• See the datasheet

Standard ESD, ABS-like

ESD (electrostatic discharge) is an electrically conductive plastic polymer similar to ABS in terms of quality and use. This material is frequently used in the electronics industry and in situations where static electricity is a concern. To protect delicate electronic components, this material is designed to disperse static electricity. 

• Key features: Electrical conductivity • High strength • Durable • Static-dissipation.
• Applications: ESD plastic is useful in a variety of industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, electronics assembly, film processing, and flat panel display manufacturing.
• See the datasheet

Standard Flexible 80A, Silicone-like

Standard Flexible 80A is an elastomeric resin developed to print stiff, flexible pieces that replicate rubber’s flexibility. It is a high-viscosity material and requires post-curing to reach its optimal mechanical properties.

• Key features: High viscosity • Flexible • Soft to the touch.
• Applications: It is used for a soft touch, tactile prototypes, seals and gaskets, and consumer products. It is also suitable for anatomical models used in the medical field.
• See the datasheet

Standard Heat resistant, PC-like

As suggested by the name, it is a PC-like material specially formulated to provide heat resistance plastic material for 3D printing while providing high strength. It is of great concern in industries including medical, lighting, defence, and automotive. This material’s advantages include good formability, high dielectric strength, formability, and outstanding durability.

• Key features: Durability • Good dielectric strength • Formability.
• Applications: This material is frequently used in applications requiring high heat resistance, including automotive, lighting, military, medical, and aerospace applications.
• See the datasheet

Standard Transparent, ABS-like

Standard Transparent is a PP-like material engineered to provide abrasion resistance and high impact resistance. Owing to its flexibility and resistance to wear and tear, this PP-like material is suitable to produce various parts for industries including aerospace, automobile, and packaging. It has 50 MPa of tensile strength and 81.4 MPa of flexural strength. It can be elongated by 12% before breaking.

• Key features: Abrasion resistance • Improved impact strength • Wear and tear resistance • Easy process-ability.
• Applications: It is greatly used for printing with FDM and SLA-type 3D printing. Electronic and electric industries are common applications.
• See the datasheet

Standard White, ABS-like

It is an ABS-like polymer, or Standard White, which is a type of engineering thermoplastic with great dimensional stability. It’s extensively used in injection moulding and 3D printing. This substance is also chemically resistant and UV stable. The ABS-like polymer has a high tensile modulus of 2900 – 3700 MPa offering flexural strength of 65 MPa. Its heat deflection temperature is measured to be 42 ^oC at 1.80 MPa.

• Key features: Flexibility • Low shrinkage and dimensional stability • High durability and strength.
• Applications: Functional prototypes, medical devices, snap-fit assemblies, medical gadgets, and electronic components are all made from white ABS-like material.
• See the datasheet

Nylon 11 / PA 11

Nylon 11 is a high-impact resistant plastic material suitable for MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) type 3D printing. PA 11 with a shore hardness of 80 offers great impact resistance and heat deflection temperature of 50 – 157^oC. It offers 100% bio-compatibility and 70% re-usability providing excellent material for containers of consumer goods.

• Key features: Re-usability • Bio-compatibility • Resistant to hydrocarbons.
• Applications: Owing to its biocompatibility and resistance to hydro-carbons, it is used for cases and containers of consumer goods.
• See the datasheet

Nylon 12 (PA 12) glass-filled (MJF)

PA 12 is a glass-filled type of polyamide power used for 3D printing parts that require stiffness and durability using MJF 3d printing technique. Nylon 12 is reinforced with glass fibres and has improved compressive strength and heat distortion temperature. It has a tensile modulus of 3200 MPa and tensile strength of 51 MPa.

• Key features: Stiffness • Tensile strength • Cost-effective.
• Applications: Considering its stiffness and tensile strength, it is widely used in the manufacturing of automotive and aerospace parts.
• See the datasheet

Nylon 12 (PA 12) glass-filled (SLS)

Nylon 12 is a polyamide powder that comes with reinforced glass fibres to provide enhanced compressive strength and stiffness. This material is used to 3D print parts using SLS technique, which rely on consistency and durability. Its hardness is measured to be R 82.

• Key features: Heat distortion temperature • Compressive strength • Economical.
• Applications: It is primarily used in printing parts that are subjected to load under high-temperature environments.
• See the datasheet

Nylon 12 / PA 12 (FDM)

Nylon 12 or Polyamide 12 is a strong and durable thermoplastic with key characteristics useful in the production of 3D-printed parts. PA 12 has strong mechanical resilience and a low coefficient of friction. It produces rough surfaces owing to the initial powdery form of nylon.

• Key features: Fatigue resistance • Toughness • Mechanical resilience.
• Applications: It is prominently formulated for Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing of various applications including automotive parts, aerospace as well as medical components.
• See the datasheet

Nylon 12 / PA 12 (MJF)

Polyamide 12 is a popular 3D printing material with enhanced mechanical properties solving problems such as low toughness and tensile strength. It also offers great impact strength needed in parts that require flexibility. Nylon 12 offers resistance to water and can be slightly stretched without fracture.

• Key features: Can be slightly flexed without fracture • Low water absorption • Impact resistance.
• Applications: PA 12 is commonly used for sterilised films for packaging items in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its flexibility, heat resistance, and biocompatibility.
• See the datasheet

Nylon 12 / PA 12 (SLS)

Nylon 12 is one of the most famous SLS 3D printing materials. It has good impact strength and can be slightly flexed without fracture. It offers a melting point of 176 ^oC and high thermal resistance. Nylon 12 is a biocompatible material that is extensively used in food and pharmaceutical packaging.

• Key features: Toughness • Impact resistance • Can be slightly bent without fracture.
• Applications: Nylon 12/ PA 12 is a common material for use in the pharmaceutical field and food packaging owing to its biocompatibility and enhanced thermal resistance.
• See the datasheet

Nylon 12 flame retardant / PA 2241 FR

Nylon 12 flame retardant is a polyamide-12-based material with excellent chemical resistance and stability. As suggested by the name, it is flame retardant and offers good tensile strength and elasticity. PA 2241 FR offers enhanced tensile strength and is suitable for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

• Key features: Chemical resistance • Flame retardant • Thermal stability.
• Applications: Nylon 12 is formulated to be used in exhaust valves in aircraft, and ventilation ducts in aerospace and aeronautical applications.
• See the datasheet

Nylon 12 full-colour / CB PA 12

CB PA 12 is a fibre composite material with semi-crystalline nature consisting of 35% carbon fibre with 0.15 mm fibre length. Nylon 12 colour can be dyed in a wide range of colours and it comes with the highest weight ratio among other 3D printing materials.

• Key features: Electrostatic properties • UV resistance • Conduction.
• Applications: Nylon 12 is primarily designed to be a 3D printing filament available in multiple colours. It is used for consumer goods, automotive parts, and various industrial items.
• See the datasheet

Nylon 12CF / PA 12 Carbon-filled

PA 12 is a carbon-filled thermoplastic polymer used in engineering applications like FDM 3D printing. It is a semi-crystalline strong and lightweight material providing excellent chemical and moisture resistance. Nylon 12 CF offers abrasion resistance and enhanced structural properties. It comprises 35% carbon fibre and allows freedom of design.

• Key features: Light in weight • Desired structural properties • chemical and moisture resistance.
• Applications: It is commonly used in manufacturing automobile and industrial components considering its structural properties.
• See the datasheet

PA 11 Food Grade

PA 11 is a food contact-compliant material with PA 11 powder. It is an FDA-approved material suitable for use in food contact applications including moulds, nozzles, and machine parts for both direct and indirect machining. It has an excellent tensile modulus of 1800 MPa and provides 35 – 50 % elongation at break.

• Key features: FDA-approved • Ductile • highly resistant to staining and odours.
• Applications: PA 11 food grade is usually used to produce blue colour parts. Additionally, it is used in the production of moulds, nozzles, grippers, and machine parts.
• See the datasheet

PA 12 Food Grade

PA 12 is a food-grade material used in the production of high-quality injection moulding plastic. As it is FDA-approved, biocompatible material, it has various medical applications. It allows a number of finishing operations after manufacturing. It is also known to be a replacement for injection moulding plastic.

• Key features: Bio-compatible • Enhanced strength • Chemical resistant.
• Applications: PA 12 food grade is majorly used in medical applications owing to its biocompatibility. It is also used for food-grade parts requiring high quality.
• See the datasheet

PC (Polycarbonate)

PC is a high-strength naturally transparent plastic material with enhanced durability and impact resistance. It also offers heat and shatters resistance. Being a mixture of bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene, it provides high stiffness and viscosity. The PC has a flexural strength of 103.4 MPa.

• Key features: Transparent • Shatter resistant • Heat resistant.
• Applications: PC is used in applications such as eyewear, construction materials, electronics, and beverage packaging. Moreover, it is also used in medical devices.
• See the datasheet

PC ISO (Polycarbonate ISO 10993 USP Class VI)

PC ISO is a strong material commonly used in FDM-type 3D printing. It has all the properties to provide strong, heat resistance and biocompatibility. As it is USP Class VI medical grade material, it can be used in food and drug packaging. It is also approved by the FDA.

• Key features: Bio and medical compatible • USP Class VI medical grade • Wear and tear resistance.
• Applications: PC ISO is classified to be used in biomedical applications including food and drug packaging. It has USP Class VI medical-grade plastic specifications.
• See the datasheet

PC-ABS Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a durable thermoplastic that offers great impact resistance for applications that rely on durability and dimensional stability. It also offers high shatter resistance and high optical clarity for typical parts used in the electronic industry i.e. glove boxes.

• Key features: High optical clarity • Toughness and stiffness • Dimensional stability.
• Applications: It is primarily engineered for FDM-type 3D printing of parts that are intended to offer great strength and durability. The automotive and aerospace industries are typical areas of application.
• See the datasheet

PEEK

PEEK, also known as Polyetheretherketone is a hard and stiff material with a unique combination of mechanical and chemical attributes. It has high strength, and resistance to stress-crack, fatigue, and high-pressure water. PEEK bears a low coefficient of friction, offers radiation resistance, and is suitable for a variety of applications considering its 3792 MPa of tensile modulus.

• Key features: Mechanical strength • Hardness • Resistance to fatigue, crack, and radiation.
• Applications: It is majorly used in applications that require a unique set of mechanical properties. The applications include valves, seals, bearings, tubes, medical implants, and electric insulations.
• See the datasheet

PETG

PETG is a strong and flexible material that can be heat-formed at low temperatures. It provides a unique blend of properties to create parts that are strong and flexible at the same time. It offers greater durability than PET and has a soft surface. It is famous for its formability and environmental friendliness. PETG, offering 2020 MPa of tensile modulus, enters the pool of high-strength material. It is measured to have Rockwell hardness R 105.

• Key features: Flexibility • Hardness • Low forming temperature • Recyclability.
• Applications: Owing to its soft surface and low forming temperature, it is primarily used for making consumer applications including bottles for liquid beverages and food containers.
• See the datasheet

PLA

PLA is a polymer derived from renewable resources and can be melted at a temperature range of 145 – 160^oC. Polylactic Acid is a blend of properties lying between PET and polystyrene. It is easily melted and moulded while retaining its mechanical qualities. PLA has a softening temperature of 60^oC and a low glass transition temperature making it incompatible for use in carrying hot liquid.

• Key features: Low glass transition temperature • Biodegradable • Derived from renewable sources.
• Applications: PLA has primary applications such as plastic films, medical devices, bottles, and automotive parts. 
• See the datasheet

Polypropylene (PP) (MJF)

PP is a thermoplastic polymer belonging to a group of polyolefins having harder and heat-resistant attributes. It is light in weight and also durable. PP is suitable for applications that require heat-resistant and chemical-resistant material available in a variety of colours. Polypropylene is known to be tough and fatigue-resistant making it usable in electrical insulation.

• Key features: Fatigue resistance • Resistant to moisture • Great impact strength.
• Applications: It is applicable in electrical insulation owing to its great fatigue resistance and toughness. It is suitable for domestic and industrial applications including tape, carpets, clothing, and ropes. 
• See the datasheet

Polypropylene (PP) (SLS)

It is an excellent material for SLS-type 3D printing. Polypropylene (PP) comes in a partially crystalline nature with properties similar to polyethylene. It is a white, mechanically tough substance with strong chemical resistance. With a tensile modulus of 1600 MPa and 150% elongation before the break, PP is a widely used material for the most produced commodity plastic globally.

• Key features: Moisture resistance • Heat resistance • Lightweight.
• Applications: It is commonly used for tote bags, twine, upholstery, and camping equipment. Its low water absorption property makes it suitable for the marine sector.
• See the datasheet

RPU 70

RPU 70 also known as Rigid Polyurethane is a high-strength, stiff material with resistance to heat. It has a good heat deflection nature and provides a good surface finish. RPU 70 offers a variety of colours and is available in a range of densities. It has modest heat resistance, with a heat deflection temperature of 60°C. Considering its resistance to oil, greases, and chemicals, it is applicable in versatile industrial applications.

• Key features: Weathering resistance • Durability • Chemical resistivity.
• Applications: It is often used in manufacturing industrial components owing to its durability and weathering resistance. RPU 70 is suitable in housings, clips, brackets, and covers across a broad set of industries.
• See the datasheet

Silica Glass

Silica Glass, as suggested by the name, is found in the glassy form of quartz. It is an isotropic material with a tough and hard nature. Silica Glass expands slowly and works well in insulation i.e. thermal and electrical. It is chemically inactive in most substances. It has a very high tensile modulus of 7400 MPa and excellent flexural strength of 65-95 MPa. Silica Glass melts at 1600 ^oC and expands slowly when cooled.

• Key features: Chemically inactive to most substances • High purity • Excellent heat resistance.
• Applications: Owing to its enhanced resistive nature against heat and electricity, it is widely used for electrical and heat insulation. It is also used for crucibles, beakers, and evaporators.
• See the datasheet

ULTEM 1010

ULTEM 1010 also known as Polyetherimide (PEI) is highly heat resistant resin used in injection moulding and extrusion processes. It is used in applications that require high strength along with stability at high temperatures. It is similar to Nylon 6.68. (9800). Its excellent tensile modulus and low coefficient of thermal expansion make it suitable for manufacturing applications where dimensional stability is important.

• Key features: Chemical resistance • Biocompatibility • Low Coefficient of thermal expansion.
• Applications: It is primarily used in injection moulding and extrusion processes for manufacturing pipes, sheeting, and wire insulation.
• See the datasheet

ULTEM 9085

ULTEM 9085 is a high-strength, flame-retardant material providing high-impact strength. It is known for its mechanical strength and stiffness allowing the manufacturing of high-quality parts. It is ideal for prototyping jigs and fixtures, and composite mould. It offers a low coefficient of friction and tensile modulus of 2150 – 2270 MPa.

• Key features: Heat resistance • Flame retardant • Chemical resistance • Low CoF.
• Applications: ULTEM 9085 is suitable to be used in FDM type 3D printing of tools and fixtures. It is also used in manufacturing composite moulds.
• See the datasheet

UMA 90

UMA 90 is a high-performance polyurethane providing the right balance of stiffness and strength. It also offers excellent resistance to abrasion along with a tensile modulus of 1400 MPa. Urethane Methacrylate is also resistant to chemicals, oil and grease, and fuels. 

• Key features: Smooth surface finish • Abrasion resistance • High strength.
• Applications: UMA 90 is applicable in areas with potential exposure to chemicals, oil, grease, and fuels. Offering high strength and stiffness, it can be used in gears, fixtures, and jigs.
• See the datasheet

Flexible Plastics

Flex TPU

Flex TPU is a thermoplastic Polyurethane that provides high elasticity making it an ideal material for parts that require rubber-like characteristics. It is available in powdered form and rubber-like colour and allows excellent prototyping. In addition, it also offers chemical resistivity and a 250% elongation before breaking.

• Key features: High Elasticity • Rubber-like characteristics • Chemical resistivity.
• Applications: Its common applications include automotive instrument panels, medical devices, and sporting goods. Owing to its rubber-like characteristics, it is suitable for drive belts and footwear.
• See the datasheet

TPU (Polyurethane)

TPU is a thermoplastic material with a semi-flexible attribute formulated for applications that require plastic and rubber-like characteristics. It provides strong inter-layer bonding and great resistance to chemicals. It offers 580% elongation at the break-point and has good corrosion resistance.

• Key features: Enhanced corrosion resistance • Flexibility • Chemical resistance.
• Applications: As it is semi-flexible, it is majorly used in 3D printing sleeves, guides, protective cases, and functional prototypes.
• See the datasheet

Rubber-like Plastics

EPU 40

EPU 40 is an elastic polyurethane offering high abrasion resistance. This material shows an exceptional balance of properties with its good tear strength showing 400% elongation at break. Its hardness is measured to be R 71 – 72 and is widely used in high-stress components.

• Key features: Elastic under tension • Low compression • Excellent abrasion resistance and resilience.
• Applications: EPU 40 has a wide range of applications including gasket seals used in piping and high-stress components.
• See the datasheet

SIL 30

Silicone Urethane is a biocompatible filament often used in DLS-type 3D printing. It is used in producing products that rely on durability, strength, and high quality. It is popular in industries owing to its biocompatibility and tear resistance. It has a glass transition temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and a shore hardness of 35. It is safe for skin contact and used in the printing of wearables. It can be compared to commercial TPE.

• Key features: Biocompatible • Tear resistance • High-quality finish.
• Applications: As it provides safe skin contact, it is mostly used in printing headphones, wristbands, and various wearables. It is also used in the automotive industry to print bike handles.
• See the datasheet

Silicone Rubbers

True Silicone (A50)

True Silicone is a highly suitable material for SLA 3D printing. It is made from 100% silicone and has a high resolution providing the desired surface finish. A50 provides resistance to acids, bases, and non-polar solvents. It is also cheaper than injection moulding.

• Key features: Enhanced resolution • Surface finish • Wear resistance • High elasticity.
• Applications: It is used for applications that require high elasticity with excellent surface finish including rubber moulds, models, and prototyping.
• See the datasheet

Photopolymers

Photopolymer, rigid

It is a rigid photopolymer with extensive properties making it strong and durable. It is known to be an ideal material for 3D printing parts that are intended to be rigid. It is the preferred material for medical devices and opaque mechanical components. It is composed of a photopolymer and rigid substrate offering brilliant colour. Photopolymer (rigid) offers an improved tensile modulus measure value of 2200 – 4100 MPa.

• Key features: Flamboyant • High rigidity •Excellent Strength.
• Applications: It is primarily used for patterns, prototypes, functional models, and light functional testing. 
• See the datasheet

Plastic Alloys Mechanical Properties Comparison Chart

Aluminium

Aluminium Al-Si10Mg

It is an aluminium alloy including silicon as well as trace amounts of magnesium and iron. It’s an aluminium alloy with silicon and trace amounts of magnesium and iron. The material has good corrosion resistance due to the spontaneous production of an oxide layer on the surface of the aluminium alloy, which can be further strengthened by chemically anodizing.

• Key features: Good thermal conductivity • Electrical conductivity • Low density.
• Applications: It is primarily used in motorsports and 3D printing functional prototypes. It is also suitable for series-production parts.
• See the datasheet

Cobalt Chrome

Cobalt chrome/ CoCr

CoCr is a metallic alloy formed with a blend of cobalt and chromium. It is known for its high specific strength and has wide industrial usage. It is also used as a replacement for titanium in knee implants.

• Key features: Specific strength • Hard and tough • Biocompatible.
• Applications: Cobalt chrome has typical applications in dental implants and gas turbines. It is also suitable for orthopaedic implants
• See the datasheet

Steel

Tool steel 1.2709/ MS1

It is steel used for industrial applications owing to its ultra-high strength. Tool steel 1.2709 is created by combining iron with carbon and another element. Tool steel’s hardness is determined by the amount of carbon in it. It is ideal for applications that are intended to have a low wear rate and easy machinability. It is highly ductile and has a yield strength of 2180 MPa and a hardness of R 550.

• Key features: Ultra-high strength • High wear resistance • Tough.
• Applications: Tool steel is often used in die-casting tools and plastic injection moulding. 
• See the datasheet

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel 17-4PH/ 1.4542/ X5CrNiCuNb 16-4

Stainless Steel 17-4PH is a mixture of chromium-nickel copper steel providing high strength and desired toughness. It offers good corrosion resistance and is highly useful in aerospace and high-technology-driven industries. It offers a tensile strength of 1070 N/mm².

• Key features: Tensile strength • Stiffness.
• Applications: Stainless Steel 17-4PH is heavily used in the manufacturing of gears, turbine blades, moulding dies, and shafts. 
• See the datasheet

Stainless Steel 316L/ 1.4404/ X2CrNiMo17-12-2

SS 316L is a popular material for 3D printing parts that require solidity and functionality. The addition of chrome gives it the benefit of resistance to corrosion. SS 316L is easy to handle when 3D printing. It is widely used in the medical field, aeronautical, automobiles, and domestic products. It can be used in DMLS and SLM-type 3D printing.

• Key features: Corrosion resistance • Strength • Dimensional accuracy.
• Applications: SS 316L is suitable for use in the medical and aeronautical industries. It is also used to print automobile spare parts. 
• See the datasheet

Inconel

Inconel 718

It is an alloy used in the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) 3D printing technique. Inconel 718 provides a high tensile strength of 1375 MPa. It is difficult to weld but provides good machinability. Its corrosion resistance characteristics make it suitable for the aerospace industry and military equipment.

• Key features: Corrosion resistance • Good machinability • High Strength.
• Applications: It is majorly used in the aerospace industry due to its resistance to corrosion and extreme pressure. It is suitable for military equipment as it can bear up to 700 ^oC of elevated temperature.
• See the datasheet

Titanium

Titan Grade 5 / 3.7164 / 3.7165 / Ti-6Al-4V

Titan Grade 5 is a blend of 6.75% aluminium, 4.5% vanadium, and traces of iron. When compared to pure titanium, it is an excellent 3D printing material for providing exceptional strength while retaining some stiffness and thermal characteristics. Titan Grade 5 offers 830 MPa of yield strength and 895 MPa of tensile strength with R 310 hardness.

• Key features: Easy Machinability • High Strength • Corrosion resistance • Weldability.
• Applications: As it can withstand harsh environmental and industrial factors, it is suitable for producing subsea oil and gas structures. 
• See the datasheet

Metal Alloys Mechanical Properties Comparison Chart (DMLS)

Source Your Custom 3D Printed Parts at Xometry

Xometry is the leading manufacturer of custom 3D-printed parts and components. With a huge selection of materials, ranging from polyamide to aluminium alloys, we have everything you need to find the right fit for your project. Plus, with Xometry’s instant online quoting system, you can get a quote within minutes and have your custom part shipped directly to you in a matter of days.

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