3D Printing Materials
- Strength, flexibility, and durability comparison
- Heat resistance and material performance
- Selecting the ideal material for projects
Plastic Materials
ABS-Like Black is a durable material ideal for general prototyping. Its sleek black color and glossy upper surfaces resemble molded parts, while the sidewalls and underside have a matte finish. The material is known for its strong dimensional stability and moisture resistance, making it well-suited for creating functional prototypes.
[table “117” not found /]PA 12 Black is a strong nylon material, ideal for high-tensile applications. Final parts are dyed black and feature smooth surfaces with more isotropic mechanical properties than SLS materials. It offers finer resolution (0.02 in minimum feature size) compared to SLS (0.03 in) and is the best choice for designs requiring living hinges due to its durability and flexibility.
Metal Materials
Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) is a high-performance alloy with properties similar to a 3000 series alloy, commonly used in casting and die casting. It offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, high resistance to temperature and corrosion, and superior fatigue, creep, and rupture strength. The material’s properties are measured after stress relief, ensuring its durability in demanding applications.
[table “120” not found /]Cobalt-Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo) is a superalloy composed of cobalt and chromium, known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It offers excellent resistance to creep and corrosion, making it ideal for use in demanding applications. This material is used in the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) process for creating durable parts.
[table “141” not found /]Inconel 718 is a nickel-based superalloy known for its exceptional strength, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand extreme heat and mechanical stress. Commonly used in aerospace and demanding industrial applications, it delivers reliable performance in high-stress environments. Post-manufacturing processes, such as stress relief and solution-aging treatments, further optimize its mechanical properties, including tensile strength and durability.
[table “142” not found /]Stainless Steel 316L is commonly used for acid and corrosion-resistant parts. Parts made from 316L undergo stress relief treatment, and the material properties are measured post-treatment. This material is ideal for applications requiring high corrosion resistance. For more details, refer to the official page.
[table “144” not found /]Titanium (Ti6Al4V) is a versatile alloy known for its high tensile strength, elongation, and hardness, similar to wrought titanium. Final parts undergo vacuum stress relief, with material properties measured after this treatment. It’s commonly used in industries that require strong, durable materials. For more details, check the official page.
[table “145” not found /]Elastomer Materials
PolyJet technology allows for varying hardness and the combination of material properties in a single build, making it ideal for prototyping overmolded parts. With Shore A hardness ranging from 30A to rigid, it offers options in clear, translucent, white, and black colors, enabling a diverse range of design possibilities.
[table “121” not found /]True silicone is a 100% pure silicone material offered in various shore-A hardness options. It is ideal for producing functional prototypes and end-use products, with a temperature range of -30°C to +180°C (-22°F to +356°F). This versatility makes it suitable for applications requiring flexibility and durability in demanding conditions.
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