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Most common 3d printing materials
Guide to 3D Printing Materials: Types, Applications, and Properties
3D printing empowers you to prototype and manufacture parts for a wide range of applications quickly and cost-effectively. But choosing the right 3D printing process is just one side of the coin. Ultimately, it'll be largely up to the materials to enable you to create parts with the desired mechanical properties, functional characteristics, or looks.
This comprehensive guide to 3D printing materials showcases the most popular plastic and metal 3D printing materials available, compares their properties, applications, and describes a framework that you can use to choose the right one for your project.
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There are dozens of plastic materials available for 3D printing, each with its unique qualities that make it best suited to specific use cases. To simplify the process of finding the material best suited for a given part or product, let’s first look at the main types of plastics and the different 3D printing processes.
There are the two main types of plastics:
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Thermoplastics are the most commonly used type of plastic. The main feature that sets them apart from thermosets is their ability to go through numerous melt and solidification cycles. Thermoplastics can be heated and formed into the desired shape. The process is reversible, as no chemical bonding takes place, which makes recycling or melting and reusing thermoplastics feasible. A common analogy for thermoplastics is butter, which can be melted, re-solidify, and melted again. With each melting cycle, the properties change slightly.
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Thermosetting plastics (also referred to as thermosets) remain in a permanent solid state after curing. Polymers in thermosetting materials cross-link during a curing process that is induced by heat, light, or suitable radiation. Thermosetting plastics decompose when heated rather than melting, and will not reform upon cooling. Recycling thermosets or returning the material back into its base ingredients is not possible. A thermosetting material is like cake batter, once baked into a cake, it cannot be melted back into batter again.
The three most established plastic 3D printing processes today are the following:
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Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers melt and extrude thermoplastic filaments, which a printer nozzle deposits layer by layer in the build area.
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Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers use a laser to cure thermosetting liquid resins into hardened plastic in a process called photopolymerization.
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Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printers use a high-powered laser to fuse small particles of thermoplastic powder.
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Fused deposition modeling (FDM), also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), is the most widely used form of 3D printing at the consumer level, fueled by the emergence of hobbyist 3D printers.
This technique is well-suited for basic proof-of-concept models, as well as quick and low-cost prototyping of simple parts, such as parts that might typically be machined.
Consumer level FDM has the lowest resolution and accuracy when compared to other plastic 3D printing processes and is not the best option for printing complex designs or parts with intricate features.
Higher-quality finishes may be obtained through chemical and mechanical polishing processes. Industrial FDM 3D printers use soluble supports to mitigate some of these issues and offer a wider range of engineering thermoplastics or even composites, but they also come at a steep price.
As the melted filament forms each layer, sometimes voids can remain between layers when they don’t adhere fully. This results in anisotropic parts, which is important to consider when you are designing parts meant to bear load or resist pulling.
FDM 3D printing materials are available in a variety of color options. Various experimental plastic filament blends also exist to create parts with wood- or metal-like surfaces.
The most common FDM 3D printing materials are ABS, PLA, and their various blends. More advanced FDM printers can also print with other specialized materials that offer properties like higher heat resistance, impact resistance, chemical resistance, and rigidity.
| Material | Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) | Tough and durable Heat and impact resistant Requires a heated bed to print Requires ventilation | Functional prototypes |
| PLA (polylactic acid) | The easiest FDM materials to print Rigid, strong, but brittle Less resistant to heat and chemicals Biodegradable Odorless | Concept models Looks-like prototypes |
| PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) | Compatible with lower printing temperatures for faster production Humidity and chemical resistant High transparency Can be food safe | Waterproof applications Snap-fit components |
| Nylon | Strong, durable, and lightweight Tough and partially flexible Heat and impact resistant Very complex to print on FDM | Functional prototypes Wear resistant parts |
| TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) | Flexible and stretchable Impact resistant Excellent vibration dampening | Flexible prototypes |
| PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) | Soluble support material Dissolves in water | Support material |
| HIPS (high impact polystyrene) | Soluble support material most commonly used with ABS Dissolves in chemical limonene | Support material |
| Composites (carbon fiber, kevlar, fiberglass) | Rigid, strong, or extremely tough Compatibility limited to some expensive industrial FDM 3D printers | Functional prototypes Jigs, fixtures, and tooling |
Stereolithography was the world’s first 3D printing technology, invented in the 1980s, and is still one of the most popular technologies for professionals.
SLA parts have the highest resolution and accuracy, the clearest details, and the smoothest surface finish of all plastic 3D printing technologies. Resin 3D printing is a great option for highly detailed prototypes requiring tight tolerances and smooth surfaces, such as molds, patterns, and functional parts. SLA parts can also be highly polished and/or painted after printing, resulting in client-ready parts with high-detailed finishes.
Parts printed using SLA 3D printing are generally isotropic—their strength is more or less consistent regardless of orientation because chemical bonds happen between each layer. This results in parts with predictable mechanical performance critical for applications like jigs and fixtures, end-use parts, and functional prototyping.
SLA offers the widest range of material options for plastic 3D printing.
SLA 3D printing is highly versatile, offering resin formulations with a wide range of optical, mechanical, and thermal properties to match those of standard, engineering, and industrial thermoplastics.
| Formlabs Materials | Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Resins | High resolution Smooth, matte surface finish | Concept models Looks-like prototypes |
| Clear Resin | The only truly clear material for plastic 3D printing Polishes to near optical transparency | Parts requiring optical transparency Millifluidics |
| Draft Resin | One of the fastest materials for 3D printing 4x faster than standard resins, up to 10x faster than FDM | Initial Prototypes Rapid Iterations |
| Tough and Durable Resins | Strong, robust, functional, and dynamic materials Can handle compression, stretching, bending, and impacts without breaking Various materials with properties similar to ABS or PE | Housings and enclosures Jigs and fixtures Connectors Wear-and-tear prototypes |
| Rigid Resins | Highly filled, strong and stiff materials that resist bending Thermally and chemically resistant Dimensionally stable under load | Jigs, fixtures, and tooling Turbines and fan blades Fluid and airflow components Electrical casings and automotive housings |
| Polyurethane Resins | Excellent long-term durability UV, temperature, and humidity stable Flame retardancy, sterilizability, and chemical and abrasion resistance | High performance automotive, aerospace, and machinery components Robust and rugged end-use parts Tough, longer-lasting functional prototypes |
| High Temp Resin | High temperature resistance High precision | Hot air, gas, and fluid flow Heat resistant mounts, housings, and fixtures Molds and inserts |
| Flexible and Elastic Resins | Flexibility of rubber, TPU, or silicone Can withstand bending, flexing, and compression Holds up to repeated cycles without tearing | Consumer goods prototyping Compliant features for robotics Medical devices and anatomical models Special effects props and models |
| Medical and dental resins | A wide range of biocompatible resins for producing medical and dental appliances | Dental and medical appliances, including surgical guides, dentures, and prosthetics |
| Jewelry resins | Materials for investment casting and vulcanized rubber molding Easy to cast, with intricate details and strong shape retention | Try-on pieces Masters for reusable molds Custom jewelry |
| ESD Resin | ESD-safe material to improve electronics manufacturing workflows | Tooling & fixturing for electronics manufacturing Anti-static prototypes and end-use components Custom trays for component handling and storage |
| Ceramic Resin | Stone-like finish Can be fired to create a fully ceramic piece | Engineering research Art and design pieces |
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Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing is trusted by engineers and manufacturers across different industries for its ability to produce strong, functional parts. Low cost per part, high productivity, and established materials make the technology ideal for a range of applications from rapid prototyping to small-batch, bridge, or custom manufacturing.
As the unfused powder supports the part during printing, there’s no need for dedicated support structures. This makes SLS ideal for complex geometries, including interior features, undercuts, thin walls, and negative features.
Just like SLA, SLS parts are also generally more isotropic than FDM parts. SLS parts have a slightly rough surface finish due to the powder particles, but almost no visible layer lines.
SLS 3D printing materials are ideal for a range of functional applications, from engineering consumer products to manufacturing and healthcare.
The material selection for SLS is limited compared to FDM and SLA, but the available materials have excellent mechanical characteristics, with strength resembling injection-molded parts. The most common material for selective laser sintering is nylon, a popular engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties. Nylon is lightweight, strong, and flexible, as well as stable against impact, chemicals, heat, UV light, water, and dirt.
| Material | Description | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon 12 | Strong, stiff, sturdy, and durable Impact-resistant and can endure repeated wear and tear Resistant to UV, light, heat, moisture, solvents, temperature, and water | Functional prototyping End-use parts Medical devices |
| Nylon 11 | Similar properties to Nylon 12, but with a higher elasticity, elongation at break, and impact resistance, but lower stiffness | Functional prototyping End-use parts Medical devices |
| TPU | Flexible, elastic, and rubbery Resilient to deformation High UV stability Great shock absorption | Functional prototyping Flexible, rubber-like end-use parts Medical devices |
| Nylon composites | Nylon materials reinforced with glass, aluminum, or carbon fiber for added strength and rigidity | Functional prototyping Structural end-use parts |
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Different 3D printing materials and processes have their own strengths and weaknesses that define their suitability for different applications. The following table provides a high level summary of some key characteristics and considerations.
| FDM | SLA | SLS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Low-cost consumer machines and materials available | Great value High accuracy Smooth surface finish Range of functional materials | Strong functional parts Design freedom No need for support structures |
| Cons | Low accuracy Low details Limited design compatibility High cost industrial machines if accuracy and high performance materials are needed | Sensitive to long exposure to UV light | More expensive hardware Limited material options |
| Applications | Low-cost rapid prototyping Basic proof-of-concept models Select end-use parts with high-end industrial machines and materials | Functional prototyping Patterns, molds, and tooling Dental applications Jewelry prototyping and casting Models and props | Functional prototyping Short-run, bridge, or custom manufacturing |
| Materials | Standard thermoplastics, such as ABS, PLA, and their various blends on consumer level machines. High performance composites on high cost industrial machines | Varieties of resin (thermosetting plastics). Standard, engineering (ABS-like, PP-like, flexible, heat-resistant), castable, dental, and medical (biocompatible). | Engineering thermoplastics. Nylon 11, Nylon 12, and their composites, thermoplastic elastomers such as TPU. |
Beyond plastics, there are multiple 3D printing processes available for metal 3D printing.
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Metal FDM
Metal FDM printers work similarly to traditional FDM printers, but use extrude metal rods held together by polymer binders. The finished “green” parts are then sintered in a furnace to remove the binder.
SLM and DMLS printers work similarly to SLS printers, but instead of fusing polymer powders, they fuse metal powder particles together layer by layer using a laser. SLM and DMLS 3D printers can create strong, accurate, and complex metal products, making this process ideal for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
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Titanium is lightweight and has excellent mechanical characteristics. It is strong, hard and highly resistant to heat, oxidation, and acid.
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Stainless steel has high strength, high ductility, and is resistant to corrosion.
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Aluminum is a lightweight, durable, strong, and has good thermal properties.
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Tool steel is a hard, scratch-resistant material that you can use to print end-use tools and other high-strength parts..
- Nickel alloys have high tensile, creep and rupture strength and are heat and corrosion resistant.
Compared to plastic 3D printing technologies, metal 3D printing is substantially more costly and complex, limiting its accessibility to most businesses.
Alternatively, SLA 3D printing is well-suited for casting workflows that produce metal parts at a lower cost, with greater design freedom, and in less time than traditional methods.
Another alternative is electroplating SLA parts, which involves coating a plastic material in a layer of metal via electrolysis. This combines some of the best qualities of metal—strength, electrical conductivity, and resistance to corrosion and abrasion—with the specific properties of the primary (usually plastic) material.
Plastic 3D printing is well-suited to create patterns that can be cast to produce metal parts.
With all these materials and 3D printing options available, how can you make the right selection?
Here’s our three-step framework to choose the right 3D printing material for your application.
Plastics used for 3D printing have different chemical, optical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics that determine how the 3D printed parts will perform. As the intended use approaches real-world usage, performance requirements increase accordingly.
| Requirement | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Low performance | For form and fit prototyping, conceptual modeling, and research and development, printed parts only need to meet low technical performance requirements. Example: A form prototype of a soup ladle for ergonomic testing. No functional performance requirements needed besides surface finish. | FDM: PLA SLA: Standard Resins, Clear Resin (transparent part), Draft Resin (fast printing) |
| Moderate performance | For validation or pre-production uses, printed parts must behave as closely to final production parts as possible for functional testing but do not have strict lifetime requirements. Example: A housing for electronic components to protect against sudden impact. Performance requirements include ability to absorb impact, housing needs to snap together and hold its shape. | FDM: ABS SLA: Engineering Resins SLS: Nylon 11, Nylon 12, TPU |
| High performance | For end-use parts, final 3D printed production parts must stand up to significant wear for a specific time period, whether that’s one day, one week, or several years. Example: Shoe outsoles. | FDM: Composites SLA: Engineering, Medical, Dental, or Jewelry Resins SLS: Nylon 11, Nylon 12, TPU, nylon composites |
Performance requirements include strict lifetime testing with cyclic loading and unloading, color fastness over periods of years, amongst others like tear resistance.Once you’ve identified the performance requirements for your product, the next step is translating them into material requirements—the properties of a material that will satisfy those performance needs. You’ll typically find these metrics on a material’s data sheet.
| Requirement | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Resistance of a material to breaking under tension. High tensile strength is important for structural, load bearing, mechanical, or statical parts. | FDM: PLA SLA: Clear Resin, Rigid Resins SLS: Nylon 12, nylon composites |
| Flexural modulus | Resistance of a material to bending under load. Good indicator for either the stiffness (high modulus) or the flexibility (low modulus) of a material. | FDM: PLA (high), ABS (medium) SLA: Rigid Resins (high), Tough and Durable Resins (medium), Flexible and Elastic Resins (low) SLS: nylon composites (high), Nylon 12 (medium) |
| Elongation | Resistance of a material to breaking when stretched. Helps you compare flexible materials based on how much they can stretch. Also indicates if a material will deform first, or break suddenly. | FDM: ABS (medium), TPU (high) SLA: Tough and Durable Resins (medium), Polyurethane Resins (medium), Flexible and Elastic Resins (high) SLS: Nylon 12 (medium), Nylon 11 (medium), TPU (high) |
| Impact strength | Ability of a material to absorb shock and impact energy without breaking. Indicates toughness and durability, helps you figure out how easily a material will break when dropped on the ground or crashed into another object. | FDM: ABS, Nylon SLA: Tough 2000 Resin, Tough 1500 Resin, Grey Pro Resin, Durable Resin, Polyurethane Resins SLS: Nylon 12, Nylon 11, nylon composites |
| Heat deflection temperature | Temperature at which a sample deforms under a specified load. Indicates if a material is suitable for high temperature applications. | SLA: High Temp Resin, Rigid Resins SLS: Nylon 12, Nylon 11, nylon composites |
| Hardness (durometer) | Resistance of a material to surface deformation. Helps you identify the right “softness” for soft plastics, like rubber and elastomers for certain applications. | FDM: TPU SLA: Flexible Resin, Elastic Resin SLS: TPU |
| Tear strength | Resistance of a material to growth of cuts under tension. Important to assess the durability and the resistance to tearing of soft plastics and flexible materials, such as rubber. | FDM: TPU SLA: Flexible Resin, Elastic Resin, Durable Resin SLS: Nylon 11, TPU |
| Creep | Creep is the tendency of a material to deform permanently under the influence of constant stress: tensile, compressive, shear, or flexural. Low creep indicates longevity for hard plastics and is crucial for structural parts. | FDM: ABS SLA: Polyurethane Resins, Rigid Resins SLS: Nylon 12, Nylon 11, nylon composites |
| Compression set | Permanent deformation after material has been compressed. Important for soft plastics and elastic applications, tells you if a material will return to its original shape after the load is removed. | FDM: TPU SLA: Flexible Resin, Elastic Resin SLS: TPU |
For even more details on material properties, read our guide to about the most common mechanical and thermal properties.
Once you translate performance requirements to material requirements, you’ll most likely end up with a single material or a smaller group of materials that could be suitable for your application.
If there are multiple materials that fulfil your basic requirements, you can then look at a wider range of desired characteristics and consider the pros, cons, and trade-offs of the given materials and processes to make the final choice.
Try our interactive material wizard to find materials based on your application and the properties you care the most about from our growing library of materials. Do you have specific questions about 3D printing materials? Contact our experts.
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What are the Most Common Materials Used for 3D Printing?
MetalThe next-most-popular material for 3D printing after plastic is metal. Using a process called direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), metal material is 3D printed for a variety of applications such as aerospace parts where there is a growing need for a fast manufacturing process, light weighting, and overall simplification of the production process. Moreover, DMLS 3D printing with metal is also growing in popularity with jewelry applications because the products can be made much faster and in larger volumes, without the tedious manual labor of performing intricate detail work.
Using metal in 3D printing allows for stronger parts for a wide variety of applications and different types of metal including:
- Stainless Steel: Used for many applications including cookware, utensils, and other corrosion-resistant household items.
- Aluminum: Great for thin metal parts.
- Titanium: Ideal for parts needing higher strength.
- Bronze: Used for aesthetically pleasing décor and fixtures.
- Gold: Used for jewelry such as earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
During DMLS 3D printing, metal powder is heated so that it hardens. In this way, casting is not necessary and, instead, the metal dust is shaped in the printer into a formed part. After printing, DMLS parts can be electro-polished to improve the surface finish.
GrapheneOne of the 3D printing materials that is becoming more and more common is graphene. Graphene is well-liked because of its conductivity, flexibility, and strength. As a result, this 3D printing material is a great solution for electronic device parts that need to be flexible such as touchscreens. Additionally, graphene is being used for construction materials and solar panels. Moreover, graphene is lightweight without compromising its strength and versatility, which makes it applicable in a wide range of industries.
Additional common materials for 3D printing include composite materials. Composite 3D printing materials come in various forms including filaments and powders. These materials are desirable for their high degrees of strength and stability, as well as their optimal strength-to-weight ratios. Composite fibers are very lightweight, which means they can bring great strength to a part without adding to its mass. Engineering-grade composite 3D printing materials are also used as substitutes for metal materials.
Common base materials used in composites include PLA and ABS, which are both quite cost-effective. On the other end of the cost spectrum, high-performance polymers such as PEEK are used as base material for composites. When it comes to selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing, nylon is the base material used for composite powders.
When it comes to reinforcement material added to composites, carbon fibers are most commonly used because of their superior strength.
Carbon fiber is a type of composite material utilized in 3D printing as an outer coating over plastic materials. These outer coatings of carbon fiber make the plastic stronger. This powerful combination of materials is leveraged as a more convenient alternative to metal parts, which results in shorter lead times. Besides carbon fibers, other reinforcing materials can include graphene, fiberglass, and Kevlar.
types, applications and features
3D printing enables rapid and cost-effective prototyping and production of models for a wide range of applications. But choosing the right 3D printing technology is only one side of the coin. Ultimately, the ability to create models with the required mechanical properties, functional characteristics or appearance will depend on the materials.
This comprehensive guide provides information on the most popular plastic and metal 3D printing materials available, compares their properties and applications, and provides guidance on how to select the most suitable material for your project.
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Dozens of plastic materials are available for 3D printing. Each of them has unique properties suitable for specific applications. To make it easier to find the best material for a particular model or product, let's first look at the main types of plastics and the various 3D printing processes. nine0003
There are two main types of plastics:
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thermoplastics are the most common type of plastics. The main feature that distinguishes them from thermosetting plastics is their ability to withstand multiple melting and solidification cycles. Thermoplastics can be heated and shaped into desired shapes.
This process is reversible because no chemical bond is formed. As a result, they can be recycled or melted down and reused. Thermoplastics can be compared to butter: it melts and hardens many times. With each melting cycle, the properties of thermoplastics change slightly. nine0003 -
thermoset plastics (also called thermosets) remain permanently solid after polymerization. The polymers in thermosetting plastics are crosslinked during the polymerization process, which is induced by heat, light, or appropriate radiation. Thermoset plastics decompose when heated, rather than melt. In addition, they do not change their shape when cooled. It is not possible to recycle thermosetting plastics or restore the material to its original state. Thermosetting is like pie dough: once baked, the pie cannot be melted back into dough. nine0003
The three most common plastic 3D printing processes today are:
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Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers melt and extrude thermoplastic filaments, which the printer's nozzle deposits layer by layer on the work area.
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The Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printer uses a laser to photopolymerize thermoset liquid polymers into a hardened plastic. nine0003
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The Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printer is equipped with a high power laser to sinter fine particles of thermoplastic powder.
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Fused fusion modeling (FDM), also known as fused filament manufacturing (FFF), is the most common form of consumer grade 3D printing, fueled by the rise of hobbyist 3D printers.
This method is well suited for making basic experimental models, as well as for quickly and inexpensively prototyping simple products, such as parts that are usually machined.
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Consumer grade FDM has the lowest resolution and accuracy of any other plastic 3D printing process, making it unsuitable for printing complex designs or models with intricate features. It is possible to improve the surface quality of models printed using this technology using chemical and mechanical polishing processes. FDM-based industrial 3D printers, which offer a wider range of engineering thermoplastics, can solve these problems, but are also much more expensive. nine0003
Each layer is formed with a thermoplastic thread. Sometimes, if the layers are not completely adjacent to each other, there may be voids between them. As a result, anisotropic models are obtained, which is important to consider when designing products that must withstand load and be resistant to tension.
FDM 3D printing materials are available in a variety of colors. There are also various experimental mixtures of thermoplastic threads designed to create models with a surface that mimics wood or metal.
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The most common materials for 3D printing in FDM technology are ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PLA (polylactic acid) and various mixtures of these polymers. More advanced FDM printers can also print on other materials with different properties, such as increased temperature and chemical resistance, impact resistance, and rigidity.
| Material | Features | Methods of use | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS (acrylonitril-butadien-styrol) | Strong and durable Thermal and impact-resistant need for a heated printing platform | Easiest media to print with FDM technology Strong, tough but brittle Less resistant to temperature and chemicals The biodegradable does not have a smell of | Conceptual models Realistic prototypes | ||||
| PETG (polyethylenertalatlatglycol) | is compatible with low printing temperatures .  | Waterproof application Clip-on components | |||||
| nylon | Hard, durable and light Strong and partially flexible heat -resistant and shockproof Complex for printing using FDM | Functional Prototypes Basement models | TPU (thermal polyurate) | 9008 9008 9008 9008 9008 9008 9008 9008 Excellent vibration dampingFlexible Prototypes | |||
| PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) | Soluble support structure material The material for supporting structures | ||||||
| impact -resistant polystyrene | The material for creating soluble supporting structures, the most commonly used with ABS | Material for supporting structures | |||||
| Composit materials (carbon, composite composite materials are dissolved in water. Kevlar, fiber optic) | Strong, tough and incredibly hard Only compatible with some expensive industrial 3D printers based on FDM technology | Functional prototypes Clamping fixtures, fixtures, tooling |
Invented in the 1980s, stereolithography is the world's first 3D printing technology and is still one of the most popular among professionals today.
Models printed with stereolithography printers have the highest resolution and accuracy, the sharpest detail and the smoothest surface of any other plastic 3D printing technology. Resin 3D printing is a great option for producing highly detailed prototypes that require tight tolerances and smooth surfaces such as molds, templates, and functional models. Models printed using SLA technology can be easily polished and/or painted after printing, resulting in highly detailed finished products. nine0003
Models printed on SLA 3D printers are generally isotropic: their strength is more or less constant and independent of orientation, since chemical bonds occur between each layer. This results in models with predictable mechanical characteristics critical for applications such as fasteners, fixtures, finished products, and functional prototypes.
Stereolithography supports a wide range of plastic 3D printing materials. nine0003
SLA 3D printing is versatile and provides a wide range of optical, mechanical and thermal properties that match those of standard, engineering and industrial thermoplastics.
| Materials of FORMLABS | Characteristics | Methods of use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard polymers | High resolution Smote, matte surface | Conceptual models 958 Conceptual models | Conceptual Models Realistic prototypes |
| Clear Resin | The only truly transparent material for 3D printing from plastics can be polished to almost full optical transparency | models, which should be optically transparent | |
| DRAFT REDI | One of the fastest 3D printing materials Prints 4x faster than standard resins and 10x faster than FDM | Initial prototypes Rapid iterations | |
| Tough Resin and Durable Resin | Materials that are tough, strong, functional and dynamic Able to withstand compression, tension, bending and impact without breaking Various materials with properties similar to ABS | Enclosures and Enclosures Clamps and Mounting Devices Connectors Wear Prototypes | |
| Rigid Resins | Highly filled, stiff and strong material, resistant to bending Resistant to temperature and chemicals Maintains dimension under load | Clamping and clamping fixtures, tooling Turbines and fan blades Fluid/air components Electrical enclosures and enclosures used in the automotive industry | |
| High Temp Resin | High temperature resistant High Precision | Hot Air, Gas, and Liquid Components Heat Resistant Fasteners, Housings, and Fixtures Molds and Inserts | |
| Flexible Resin and Elastic Resin | Flexibility of Rubber, TPU, or Silicone compression Withstand many successive cycles without wear | Consumer product prototypes Foldable structures for robotics Medical devices and anatomy models Props and models for special effects | |
| Medical and dental resins | A wide range of biocompatible resins for the manufacture of medical and dental products | Dental and medical products, including surgical templates, dentures and prosthetic limbs | |
| Lost Wax and Vulcanized Rubber Casting Materials Easy to cast, allows for intricate designs and retains shape well | Products for trying on Models for reusable press forms Jewelry to order | ||
| Ceramic Resin | Surface System, similar to the Firing Personal Product, the possibility of firing for creating a real ceramic product | Technical survival Unique articles 908 |
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Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing is a technology trusted by engineers and manufacturers across industries to create durable and functional models. With its low model cost, high performance, and use of common materials, this technology is well suited for a wide range of applications, from rapid prototyping to low-volume production, limited trial runs, or custom-made products. nine0003
The green powder supports the model during printing and eliminates the need for special support structures. As a result, SLS is ideal for complex geometries, including internal features, undercuts, thin walls, and negative draft features.
Like stereolithography, SLS produces more isotropic models than FDM models. Models created with SLS technology have a slightly rough surface due to powder particles, but have almost no visible layer lines. nine0003
SLS 3D printing materials are ideal for a range of functional applications, from consumer product design to manufacturing and healthcare applications.
Compared to FDM and SLA technologies, SLS technology allows the use of a limited number of materials. However, the available materials have excellent mechanical properties. They have strength comparable to die-cast models. The most common selective laser sintering material is nylon, a popular engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties. Nylon is light, strong and flexible, resistant to impact, heat, chemicals, UV radiation, water and dirt. nine0003
| Material | Description | Methods of use |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon 12 Powder | Strong, hard and durable Siberian, Solp. water | Functional prototypes End use products Medical devices |
| Nylon 11 Powder | Similar properties to Nylon 12 Powder. Possesses greater elasticity, elongation at break and impact resistance, but less rigidity | Functional prototypes Products for the final use of Medical devices |
| TPU | Flexible, elastic, elastic resistant to deformation High resistance to ultraviolet Excellent damping capacity | . end use Medical devices |
| Nylon composites | Nylon materials reinforced with glass, aluminum or fiberglass for greater strength and rigidity | Functional Prototypes Structural End-Use Products |
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Different 3D printing materials and processes have their own advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for different scenarios. The following table provides a brief overview of some of the main features and factors to consider. nine0092
Poor detail
Limited conformance to design design
High cost of industrial devices if precision and high performance materials are required
Basic experimental models
Production of special end-use products using professional industrial devices and materials
Templates, molds and tooling
Dental products
Prototypes and molds for casting jewelry
Props and models
Small-scale production, production of limited trial runs, creation of products to order
High performance composite materials on high value industrial applications There are several 3D printing processes not only from plastics, but also from metals.
Metal FDM printers are similar in design to traditional FDM printers, but use extruded metal rods held in place by a resin binder. The finished models are in an intermediate state and then sintered in an oven to remove the binder.
SLM and DMLS printers are similar to SLS printers, but instead of polymer powders, they fuse metal powder particles layer by layer using a laser. 3D printers based on SLM and DMLS technologies can create strong, precise and complex metal products, making this process ideal for the aerospace, automotive and medical industries.
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Titanium is a light metal with excellent mechanical properties. It is strong, hard and highly resistant to heat, oxidation and acids. nine0003
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stainless steel has high strength, ductility and corrosion resistance.
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aluminum is a lightweight, durable, strong metal with good thermal properties.
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Tool Steel is a hard, scratch-resistant material that can be used to print end-use tools and other high-strength products. nine0003
- nickel alloys have high tensile, creep and tensile strength, as well as heat and corrosion resistance.
Compared to plastic 3D printing technologies, metal 3D printing is much more expensive and difficult, and therefore beyond the reach of most companies.
As an alternative to casting workflows that produce metal models cheaper and faster than traditional methods and provide greater design freedom, SLA 3D printing is well suited.
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Another alternative is galvanization of SLA printed models. It involves applying a layer of metal to plastic using electrolysis. This combines some of the best qualities of metal (strength, electrical conductivity, corrosion and abrasion resistance) with the special properties of the base (usually plastic) material.
Plastic 3D printing is well suited for creating templates that can be cast to produce metal models. nine0003
With so many materials and options available for 3D printing, making the right choice can be difficult.
We provide a 3-step process for selecting the right material for 3D printing.
Plastics used for 3D printing have different chemical, optical, mechanical and thermal characteristics that affect the properties of 3D printed models. As you move from the intended use case to the actual operating environment, the performance requirements increase accordingly. nine0003
| Requirement | Description | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Low Efficiency | Example: Prototype mold for a ladle for ergonomic testing. | FDM PLA SLA: Standard Resins, Clear Resin (transparency), Draft Resin (fast) |
| Medium Efficiency | For validation or pre-production use, printed models should have properties as close as possible to those of final production models , for functional testing, but do not meet stringent requirements regarding service life. Example: housing for electronic components to protect against sudden impacts. Functional characteristics include the ability to absorb impact energy. In addition, the body must snap into place and retain its shape. nine0003 | FDM ABS SLA: Engineering Resins SLS: Nylon 11 Powder, Nylon 12 Powder, TPU |
| High Efficiency | Final 3D printed models need to be highly stable to achieve end use products to wear and tear over a certain period of time, whether it be a day, a week or several years. Example: shoe soles. Functional features include rigorous cycling and unloading life testing, color fastness over many years, and tear resistance, among other things. nine0003 | FDM Composites SLA: Engineering, Medical, Dental or Jewelry Resins SLS: Nylon 11 Powder, Nylon 12 Powder, TPU, Nylon Composites |
Other than surface quality, there are no performance requirements. nine0003 material requirements: material properties that will satisfy these requirements. These indicators are usually given in the technical specifications of the material. nine0003
| Requirement | Description | Recommendation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Resistance of material to fracture under tension. High tensile strength is important for structural, load-bearing, mechanical or static models. | FDM PLA SLA: Clear Resin, Rigid Resin SLS: Nylon 12 Powder, Nylon Composites | |
| Flex Modulus | Material resistance to bending under load. Indicates either rigidity (high value) or flexibility (low value) of the material. | FDM PLA (high), ABS (medium) SLA: Rigid Resin (high), Tough Resin and Durable Resin (medium), Flexible Resin and Elastic Resin (low) SLS: Nylon composite materials (high value), Nylon 12 Powder (medium value) | |
| Elongation | Material resistance to tensile failure. Allows you to compare the degree of stretching of flexible materials. It also indicates whether the material is stretched or immediately destroyed. nine0092 | FDM ABS (medium), TPU (high) SLA: Tough Resin and Durable Resin (medium), Flexible Resin and Elastic Resin (high) SLS: Nylon 12 Powder (medium), Nylon 11 Powder (medium), TPU (high) | |
| Impact strength | The ability of a material to absorb impact and its energy without breaking. Shows toughness and durability. Allows you to determine how easily the material breaks when it falls to the ground or collides with another object. nine0092 | FDM ABS, Nylon SLA: Tough 2000 Resin, Tough 1500 Resin, Gray Pro Resin, Durable Resin SLS: Nylon 12 Powder, Nylon 11 Powder a certain load. Indicates whether the material is suitable for high temperature applications. | SLA: High Temp Resin, Rigid Resin SLS: Nylon 12 Powder, Nylon composites |
| Hardness (durometer) | Material resistance to surface deformation. Allows you to determine the right degree of plasticity for soft plastics such as rubber and elastomers for a particular application. | FDM TPU SLA: Flexible Resin, Elastic Resin SLS: TPU | |
| Tear resistance | Material resistance to notching under tension. This indicator is important for evaluating the durability and wear resistance of soft plastics and flexible materials such as rubber. nine0092 | FDM TPU SLA: Flexible Resin, Elastic Resin, Durable Resin SLS: Nylon 11 Powder, TPU | |
| Creep | Creep is the tendency of a material to permanently deform under the influence of constant stress: tension or bending, compression, shear . Low creep indicates durability of hard plastics and is very important for structural models. | FDM ABS SLA: Rigid Resin SLS: Nylon 12 Powder, Nylon 9 composites0092 | |
| Compression set | Irreversible deformation after material compression. An important indicator for soft plastics and applications where elasticity is needed. Indicates whether the material will restore its original shape after the load is removed. | FDM TPU SLA: Flexible Resin, Elastic Resin SLS: TPU |
For more information on material properties, see our guide to the most common mechanical and thermal properties. nine0003
By converting performance characteristics into material requirements, you can most likely find out which material, or small group of materials, is right for your application.
If several materials meet your basic requirements, a broader range of desired characteristics, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of these materials and processes, can be considered for the final selection.
Use our interactive material wizard. It will help you select the right materials from our growing range of polymers for your application and the properties that matter most to you. Do you have specific questions about 3D printing materials? Contact our experts. nine0003
Get advice on materials
Types of materials for 3D printing and where they are used
Modern 3D printing materials vary in properties, durability, prevalence, and some even have "exotic" characteristics, for example, they conduct electricity. What are the materials for 3D printing and for what purposes are they used?
Most popular materials
The most popular materials for 3D printing are PLA and ABS. They are the best-known filaments with well-studied properties. These plastics vary in strength and ease of use and are generally not uniform in quality. For example, PLA is a biodegradable material, which means it is more environmentally friendly. nine0003
PLA material features
PLA plastic is the most convenient for home use: it has a low printing temperature, it does not come off the table and it can be used in simple printers that do not have a heated surface.
Another plus is that this type of material practically does not smell.
Features:
- high strength;
- is easy to use;
- printing temperature - 180-230 °C; nine0022
- low shrinkage;
- does not require surface heating;
- insoluble;
- eco-friendly.
Why PLA is used in 3D printing
PLA plastic is used for printing prototypes, souvenirs, models, containers and more. This is a versatile material that is suitable for a wide range of jobs, except for the manufacture of products that will be subjected to mechanical stress, heat up, and bend. This is due to the fact that PLA changes shape already at 60 ° C, and is also quite fragile and can be destroyed when dropped or hit. nine0003
ABS material features
ABS performance is generally slightly better than PLA, but it is quite difficult to use. For example, this plastic requires mandatory heating of the desktop, which means that not every printer is suitable for its use.
ABS plastics are not used at home as often as PLA, they are more often used in production (in particular, they make elements of the LEGO constructor).
Features:
- high strength and durability; nine0022
- printing temperature - 210-250 °C;
- requires surface heating to 80-110°C;
- shrinks on cooling;
- dissolves with acetone;
- is not environmentally friendly.
What ABS plastic is used for
This plastic is convenient and economical for use in production, suitable for the manufacture of durable parts that can withstand mechanical stress and temperature changes. Motorcycle helmets and phone bumpers are made from ABS plastic. nine0003
Materials PETG, PET, PETT
PET plastic is very popular for 3D printing in Europe. It has high characteristics that are superior to ABS and PLA: wear resistance, strength, heat resistance. In addition, this material can be easily sanded, painted, does not deform under the influence of most solvents (alcohol, acid, alkali).
Characteristics:
- strength, wear resistance; nine0017 transparent, bendable;
- low shrinkage;
- oil and chemical resistance;
- printing temperature - 210-230 °C;
- print surface temperature - 80 °C.
What PET plastic is used for
The most common option is industrial use, the manufacture of parts, housings, protective products. Varieties of this plastic may vary slightly in shrinkage or stiffness, but they are all insoluble and non-degradable, which means they can be recycled (which is beneficial for manufacturers in terms of the cost of such raw materials). nine0003
Material Features Nylon
A fairly new material that is durable and strong. It is used in many industries, including medicine and the electrochemical industry. Resistant to chemicals, paintable, durable and wear resistant.
Features:
- flexible and strong;
- medium shrinkage;
- print temperature - 240-260 °C;
- desktop heating - 70-100 °C; nine0022
- is insoluble, resistant to chemicals.
What Nylon is used for
In medicine, this plastic is necessary for the manufacture of prostheses, in industry - prototypes are printed with it. This material is also used to work on CNC machines.
Material Features TPE, TPU, TPC
This kind of 3D printing plastic is characterized by high bendability and stretchability. Since the materials bend and stretch well, working with some of their variations can be difficult, especially at home. Therefore, when choosing these filaments, it is necessary to carefully read the characteristics: for example, TPU is more rigid, which is comfortable to use. nine0003
Features:
- very flexible and durable;
- not all types are easy to use;
- print temperature 210-230°C;
- table heating is sometimes needed;
- low shrinkage;
- is insoluble.
What TPE is used for
This material is highly durable.
It is resistant to shock, environmental influences, mechanical damage. It is used to make shoes, bending spare parts, covers for equipment. nine0003
Material features HIPS
Eco-friendly and mechanically resistant material, suitable as a basis for printing objects. It is soluble, biodegradable and harmless. Can support complex printed products during manufacture and then removed with acetone.
Characteristics:
- strong and flexible;
- medium shrinkage;
- temperature for work - 210-250 ° C;
- platform heating - 50-100 °С; nine0022
- soluble.
What HIPS is used for
The material does not deform or warp, which means it is excellent for prototyping, manufacturing complex structures. It transmits the given parameters well, it is convenient for use in devices with several extruders.
Other materials for 3D printing
In addition to plastics, certain materials are common in various fields, with the help of which objects for a specific purpose are made.
