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Overview

3D Systems’ High Temperature Materials

Many plastics simply melt or lose strength at higher temperatures, making many polymers unsuitable for applications in hot environments.

3D Systems has a range of plastics for their SLS, MJP and Figure 4 printer systems that are designed to function in elevated temperatures. Plastics suitable for high temperature applications tend to have higher melting points (if thermoplastic) and comparatively high values of HDT (Heat Deflection Temperature), meaning that they retain their shape better in higher temperatures than plastics with lower HDT values.

Other plastics have properties such as low flammability, smoke and toxicity ratings making them suitable for use in high temperature environments.

In this article we will take a look at the various high temperature plastics available for 3D Systems printers, and what makes each plastic unique.

High Temperature SLS Materials

Plastics printed on SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printers are known as thermoplastics. This means that the plastic can change between solid and molten phases with application of heat, and it will solidify when it cools. The process can be repeated over and over making many thermoplastics suitable for recycling.

In the case of SLS systems, the heat to melt the plastic feedstock is provided by the lasers, and the feedstock fuses to the preceding layer as it cools. 3DSystems has a range of SLS solutions offering plastics suitable for high temperature applications.

Let’s take a look at the 3D Systems SLS high temperature thermoplastics in more detail.

3d systems sls

DuraForm ProX PA

Tough & Durable / Polypropylene-like

DuraForm ProX PA (SLS) is a polyamide (Nylon 12) feedstock with all the properties you’d expect from a rugged Nylon. This makes it perfect for high quality prototypes and low volume end use parts alike.

DuraForm ProX PA is engineered for long-term environmental stability of mechanical properties, and is tested for up to 8 years indoor and 1.5 years outdoor use, per ASTM methods.

Vapor-honed DuraForm ProX PA parts display an enhanced, smooth surface finish, more comparable to injection molded plastic parts. In addition, vapor honing helps to seal the porous surface of SLS parts, making them suitable for air and water tight applications.

This material is fine-tuned for use with the following 3D Systems’ SLS printers: ProX SLS 6100, SLS 380

3D Systems
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DuraForm ProX PA
  • Benefits
  • Applications
  • Downloads
  • - Long-term stability of mechanical properties
  • - Balanced mechanical properties and processability
  • - Build prototypes that withstand functional testing
  • - Produce durable end-use parts without tooling
Enclosures, Functional parts, Functional prototypes, Snap fits, Connectors, Housings
Technical Datasheet
Mechanical & Thermal – DuraForm ProX PA (SLS)
Density ASTM D792 0.95 g/cm³
Tensile Strength Ultimate ASTM D638 Type I 48 MPa
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 Type I 2100 MPa
HDT @ 0.455 MPa ASTM D648 176 °C
HDT @ 1.82 MPa ASTM D648 82 °C
CTE -20 to 70°C ASTM E831 91 ppm/°C
CTE 95 to 180°C ASTM E831 201 ppm/°C
Specific Heat Capacity ASTM E1269 1.55 J/g-°C
Thermal Conductivity ASTM E1530 0.21 W/m-K
UL Flammability Rating  UL94 HB

DuraForm ProX AF+

High stiffness aluminum-filled nylon

DuraForm ProX AF+ (SLS) is an aluminum filled Nylon plastic that delivers consistent mechanical properties, high stiffness to weight ratio, and an excellent metallic surface finish.

This material is fine-tuned for use with the following 3D Systems’ SLS printer: ProX SLS 6100

3D Systems
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DuraForm ProX AF
  • Benefits
  • Applications
  • Downloads
  • - Aesthetic metallic surface finish directly off the printer
  • - Complex designs can have a metallic look with functional strength at an affordable cost
  • - Excellent stiffness to weight ratio
  • - Lower cost per part due to higher recyclability
Enclosures, Functional parts, Functional prototypes, Snap fits, Connectors, Housings
Technical Datasheet
Mechanical & Thermal – DuraForm ProX AF+ (SLS)
Density ASTM D792 1.31 g/cc 
Tensile Strength Ultimate ASTM D638 Type I 37 MPa
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 Type I 4340 MPa
HDT @ 0.455 MPa ASTM D648 182 °C
HDT @ 1.82 MPa ASTM D648 174 °C
CTE 0 to 145°C ASTM E831 145 μm/m-ºC 
Specific Heat Capacity ASTM E1269 1.44 J/g-°C
Thermal Conductivity ASTM E1530 0.42 W/m-K
UL Flammability Rating  UL94 HB

DuraForm ProX GF

Glass-filled engineering plastic

DuraForm ProX GF (SLS) is a glass-filled Nylon 12 with improved thermal resistance versus unfilled materials. It offers the best in class in terms of rigidity and stiffness, and an excellent surface finish and resolution.

This material is fine-tuned for use with the following 3D Systems’ SLS printer: ProX SLS 6100

3D Systems
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DuraForm ProX GF
  • Benefits
  • Applications
  • Downloads
  • - Replace molded and CNC-machined glass and mineral-filled
  • - Plastic articles for short-run production
  • - Fuel and oil resistance make it perfect for automotive and aerospace applications
  • - Easy to process
Enclosures, Motorsports components, Sports gear, Housings
Technical Datasheet
Mechanical & Thermal – DuraForm ProX GF (SLS)
Density ASTM D792 1.49 g/cm³
Tensile Strength Ultimate ASTM D638 Type I 45 MPa
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 Type I 3720 MPa
HDT @ 0.455 MPa ASTM D648 180 °C
HDT @ 1.82 MPa ASTM D648 129 °C
CTE 0-50 °C ASTM E831 85.3 µm/m-°C
CTE 85-145 °C ASTM E831 173.7 µm/m-°C
Specific Heat Capacity ASTM E1269 1.26 J/g-°C
Thermal Conductivity ASTM E1530 0.33 W/m-K
UL Flammability Rating  UL94 HB

DuraForm ProX HST Composite

Fiber-reinforced engineering plastic

DuraForm ProX HST Composite (SLS) is a high temperature composite material with high stiffness and thermal resistance. The proprietary mineral-filled composite offers exceptional rigidity coupled with elevated temperature resistance.

This material is fine-tuned for use with the following 3D Systems’ SLS printers: ProX SLS 6100, SLS 380

3D Systems
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DuraForm ProX HST Composite
  • Benefits
  • Applications
  • Downloads
  • - Functional prototypes can be tested in “real life” environments
  • - Complex end-use parts can be economically manufactured in low-to-medium volumes
  • - Excels in load-bearing applications at higher temperatures
Enclosures, Functional prototypes, Motorsports components, Sports gear, Housings
Technical Datasheet
Mechanical & Thermal – DuraForm ProX HST Composite (SLS)
Density – 1.12 g/cm³
Tensile Strength Ultimate ASTM D638 Type I 44 MPa
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 Type I 4123 MPa
HDT @ 0.455 MPa ASTM D648 183 °C
HDT @ 1.82 MPa ASTM D648 171 °C
CTE 0-50 °C ASTM E831 153.4 µm/m-°C
CTE 85-145 °C ASTM E831 330.4 µm/m-°C
Thermal Conductivity ASTM E1530 0.29 W/m-K
UL Flammability Rating  UL94 HB

High Temperature MJP Materials

MultiJet Printing (MJP) technology produces high fidelity, true-to-CAD parts, with fast print times, easy operation and simple post-processing for high productivity and true simplicity, from file to finished part.

MJP systems are capable of printing a range of engineering polymers for high temperature applications.

3d systems mjp

VisiJet M2R-TN

High modulus and heat resistance

VisiJet M2R-TN (MJP) is a general purpose MJP material with a high modulus and heat resistance. It comes in an opaque tan finish making it ideal for high contrast visualisation of prototypes.

This VisiJet material is fine-tuned for use with 3D Systems’ ProJet 2500 and 2500 Plus MJP printers.

3D Systems
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  • Benefits
  • Applications
  • Downloads
  • - Visualization in a high contrast opaque tan color
Prototypes
Technical Datasheet
Mechanical & Thermal – VisiJet M2R-TN (MJP)
Density @ 20°C – 1.16 g/cm³
Tensile Strength Ultimate ASTM D638 Type I 60-70 MPa
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 Type I 2500-3000 MPa
HDT @ 0.455 MPa ASTM D648 71 °C
HDT @ 1.82 MPa ASTM D648 61 °C
UL Flammability Rating  UL94 HB

VisiJet M2S-HT90

High temperature & translucent

VisiJet M2S-HT90 (MJP) is a strong and transparent / translucent material ideal for applications requiring temperature resistance and/or biocompatibility. It is well suited for rapid tooling, functional prototyping in warm environments, and medical devices with fine features and internal structures.

This VisiJet material is fine-tuned for use with 3D Systems’ ProJet 2500 Plus MJP printer running in UHD mode.

3D Systems
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VisiJet M2S-HT90
  • Benefits
  • Applications
  • Downloads
  • - Stable parts in warm environments
  • - Watertightness for evaluation of fluid flow performance
  • - Excellent visualization for parts requiring validation of internal features
  • - Capable of meeting USP Class VI standards for biocompatibility
Electrical and under-hood housings, Enclosures, Functional prototypes, Medical tools and devices, Tooling
Technical Datasheet
Mechanical & Thermal – VisiJet M2S-HT90 (MJP)
Density @ 20°C – 1.15 g/cm³
Tensile Strength Ultimate ASTM D638 Type I 70-80 MPa
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 Type I 2500-3000 MPa
HDT @ 0.455 MPa ASTM D648 90-100 °C
HDT @ 1.82 MPa ASTM D648 80-90 °C
UL Flammability Rating  UL94 HB

VisiJet M2S-HT250

High temperature & translucent

The VisiJet M2S-HT250 (MJP) material is a high temperature biocompatible transparent / translucent plastic that is useful for a range of applications in the domain of high temperature fluid visualisation. It features the best-in-class HDT meaning this MJP material is capable of working in temperatures of up to 250°C.

This VisiJet material is fine-tuned for use with 3D Systems’ ProJet 2500 and 2500 Plus MJP printers.

3D Systems
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VisiJet M2S-HT250
  • Benefits
  • Applications
  • Downloads
  • - Highest thermal resistance in its class
  • - Clear enough to visualize internal features and flow
  • - High fidelity fine features and sharp edges
  • - Smooth surface quality
  • - UL94 HB flammability test standards
  • - USP Class VI certified for biocompatibility
Functional prototypes, Mold making, Thermal shielding, Tooling, Housings
Technical Datasheet
Mechanical & Thermal – VisiJet M2S-HT250 (MJP)
Density @ 20°C – 1.15 g/cm³
Tensile Strength Ultimate ASTM D638 Type I 44 MPa
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 Type I 4123 MPa
HDT @ 0.455 MPa ASTM D648 250 °C
HDT @ 1.82 MPa ASTM D648 104 °C
UL Flammability Rating  UL94 HB

High Temperature Figure 4 Materials

3D Systems’ Figure 4 technology is a scalable solution offering ultra-fast and affordable resin printing.

Parts printed with the Figure 4 materials on 3D Systems printers are generally isotropic in mechanical properties meaning the parts printed along any axis of orientation will give similar results in terms of strength.

3D Systems has two high temperature plastics available for the Figure 4 system, offering enhanced heat resistance, as well as reduced flammability and toxicity all in an isotropic part.

3d systems figure4

Figure 4 High Temp 150°C FR Black

High temperature & flame-retardant

Figure 4 High Temp 150°C FR Black is a high temperature and flame-retardant plastic with excellent smoke and toxicity ratings, and FAR 25.853(a) flammability ratings suitable for aerospace applications.

This material is fine-tuned for use with 3D Systems’ Figure 4 printers.

3D Systems
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  • Benefits
  • Applications
  • Downloads
  • - Self-extinguishing, flame-retardant material
  • - Halogen-free
  • - High heat deflection temperature for demanding applications
  • - No secondary thermal cure required
  • - Excellent surface quality, accuracy & repeatability
  • - Capable of plating and painting
Electrical and under-hood housings, Flame retardant parts for trains and busses, Printed circuit board covers
Technical Datasheet
Mechanical & Thermal – High Temp 150°C FR Black (Figure 4 )
Solid Density ASTM D792 1.29 g/cm³
Tensile Strength Ultimate ASTM D638 Type I 58 MPa
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 Type I 2600 MPa
HDT @ 0.455 MPa ASTM D648 >150 C
HDT @ 1.82 MPa ASTM D648 89 C
CTE below Tg ASTM E831 98 ppm/C
CTE above Tg ASTM E831 158 ppm/C
Glow Wire Ignition Temperature (GWIT) UL 746C 750C @ 2mm, 3mm
Glow Wire Flammability Index (GWFI) UL 746C 960C @ 2mm, 3mm
UL Flammability UL94 V0 @2mm, 3mm

Figure 4 HI TEMP 300-AMB

High temperature

Figure 4 HI TEMP 300-AMB is a plastic with very high thermal-resistance (HDT >300 °C), and it is available in translucent amber colour making it perfect for high-temp flow visualisation tasks.

This material is fine-tuned for use with 3D Systems’ Figure 4 printers.

3D Systems
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high temp
  • Benefits
  • Applications
  • Downloads
  • - Production-grade material
  • - High heat resistance for testing and use in high heat environments
  • - No secondary thermal post-cure required
  • - Excellent visualization for parts requiring evaluation of internal features and fluid flow performance
HVAC, Low pressure molding/tooling, Motor mounts
Technical Datasheet
Mechanical & Thermal – HI TEMP 300-AMB (Figure 4 )
Solid Density ASTM D792 1.33 g/cm³
Tensile Strength Ultimate ASTM D638 Type I 77 MPa
Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 Type I 4100 MPa
HDT @ 0.455 MPa ASTM D648 >300 °C
HDT @ 1.82 MPa ASTM D648 >300 °C
CTE 0-110C ASTM E831 69 ppm/°C
CTE 165-250C ASTM E831 58 ppm/°C
UL Flammability Rating UL94 HB HB

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About the author | Phillip Keane
Phillip is an aerospace engineer from UK. He is a graduate of Coventry University (UK), International Space University (France) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), where he studied Advanced Manufacturing at the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing.

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