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.
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
- - Long-term stability of mechanical properties
- - Balanced mechanical properties and processability
- - Build prototypes that withstand functional testing
- - Produce durable end-use parts without tooling
| 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
- - 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
| 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
- - 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
| 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
- - 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
| 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.
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.
| 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.
- - 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
| 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.
- - 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
| 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.
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.
- - 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
| 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.
- - 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
| 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 |