This guide gives you an insight in the most used 3D printing materials in 2019. For each material, we’ve listed the properties, applications and their corresponding technologies.
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Metal
The mechanical properties of metal and the the design flexibility of 3D Printing are a great team. From tooling to implants and from manifolds to engine parts, any metal application that involves complexity can benefit from 3D printing.
View our featured metals below or go to our database to explore more metal powder for additive manufacturing.
ExOne Stainless Steel 316L
ExOne 316L Stainless Steel can handle high temperatures and has a strong resistance against corrosion. These features make it a great material for tooling and molds.
- Type:
- Stainless Steel
- Technology:
- Binder jetting
- Property:
- Corrosion resistant, Heat resistant
- Application:
- Manifolds, Tooling
- Industry:
- Automotive, Aviation, Consumer products
- Maximum part size:
SLM Solutions Maraging Steel 1.2709
SLM Solutions 1.2709 Maraging Steel is a tool steel with a high content of alloyed nickel and some molybdenum. 1.2709 is suitable for many tooling and high performance applications that require high strength and toughness.
- Type:
- Maraging Steel
- Technology:
- SLM
- Property:
- Heat resistant
- Application:
- Furnace parts, Tooling
- Industry:
- Aerospace, Automotive
- Maximum part size:
- 500 x 280 x 850 mm
APWORKS Titanium Ti6Al4V
APWORKS Ti6Al4V Titanium has a chemical composition corresponding to ISO 5832-3, ASTM F1472, and ASTM B348 standards. Also known as the ‘workhorse’ of the titanium industry it accounts for more than 50% of total titanium usage.
- Type:
- Titanium
- Technology:
- DMLS
- Property:
- Biocompatibility, Corrosion resistant, Low weight
- Application:
- Engine parts, Implants
- Industry:
- Aerospace, Medical
- Maximum part size:
Dunlee Tungsten
Dunlee Tungsten is the preferred metal for collimation and beam shaping solutions in the medical and nuclear energy industries due to its excellent ionizing radiation absorption characteristics.
- Type:
- Tungsten
- Technology:
- PBLM
- Property:
- Biocompatibility, Heat resistant, Ionizing radiation absorption, Non-magnetic
- Application:
- Balance weights, Beam shaping solutions, MRI
- Industry:
- Aerospace, Medical, Nuclear energy
- Maximum part size:
- 230 x 230 x 200 mm
Polymer powder
Polymer powders are processed via Powder Bed Fusion 3D printers. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) are the most used technologies in this section.
View our featured polymer powders below or go to our database to explore more plastic powder for additive manufacturing.
BASF Ultrasint PA6 FR Black
BASF Ultrasint PA6 FR Black is a polyamide 6 powder with which you can print flame retardant parts. In addition it shows high modulus, high strength and excellent thermal distortion stability.
- Type:
- Polyamide
- Technology:
- SLS
- Property:
- Flame retardant, Strong
- Application:
- Air ducts, Air outlet valves, Housings
- Industry:
- Aerospace, Automotive, Industrial products, Transportation
- Maximum part size:
HP PA 11
HP PA 11 is a polyamide powder with which you can print ductile, impact resistant parts.
- Hardness: Shore D 80
- Tensile Strength: 52 MPa
- Elongation at Break: 50 %
- Type:
- Polyamide
- Technology:
- Multi Jet Fusion
- Property:
- Chemically resistant, Ductile, Impact resistant
- Application:
- Insoles, Living hinges, Prostheses, Snap fits
- Industry:
- Consumer products, Industrial products, Medical
- Maximum part size:
- 256 x 340 x 360 mm
3D Systems DuraForm PA White
3D Systems DuraForm PA is a durable thermoplastic with balanced mechanical properties and fine-feature surface resolution. For real world functional testing and low to mid-volume production runs. Capable of meeting UPS Class VI.
- Type:
- Polyamide
- Technology:
- SLS
- Property:
- Ductile, Impact resistant, Strong
- Application:
- Connectors, Enclosures, Housings, Living hinges, Prostheses, Snap fits
- Industry:
- Aerospace, Industrial products, Medical
- Maximum part size:
- 550 x 550 x 750 mm
Resin
In the past, photosensitive polymer resin was mainly used for visual prototypes and vacuum casting molds. This has changed with the introduction of new technologies and it is now possible to print end-use parts reflecting common engineering requirements with resin.
View our featured resin below or go to our database to explore more resin for additive manufacturing.
Henkel LOCTITE 3D Silicone 5015
Henkel LOCTITE 3D Silicone 5015 is a single component light curable silicone. It can be printed with DLP and SLA type 3D printers ranging from 320 to 420 nm.
- Hardness: Shore A 69
- Tensile Strength: 9.1 MPa
- Elongation at Break: 162 %
- Type:
- Silicone
- Technology:
- DLP, SLA
- Property:
- Elastic, Flexible, Strong
- Application:
- Prototyping
- Industry:
- Aerospace, Automotive, Consumer products, Medical
- Maximum part size:
BASF Ultracur3D RG25 LV
BASF Ultracur3D RG25 LV is a low-viscosity, highly reactive photopolymer resin for Photopolymer Jetting (PPJ). After curing, the printed part contains a balanced E-Modulus and Elongation at Break. Ultracur3D RG25 LV is compatible with the XAAR printhead and can be printed at high print speeds.
- Type:
- Photopolymer
- Technology:
- Photopolymer Jetting
- Property:
- Durable, Low viscosity, Tough
- Application:
- Fabric, Microfluidics, Multi-color and multi-material products
- Industry:
- Consumer products, Electronics, Industrial products
- Maximum part size:
DSM Somos Element
DSM Somos Element is specifically designed for producing investment casting patterns. It has a low viscosity and leaves a minimal amount of ash residue after burnout.
- Type:
- Photopolymer
- Technology:
- SLA
- Property:
- Clean burnout
- Application:
- Investment casting patterns
- Industry:
- Aerospace, Automotive, Medical
- Maximum part size:
Carbon EPX 82
EPX 82 is a high-strength engineering material with excellent long-term durability and mechanical properties comparable to lightly glass-filled thermoplastics (e.g. 20% GF-PBT, 15% GF-Nylon). EPX 82 has a heat deflection temperature ranging from 104°C to 130°C (depending on conditioning) and the functional toughness required for a variety of automotive and industrial applications such as connectors, brackets, and housings.
- Lead time: 14 days
- Hardness: Shore D 89
- Tensile Strength: 82 MPa
- Elongation at Break: 5.9 %
- Type:
- Epoxy
- Technology:
- DLS
- Property:
- Heat resistant, Stiff, Tough
- Application:
- Electrical connectors, Housings
- Industry:
- Automotive, Consumer products
- Maximum part size:
- 189 x 118 x 326 mm
Filament
This section contains an overview of filament for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Every filament type has a short introduction about the general properties of a material. But please keep in mind that these properties vary considerably per brand. It’s best to check a products detail page for all specifications and technical data sheets.
View our featured filament below or go to our database to explore more 3D printer filament.
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PLA
PLA is the most popular desktop 3D printing material. PLA filament is generally considered to be affordable, easy to print and available in many different colors.
Polymaker PolyMax PLA, 1.75mm, 750g Spool, Blue
Polymaker PolyMax PLA, 1.75mm, 750g Spool, Blue.
This extremely tough PLA has an increased impact strength of up to 9 times that of regular PLA and performs 20% better than ABS. PolyMax PLA is warp-free and a heated bed or enclosed print chamber is not required. It is a perfect replacement for ABS with better print compatibility and odor free printing.
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 190°C - 230°C
- - Print bed: 25°C - 60°C
- Type:
- PLA
- Property:
- Stiff, Strong
- Application:
- Scale models and toys
ABS
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is an petroleum-based polymer. ABS filament is a commonly used 3D printing material which is known for its ductility and high temperature resistance. In addition it can be post-processed with acetone to provide a smooth and shiny surface finish.
Polymaker PolyLite ABS, 1.75mm, 1.0kg Spool, Black
Polymaker PolyLite ABS, 1.75mm, 1.0kg Spool, Black.
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 245 - 265°C
- - Print bed: 90°C – 105°C
- Type:
- ABS
- Property:
- Durable, Strong
- Application:
- Gear wheels, Jigs and fixtures
PETG
PETG combines the ease of use of PLA with the strength and durability of ABS. It’s known for its clarity and impact resistance. PETG filament is FDA approved but please keep in mind that an object printed with PETG on a normal desktop 3D printer is not automatically food safe. Especially when you’ve previously used the same printer to print other types of filament.
eSun PETG, 1.75mm, 1.0kg Spool, Black
eSun PETG Filament, 1.75mm, 1.0kg Spool, Black.
Temperature:- - Extruder: 235°C – 250°C
- - Print bed: 80°C - 90°C
- Type:
- PETG
- Property:
- Durable, FDA approved, Impact resistant
- Application:
- Food containers, Jigs and fixtures
Nylon
Nylon is a strong, rigid and flexible 3D printing material. It is very sensitive to moisture which makes it difficult to print and store. Nylon filament has a very high inter-layer adhesion which makes it a perfect choice for functional parts like connectors and living-hinges.
Nexeo Novamid ID 1030 Nylon, 1.75mm, 500g Spool, Natural
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 220°C – 245°C
- - Print bed: 80°C - 120°C
- - Print chamber: 40°C - 70°C
- Type:
- Nylon
- Property:
- Durable, Impact resistant, Strong
- Application:
- Connectors, Hinges, Shafts and levers
TPU
Thermoplastic Polyurethane aka TPU is also very flexible. TPU filament is used for multiple different consumer products like phone cases, footwear and watch bands. TPU has a decent level of chemical resistance. It is oil & grease resistant and is fairly tough against abrasions.
NinjaTek NinjaFlex TPU, 1.75mm, 500g Spool, Black
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 225°C – 235°C
- - Print bed: Room temperature – 40°C
- Type:
- TPU
- Property:
- Abrasion resistant, Elastic, Flexible, Oil and grease resistant
- Application:
- Drive belts, Footwear, Gaskets, Mobile phone cases, Sealings
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a strong and ductile material. Polypropylene filament has the ability to elongate without breaking when compared to other 3D printing materials.
Verbatim PP, 1.75mm, 500g Spool, Natural
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 220°C
- - Print bed: 100°C
- Type:
- PP
- Property:
- Chemically resistant, Flexible
- Application:
- Food containers, Hinges
PEEK
PEEK is a high strength, chemically resistant and impact resistant material that requires a very high print temperature. It’s an industrial 3D printing material that can even substitute certain metals in terms of durability and strength. PEEK filament has many applications including those in aerospace, oil and the packaging industries. Learn more about PEEK in our PEEK printing guide.
3D4Makers PEEK, 1.75mm, 500g Spool, Natural
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 360°C - 400°C
- - Print bed: 120°C
- - Print chamber: 70°C - 150°C
- Type:
- PEEK
- Property:
- Chemically resistant, High temperature resistant, Strong
- Application:
- Bearing casings, Piston units
ULTEM
ULTEM is a subclass of Polyetherimide (PEI) materials, like PEEK. ULTEM gains a large amount of strength in combination with glass fiber reinforcement, making it one of the strongest 3D printing materials out there. ULTEM filament has been used by various companies to replace previously metal parts. Learn more about ULTEM in our ULTEM printing guide.
3DXTech ThermaX PEI, 1.75mm, 500g Spool, Natural
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 350°C - 380°C
- - Print bed: 140°C - 160°C
- Type:
- PEI
- Property:
- Chemically resistant, Flame retardant, Strong
- Application:
- Hard disk drive internals, Hinges, Shafts and levers, Thermostat housings
ASA
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) was created by BASF in the 1970’s. ASA filament has massive strength and resilience. It is weather resistant, and therefore used in many outdoor appliances.
Fillamentum ASA PRO, 1.75mm, 1.0kg Spool, Natural
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 250°C – 255°C
- - Print bed: 80°C – 100°C
- Type:
- ASA
- Property:
- UV resistant, Water resistant
- Application:
- Jigs and fixtures
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate filament is known as an extremely tough and durable 3D printing material which is also very resistant to temperature.
Polymaker PolyMax PC, 1.75mm, 750g Spool, White
Polymaker PolyMax PC, 1.75mm, 750g Spool, White.
PolyMax PC offers outstanding fracture toughness that is simply unobtainable from other 3D printing materials of similar stiffness. This makes PolyMax PC a great choice for real-world, engineering applications. The filament has a good chemical/solvent resistance and solidifies rapidly. Therefore it doesn't require extra fan cooling during printing.
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 250°C - 270°C
- - Print bed: 100°C – 130°C
- Type:
- PC
- Property:
- Durable, High temperature resistant, Impact resistant, Strong
- Application:
- Drones, RC
HIPS
HIPS stands for high impact polystyrene. HIPS filament is often used as a support material for ABS since it has the same print settings as ABS and can be dissolved using Limonene.
MG Chemicals HIPS, 1.75mm, 1.0kg Spool, White
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 230°C – 240°C
- - Print bed: 80°C – 115°C
- Type:
- HIPS
- Property:
- Limonene-soluble
- Application:
- Support structures
PVA
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is a water soluble 3D printing material which is perfect to use as support. This makes it very useful for complex designs where support removal can be damaging or tricky. Aside from its water solubility, PVA filament also absorbs moisture. This means storage can be slightly cumbersome.
eSUN PVA, 1.75mm, 500g Spool, White
Temperature:
- - Extruder: 190°C – 195°C
- - Print bed: room temperature - 60°C
- Type:
- PVA
- Property:
- Water-soluble
- Application:
- Support structures