Materials & Applications
When choosing 3D printing as an option for your manufacturing, there are a large amount of materials to choose from - which can sometimes be daunting. We are here to help if you are currently using a machined plastic, molded urethane, or aluminum part we will most likely be able to find a similar material to yield the same results or better.
Typically, PLA has more than enough strength to withstand most day-to-day forces, but has a very low heat resistance: deforming at temperatures around 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit. The main reason we choose PLA is because it is derived from corn and is a biodegradable plastic. Although PLA is more biodegradable than most plastics, recycling is the best option to dispose of a 3D printed item!
ABS is more rigid than PLA, has better heat resistance, and is made to withstand the outdoors better. ABS is great for applications where heat is 160-230 degrees Fahrenheit. However, ABS is a petroleum based polymer and less biodegradable, so we tend to stay away from it if possible.
PETG is the perfect in-between when considering ABS and PLA. It provides a higher heat resistance than PLA with deformation at 166-176 degrees Fahrenheit. IT also handles UV rays better than ABS. PETG has higher chemical resistance than ABS and is stronger and more durable. This is the go-to for industrial applications, while also maintaining a food-safe label!
We can also print with other Filaments such as TPU, Carbon Fiber PLA, Wood PLA, and the other Variations of PLA. This is done to order as we tend to keep PLA & PETG in Black & White in stock and some ABS as well.
PLA/PLA+
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PLA is a great cost effective material that comes in a variety of colors and variations.
Operation Temp: -17c-60c (0F-140F)
Fairly resilient but not designed for high stress applications.
It is also a very environmentally friendly option as it is biodegradable and made from renewables.
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Great for cost effective visual prototypes, casting, low stress mechanical prototypes, and sculptures/art
PETG
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PETG is also a cost effective material with better mechanical properties than PLA with wide variety of colors and variations to choose from.
Operation Temp: -17c-80c (0F-176F)
It is a relatively strong filament with great impact resistance and some flexibility.
It is also is resistant to UV rays, water, and some chemical solvents.
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used in medium stress indoor and outdoor parts. Electronics enclosures and cases.
ASA
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ASA is very similar to ABS but made for the outdoors. Wide variety of colors and variations.
Operation Temp: -17c-100c (0F-212F)
Stronger, more weather/uv resistant, chemically resistant, and more durable than ABS.
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Some uses include automotive exterior/interior part prototypes. Various jigs, fixtures, and quality gauges. As well as custom hand tools.
ABS
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ABS is an impact resistant plastic used in a wide variety of parts in a large number of industry’s. This filament is available in a wide range of colors and variations.
Operation Temp: -17c-105c (0F-221F)
ABS has great impact resistance, fairly strong, and some flexibility.
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ABS makes for a great prototype parts to be made with injection molding.
Common uses of ABS exist in automotive parts, home appliances, and consumer products used indoors and out of sunlight.
TPU
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TPU (thermoplastic urethane) is a versatile, flexible filament similar to urethane or silicone. It is available in a wide range of colors and durometers.
Operation Temp: -17c-80c (0F-176F)
TPU is highly flexible/rubber like and has great abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and shock absorbsion.
TPU is one of our favorite materials to utilize many features of additive manufacturing utilizing both durometer and infill percentage to create protective or spring like properties.
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Some applications for TPU can be used for foot wear, part protection, material handling, and protective cases.
TPU can also be a great replacement for urethane molded parts, custom industrial bumpers, or non marring part nest.
As well TPU’s flexible properties can be used to replace hinges, springs, and dynamically flexible parts.
PCTG
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PCTG is similar to PETG with both being polyesters, although PCTG has enhanced properties.
Operating Temp: -17c-78c (0F-172F)
This material is a more chemically resistant, dimensionally stable, impact resistant, and durable than PETG & ABS.
Although, PCTG is an engineering grade material with a lower selection of colors.
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PCTG is great for jigs, fixtures, quality gauges, and medium duty industrial tools and components. As well as any application where chemical resistance, or impact resistance are needed.
PVDF (Arkema Kynar®)
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PVDF is a very versatile plastic with properties similar to UHMW.
Operating Temp: -30c - 130c (-22F - 266F)
PVDF is chemical resistant to a large array of chemicals, , nuclear radiation, UV rays, and water absorption.
As well it is very abrasion resistant.
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Some industries that seek PVDF’s properties include hydroponics, chemical processing, electronics, oil and gas industry, as well as nuclear power plants (waste handling).
NYLON 6 (PA 6)
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Nylon 6 & Nylon 6-6 are very strong materials with a wide range of applications. Nylon filaments are usually a preferred engineering grade plastic in additive manufacturing.
Operation Temp: -17c - 150c (0F - 302F)
Nylon 6 has a high rigidity, strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent abrasion resistance.
Nylon 6-6 is almost identical to Nylon 6 with greater wear resistance.
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Nylon 6 & Nylon 6-6 are great higher stress environments. As well there are a number of additives to make nylon a competitor to aluminum in some applications.
This material is great for bearings, wear pads, machinery parts, rollers, wheels, hand tools, jigs, and fixtures
NYLON 12 (PA 12)
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Nylon 12 is similar to Nylon 6 with slightly different properties.
Operation Temp: -17c - 150c (0F - 302F)
This material has a very low moisture absorption rate making it more stable and repeatable. As well this material has better chemical resistance.
As a trade off Nylon 12 has slightly lower strength than Nylon 6.
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Applications for Nylon 12 are similar to that of Nylon 6.
Applications involving slightly lower strength requirements with higher humidity and chemical applications make this material a great choice.
As well if you have a high quantity of parts where repeatability or visual resolution is key Nylon 12 may provide more benefits than Nylon 6.
HIGH TEMP NYLON (PPA)
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PPA (Hight Temperature Nylon) is the most robust of the Nylon family.
Operating Temp: -17c-240c (0F - 464F)
It has improved strength, rigidity, chemical resistance, moisture absorption, and heat resistance compared to Nylon 6 & Nylon 12.
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PPA (HTN) is great for the most demanding industries and high temperature applications.
Such as automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, electrical, electronics, and industrial applications.