Compare 3D Printing Materials


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Plastic
Metal
Elastomer
ABS-Like Grey (Accura Xtreme Grey)

ABS-Like Grey is a widely used, all-purpose material that provides flexibility relative to other SLA resins. It is an ideal stereolithography material for durability and heat tolerance. Parts built with ABS-Like Grey will have a look and feel similar to an injection-moulded part.

Process: SLA
Max. Part Size: 585mm x 585mm x 380mm (normal resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 0.25mm (normal resolution only)
Durability
Strength
Temperature Resistance
Flexibility
Prototyping Only
Tensile Strength

40 +/- 8 MPa

E-module

2000 +/- 400 MPa

Heat Deflection

62°C

Elongation

9 +/- 5%

ABS-Like MicroFine™ (Green)

ABS-Like MicroFine™ material is available in opaque green colour. This ABS-like material has been custom formulated by DSM for micro-resolution stereolithography and is capable of producing features as small as 0.025mm.

Process: SLA
Max. Part Size: 127mm x 127mm x 50mm (*recommended max part size is 25mm x 25mm x 25mm)
Min. Feature Size: 0.07mm (micro resolution)
Stiffness
Micro-resolution
Prototyping Only
Tensile Strength

60 +/- 10 MPa

E-module

2600 +/- 400 MPa

Heat Deflection

59°C

Elongation

8 +/- 4%

ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200)

ABS-Like White is a widely used, all-purpose material that provides flexibility relative to other SLA resins. It is an ideal stereolithography material for durability. Compared to the average value for injection-moulded ABS, it will have a slightly higher tensile strength but lower elongation at break. ABS-Like White’s heat deflection is the lowest of all SLA materials.

Process: SLA
Max. Part Size: 736mm x 635mm x 533mm (normal resolution)/ 247mm x 247mm x 250mm (high resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 0.25mm (normal resolution)/ 0.13mm (high resolution)
Strength
Dimensional Stability
Flexibility
Prototyping Only
Tensile Strength

55 +/- 10 MPa

E-module

3300 +/- 400 MPa

Heat Deflection

47°C

Elongation

9 +/- 5%

ABS-Like Black (Accura 7820)

ABS-Like Black is a durable material for general purpose prototyping. Its deep black colour and glossy, cosmetic up-facing surfaces offer the appearance of a moulded part. Part sidewalls and down-facing surfaces will have a matte finish. The material has good dimensional stability and moisture resistance.

Process: SLA
Max. Part Size: 247mm x 247mm x 250mm (normal and high resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 0.25mm (normal resolution)/ 0.13mm (high resolution)
Dimensional Stability
Moisture Resistance
Prototyping Only
Tensile Strength

55 +/- 10 MPa

E-module

3000 +/- 400 MPa

Heat Deflection

51°C

Elongation

5 +/- 3%

ABS-Like Translucent/Clear (WaterShed XC 11122)

ABS-Like Translucent/Clear offers a unique combination of low moisture absorption and near-colourless transparency. Custom finishing is required to achieve functional clarity. Its tensile strength and elongation at break are among the highest of 3D-printed, thermoset material.

Process: SLA
Max. Part Size: 736mm x 635mm x 533mm (normal resolution)/ 247mm x 247mm x 250mm (high resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 0.25mm (normal resolution)/ 0.13mm (high resolution)
Moisture Resistance
Transparency (with post-processing)
Prototyping Only
Tensile Strength

55 +/- 10 MPa

E-module

2900 +/- 400 MPa

Heat Deflection

45.9 - 54.5°C

Elongation

6 +/3%

PC-Like Advanced High Temp (Accura 5530)

PC-Like Advanced High Temp is best used for parts that need strength and stiffness combined with high temperature resistance. With a thermal post-cure, the part’s heat deflection can be improved even further, but at the expense of durability.

Process: SLA
Max. Part Size: 247mm x 247mm x 250mm (normal resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 0.25mm (normal resolution)/ 0.13mm (high resolution)
Strength
Stiffness
Temperature Resistance (with thermal post-cure)
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

45 +/- 10 MPa

E-module

3900 +/- 400 MPa

Heat Deflection

170 – 250°C (with thermal post-cure)

Elongation

1.5 +/- 1%

Ceramic-Like (Advanced HighTemp PerFORM)

Ceramic-Like White (Advanced High Temp) combines superior high heat tolerance with strength and stiffness. A thermal post-cure can be used to further improve mechanical properties and its heat resistance, however, it will be more brittle.

Process: SLA
Max. Part Size: 585mm x 585mm x 380mm (normal resolution)/ 247mm x 247mm x 250mm (high resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 0.25mm (normal resolution)/ 0.13mm (high resolution)
Strength
Stiffness
Temperature Resistance (with thermal post-cure)
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

75 +/- 10 MPa

E-module

10,500 +/- 1000 MPa

Heat Deflection

268°C (with thermal post-cure)

Elongation

1 +/- 0.5%

PA12 40% Glass-Filled Smooth White

PA12 40% Glass-Filled Smooth White is a polyamide powder loaded with glass spheres that add stiffness and dimensional stability. The material possesses higher thermal resistance than unfilled polyamides and exhibits excellent long-term wear resistance. Due to the glass additive, it has decreased impact and tensile strengths compared to other nylons.

Process: SLS
Max. Part Size: 292mm x 320mm x 406mm
Min. Feature Size: 1.00 mm
Stiffness
Wear Resistance
Strength
Dimensional Stability
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

42 +/- 4 MPa

E-module

3600 +/- 400 MPa

Heat Deflection

157°C

Elongation

5 +/- 2%

PA11 Smooth Grey

PA 11 Smooth Grey provides excellent ductility and temperature resistance without sacrificing tensile strength. It offers one of the highest elongation break thresholds in the nylon family.

Process: MJF
Max. Part Size: 284mm x 380mm x 380mm (*recommended max 200mm x 200mm x 200mm)
Min. Feature Size: 0.5mm
Flexibility
High Elongation
Temperature Resistance
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

52 +/- 4 MPa

E-module

1800 +/- 200 MPa

Heat Deflection

185 +/- 5°C

Elongation

30 +/- 5%

PA11 Vapour Smooth Black

PA 11 Vapour Smooth Black provides excellent ductility and temperature resistance without sacrificing tensile strength. It offers one of the highest elongation break thresholds in the nylon family.

Process: MJF
Max. Part Size: 284mm x 380mm x 380mm (*recommended max 200mm x 200mm x 200mm)
Min. Feature Size: 0.5mm
Flexibility
High Elongation
Temperature Resistance
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

52 +/- 4 MPa

E-module

1800 +/- 200 MPa

Heat Deflection

185 +/- 5°C

Elongation

35 +/- 5%

PA12 Smooth White

PA 12 Smooth White is an economical material choice for functional prototypes and end-use parts. It offers high impact and temperature resistance, is very durable, and remains stable under a range of environmental conditions. The nylon material exhibits a white finish with a slightly rougher surface texture compared to other nylons.

Process: SLS
Max. Part Size: 676mm x 367mm x 564mm
Min. Feature Size: 0.75mm
Strength
Stiffness
Economical
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

50 +/- 4 MPa

E-module

2000 +/- 200 MPa

Heat Deflection

163°C

Elongation

11% +/- 4%

PA12 Vapour Smooth White

PA 12 Vapour Smooth White is an economical material choice for functional prototypes and end-use parts. It offers high impact and temperature resistance, is very durable, and remains stable under a range of environmental conditions. The nylon material exhibits a white finish with a slightly rougher surface texture compared to other nylons.

Process: SLS
Max. Part Size: 500mm x 300mm x 300mm
Min. Feature Size: 0.75mm
Strength
Stiffness
Economical
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

46 +/- 4 MPa

E-module

1900 +/- 200 MPa

Heat Deflection

163°C

Elongation

15% +/- 4%

PA 12 Carbon Filled Smooth Black

PA12- Carbon Filled Smooth Black is an anthracite grey nylon characterised by extreme stiffness and high temperature resistance, coupled with electric conductivity properties and light weight. It can be used for both functional prototypes and end-use parts. The carbon-fiber filler provides different mechanical properties based on the considered three axis direction. This material exhibits a good surface quality and smoother finish compared to other SLS nylons.

Process: SLS
Max. Part Size: 490mm x 490mm x 740mm
Min. Feature Size: 0.80mm
Temperature Resistance
Stiffness
Strength
Conductivity
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

85 +/- 5 MPa

E-module

8300 +/- 400 MPa

Heat Deflection

170 +/- 5°C)

Elongation

3.2 +/- 2%

PA 12 Smooth Light Grey

PA 12 Smooth Light Grey is a high tensile strength nylon. Final parts are dyed black, and they exhibit quality surface finishes and slightly more isotropic mechanical properties when compared to SLS. When more detail is required, PA 12 can achieve smaller minimum feature resolution 0.5mm as compared to SLS materials 0.75mm. PA 12 Black is the best material option for designs that incorporate living hinges.

Process: MJF
Max. Part Size: 284mm x 380mm x 380mm (*recommended max 200mm x 200mm x 200mm)
Min. Feature Size: 0.5mm
Economical
Strength
Water Tight
Air Tight
Isotropic Properties
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

49 +/- 4 MPa

E-module

1900 +/- 200 MPa

Heat Deflection

175°C

Elongation

12 +/- 4%

PA 12 Flex Pure Black

PA 12 Flex Black is a black / anthracite nylon characterised by excellent flexibility and impact resistance. PA 12 Flex Black combines positives properties of PA12 and PP. Strength and stiffness is similar to PA 12. The elongation is comparable to that of unfilled PP. Its high durability makes it an excellent choice not only for prototyping, but also for end-use parts.

Process: SLS
Max. Part Size: 490mm x 490mm x 700mm
Min. Feature Size: 0.80mm
High Elongation
Flexibility
Durability
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

50 +/- 4 MPa

E-module

2000 +/- 200 MPa

Heat Deflection

175 +/- 5°C

Elongation

17 +/- 4%

Stainless Steel 316L

Stainless steel 316L is a workhorse material used for manufacturing acid and corrosion resistant parts. Final parts built in 316L receive stress relief application. Material property values below are measured after stress relief.

Process: DMLS
Max. Part Size: 250mm x 250mm x 300mm (high resolution)/ 71mm x 71mm x 80mm (Ø100mm x 80mm) (Fine Resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 1mm (high resolution)/ 0.5mm (fine resolution)
Corrosion Resistance
Strength
Chemical Resistance
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

570 +/- 30 MPa

Elongation

40 +/- 5%

Hardness

85 +/- 5 HRB

Aluminium

Aluminium (AlSi10Mg) is comparable to a 3000 series alloy that is used in casting and die casting processes. It has good strength-to-weight ratio, high temperature and corrosion resistance, and good fatigue, creep and rupture strength. Material property values below are measured after stress relief.

Process: DMLS
Max. Part Size: 300mm x 300mm x 400mm (normal resolution)/ 250mm x 250mm x 300mm (high resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 1mm
Lightweight
Strength-to-Weight
Thermal Conductivity
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

360 +/- 30 MPa

Elongation

6 +/-5%

Hardness

120 +/- 5 HBW

Inconel 718

Inconel is a high strength, corrosion resistant nickel chromium superalloy ideal for parts that will experience extreme temperatures and mechanical loading. Final parts built in Inconel 718 receive stress relief application. Solution and aging per AMS 5663 is also available to increase tensile strength and hardness. Material property values below are measured after solution and aging heat treatment. Protolabs Europe also holds DNV Qualification of Manufacture Certification for this material.

Process: DMLS
Max. Part Size: 250mm x 250mm x 300mm (normal and high resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 1mm
Corrosion Resistance
Temperature Resistance
Strength
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

960 +/- 50 MPa

Elongation

30 +/- 5%

Hardness

Ca. 30 HRC

Titanium

Titanium (Ti6Al4V) is a workhorse alloy. The mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V are comparable to wrought titanium for tensile strength, elongation, and hardness. Final parts built in Ti6Al4V receive vacuum stress relief application. Material property values below are measured after stress relief.

Process: DMLS
Max. Part Size: 250mm x 250mm x 300mm (normal and high resolution)/ 71mm x 71mm x 80mm (Ø100mm x 80mm) (fine resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 1mm (normal resolution)/ 0.5mm (fine resolution)
Lightweight
Corrosion Resistance
Biocompatability
High Strength
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

1200 +/- 50 MPa

Elongation

8 +/- 2%

Hardness

33 +/-2 HBW

Cobalt Chrome

Cobalt-Chrome (Co28Cr6Mo) material is used in our DMLS process. It is a superalloy comprised primarily of cobalt and chromium, and is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent creep and corrosion resistance.

Process: DMLS
Max. Part Size: 100mm x 100mm x 100mm (fine resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 0.5mm
Creep Resistance
Corrosion Resistance
Strength
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

1080 +/- 50 MPa

Elongation

20 +/- 2%

Hardness

30 +/- 2 HRC

Maraging Steel

Maraging Steel 1.2709 is a pre-alloyed ultra high strength steel in fine powder form. Its composition corresponds to US classification 18% Ni Maraging 300, European 1.2709 and German X3NiCoMoTi 18-9-5. This kind of steel is characterized by having very good mechanical properties, and being easily heat-treatable using a simple thermal age-hardening process to obtain.

Process: DMLS
Max. Part Size: 250mm x 250mm x 300mm (normal and high resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 1mm
Strength
Temperature Resistance
Hardness
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

1100 +/- 100 MPa

Elongation

8 +/- 3%

Hardness

33-37 HRC

TPU-88A Pure Black

This thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) combines rubber-like elasticity and elongation with good abrasion and impact resistance. It can be leveraged to produce both prototypes and functional parts.

Process: SLS
Max. Part Size: 330mm x 280mm x 440mm
Min. Feature Size: 1.0mm
Flexibility
Durability
Tear and Abrasion Resistance
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

20 +/- 5 MPa

E-module

72 +/- 16 MPa

Elongation

520 +/- 50%

3d printed silicone part
True Silicone

True silicone is 100% pure silicone that is available in different shore-A hardness as detailed below. The material is suitable to produce both functional prototypes and end-use products, which can be used in a temperature range of -30°C to +180°C.

Process: SLA
Max. Part Size: 70 mm x 130mm x 100mm (normal resolution)
Min. Feature Size: 0.25mm
Temperature Resistance
Wear Resistance
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

1.9 N/mm2 - 9.1 N/mm2

E-module

--

Elongation

>1,000% - 270%

Digital Photopolymer (30A-95A)

PolyJet provides the ability to choose a desired hardness or combine material properties into a single build, which makes it ideal for prototyping overmolding parts. Shore A hardnesses of 30A, 40A, 50A, 60A, 70A, 85A, 95A, and rigid are available in these colours: clear/translucent, white, and black.

Process: Polyjet
Max. Part Size: 490mm x 390mm x 200mm
Min. Feature Size: 0.80mm
Impact Resistance
Two-toned colouring
Flexibility
Replicates Overmoulding
Prototyping Only
Tensile Strength

2.4 - 65 MPa

E-module

--

Elongation

10 - 270%

3DP Silicone (60-65%)

Thermolabile silicone prototypes can be produced with the Protolabs 3D silicone print. The material 3DP silicone is used, which is available in Shore A hardnesses 35 and 65. The printed parts have a very good elasticity and have a milky-white appearance.

Process: Polyjet
Max. Part Size: 297mm x 210mm x 200mm
Min. Feature Size: 0.80mm
Temperature Resistance
Good Elasticity
Prototyping Only
Tensile Strength

0.5 - 2.5 MPa

E-module

--

Elongation

160%

Ultrasint™ TPU-01 - 88A Pure Grey

This thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) combines rubber-like elasticity and elongation with good abrasion and impact resistance. It has high chemical resistance to oil and grease, making it an ideal candidate for automotive applications. Furthermore, it possesses high UV resistance. This material has been specifically developed to optimise lattice structure designs and shows high accuracy and detail resolution. It can be leveraged to produce both prototypes and functional parts.

Process: MJF
Max. Part Size: 284mm x 380mm x 280mm (*suggested max 200mm x 200mm x 200mm)
Min. Feature Size: 0.5mm
Flexibility
Durability
Tear and Abrasion Resistance
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

9 +/- 2 MPa

E-module

75 MPa

Elongation

>220%

Ultrasint™ TPU-01 - 88A Vapour Smooth Black

This thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) combines rubber-like elasticity and elongation with good abrasion and impact resistance. It has high chemical resistance to oil and grease, making it an ideal candidate for automotive applications. Furthermore, it possesses high UV resistance. This material has been specifically developed to optimise lattice structure designs and shows high accuracy and detail resolution. It can be leveraged to produce both prototypes and functional parts.

Process: MJF
Max. Part Size: 284mm x 380mm x 280mm (*suggested max 200mm x 200mm x 200mm)
Min. Feature Size: 0.5mm
Flexibility
Durability
Tear and Abrasion Resistance
Prototyping and End-Use-Parts
Tensile Strength

9 +/- 2 MPa

E-module

75 MPa

Elongation

>220%