3D Printing Material Guide for Industrial Applications

February 22, 2024 Empire Marketing Team

In 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, a specialized printer deposits several layers of material on top of each other. Each layer is a very thin cross-section of the part and as they build up, they form the completed part. There are several 3D printing methods, each using different equipment and types of materials, but the operational principle remains the same.

The process is cost-effective and fast, and it can be used with many materials, including thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, and metals. While the printing method is an important aspect of any project, choosing the right material is just as important, if not more so. Here, we'll discuss how to select the most appropriate 3D printing material for your requirements, different options for each printing method, and some of the many industries served by 3D printing.

Selecting the Best 3D Printing Material for Your Application

Each material used for 3D printing has different mechanical properties and will look and behave differently in the final part. It is important to understand the characteristics and typical applications of different materials in order to make an informed selection. You may even decide to use one type of material for early prototyping and a different one for later testing and final production. The following tips will help you select the best 3D printing material for your unique application:

Part functionality: Consider the physical and aesthetic requirements for the project such as strength, flexibility, heat or UV resistance, chemical resistance, biocompatibility, etc. In industries like healthcare and aerospace, regulatory compliance may also be an important consideration.
Printer compatibility: Not all 3D printing methods and machines can be used with every type of material. An experienced vendor, like Empire Group, can help you determine the best combination to ensure a smooth printing process that meets your requirements.
Value for cost: Look at the big picture of how material cost, production volume, printing speed, and post-production or finishing process expenses align with your budget.
Part geometry and complexity: Some materials are better suited to intricate geometries than others.

Materials Used for 3D Printing Processes

A variety of materials can be used to meet different objectives in 3D printing processes. What follows is a list of materials that are compatible with four common methods of 3D printing. Notable material qualities and characteristics are included so you can compare options based on your needs.

. Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Materials

Accura® 25: Excellent substitute for CNC machined or molded polypropylene. Strengths include versatility, flexibility with shape retention, fast build speeds, and high feature definition.
Accura® ClearVue™: Clear and colorless material that looks and behaves like polycarbonate and ABS plastic. Strengths include mechanical strength, durability, and moisture resistance.

. Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D Printing Materials

HP Nylon PA12: Thermoplastic with high density and strength, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. Strengths include watertightness without post-production processing, fine detail, and dimensional accuracy.

. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printing Materials

ASA: A UV-stable, production-grade thermoplastic with similar or better properties than ABS plastic. Strengths include UV resistance, range of color options, and suitability for prototypes as well as outdoor applications.
AB: Stronger than ABS and translucent, commonly used for medical and automotive applications.
PC-ABS: Strong and heat resistant like polycarbonate, flexible like ABS plastic. This is a widely used industrial thermoplastic.
PC: Polycarbonate is a lightweight industrial thermoplastic with high printed accuracy, durability, stability, and strength to withstand functional testing. Widely used in automotive, aerospace, medical, and many other applications.
Nylon 12: Strong and flexible with good chemical and fatigue resistance. A durable choice for applications like repetitive snap and press-fit components, tooling, jigs, fixturing, and more.
Nylon12CF: A carbon-filled thermoplastic that is extremely strong, with high flexural strength and stiffness-to-weight ratio. Ideal for functional prototypes, tools, and other demanding applications.
Ultem 9085: This high-performance thermoplastic has a high strength-to-weight ratio and FST (flame, smoke, and toxicity) rating. It is used frequently in transportation applications, and it is available in a certified formulation that meets more stringent test criteria and retains material traceability for aerospace applications.
Ultem 1010: This high-performance thermoplastic offers excellent strength, thermal stability, and the ability to withstand steam autoclaving. It is also available in a certified grade for food contact and biocompatibility applications.
PEEK: Polyetheretherketone thermoplastic filament can be reinforced with carbon fibers or glass. It offers thermal and chemical resistance, durability, and a low coefficient of friction. It resists absorbing water and moisture and can withstand the sterilization process. It’s a common choice for medical and aerospace components.
ABSplus-P430: A production-grade thermoplastic well suited to building 3D models and prototypes.
Markforged Plastic (Onyx, Nylon): This micro carbon fiber-filled nylon prints with high accuracy and an excellent finish. It has high strength and chemical resistance and can be reinforced with continuous fibers.

. Micro DLP 3D Printing Materials

HTL: A high-performance resin with high strength, heat resistance, and rigidity. It can withstand sterilization and be used in medical and other high-resolution applications.
BIO Resin: A biocompatible resin suitable for non-implantable medical applications. It has passed several ISO 10993 biocompatibility tests.

Industries Served

Because there are so many options for material types and printing methods, 3D printing is a versatile choice for proof of concept testing, prototyping, and final production. Many industries use 3D printing to create parts and assembly components as well as end-use products.

Some of the key industries Empire Group serves include:

Medical Devices
Defense
Industrial Products
Consumer Goods

Premium Industrial 3D Printing Solutions from Empire Group

Empire Group is dedicated to supporting product development for our customers’ mission-critical applications. Our engineers and technicians provide 3D modeling, prototyping, and small-volume production in a variety of materials to fit your requirements. Additional capabilities include CNC machining, casting, injection molding, and assembly.

We serve multiple industries with fast, accurate, and affordable 3D-printed parts. We are an ITAR-registered company holding ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications.