SLS Nylon PA12

Nylon PA12 is one of the most widely used SLS materials. It is a tough, versatile plastic with low moisture absorption and good chemical resistance for durable functional parts.

SLS

+56

PETG

PETG offers good impact resistance and strong layer adhesion, plus reliable chemical and moisture resistance. It is a good choice for everyday functional parts.

FDM

+51

ABS

ABS is a durable, impact-resistant plastic with good heat tolerance, and is well suited to functional parts and prototypes that need to handle everyday stress.

FDM

+51

PLA

PLA is a low-cost, rigid plastic with excellent dimensional accuracy, and is a good choice for prototypes and functional parts that do not require strength or heat resistance.

FDM

+128

HP® MJF Nylon PA12

Developed by HP, MJF Nylon is a widely used material for strong and detailed end-use parts and prototypes.

MJF

+25

ASA

ASA is a durable plastic with outstanding UV and weather resistance, which makes it the top choice for parts exposed to prolonged sunlight and outdoor conditions.

FDM

+39

Tough Resin

Tough resin is an impact-modified photopolymer that trades some of standard resin's stiffness for significantly better elongation and impact resistance. This makes it better suited to functional parts that need to withstand stress without cracking.

SLALCDDLP+4

+28

PLA+ (Tough PLA)

PLA+ and Tough PLA offer enhanced strength and durability compared to regular PLA, which makes them ideal for functional prototypes and mechanical parts.

FDM

+39

Standard Resin

Standard resin is a general-purpose photopolymer optimized for fine detail and a smooth surface finish. It offers good rigidity but limited impact resistance, making it suitable for visual models and detailed prototypes, rather than functional parts.

SLADLPMSLA+3

+58

FDM TPU

TPU is a versatile elastomer family that ranges from soft, highly stretchable rubber-like grades to firmer, semi-rigid formulations.

FDM

+42

Aluminum Alloy 6061

Aluminum Alloy 6061 offers excellent strength-to-weight performance, good corrosion resistance, and reliable dimensional stability. It is ideal for lightweight structural parts, prototypes, and functional components requiring durability and machinability.

SLM / DMLS

MJF Glass-Filled Nylon PA12

MJF glass-filled nylon PA12 is a stiff PA12 with the same properties in every direction and higher heat deflection under load than standard nylon. It is a good choice for rigid functional parts.

MJF

+8

High-Detail Resin

High-detail resin is a photopolymer formulated to minimize shrinkage and maximize edge sharpness and surface resolution, capturing extremely fine features like engraved text and fabric texture that other materials can't reproduce as reliably.

DLPSLAMSLA+4

+40

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) is an engineering-grade plastic with the highest heat resistance and impact strength of common FDM materials, and it is ideal for demanding functional parts and prototypes.

FDM

+3

Carbon Fiber PETG

Carbon fiber PETG is a reinforced composite that adds significant stiffness and dimensional stability to standard PETG, trading some impact resistance for rigidity. It is ideal for parts that need to hold their shape under load.

FDM

Translucent Resin

Translucent resin allows light to pass through with a soft, diffused effect rather than true see-through clarity. This makes it the practical choice when frosted light diffusion is the goal rather than optical clarity.

SLADLPMSLA+2

+10

Carbon Fiber ASA

Carbon fiber ASA is a reinforced composite that adds stiffness and dimensional stability to standard ASA while retaining its signature UV and weather resistance. It is a strong choice for structural outdoor parts.

FDM

SLS Flexible TPU

SLS flexible TPU is a rubber-like, tear-resistant material with very good shock absorption and abrasion resistance. It's suitable for flexible functional prototypes and wear-prone parts.

SLS

+16

Carbon Fiber FDM Nylon

Carbon fiber nylon is a reinforced composite that significantly increases stiffness and heat resistance over standard nylon, trading away some of nylon's signature impact resistance and flexibility in the process.

FDM

Carbon Fiber PPA

Carbon fiber PPA is a high-performance composite that pushes heat resistance and dimensional stability well beyond standard carbon fiber nylon. It is suited to demanding engineering applications exposed to elevated temperatures.

FDM

Elastic Resin

Elastic resin (Shore 50A–65A) is a soft, rubber-like photopolymer with high elongation and good rebound, ideal for prototyping silicone-like parts that need to stretch, compress, and flex repeatedly.

SLADLPMSLA+3

FDM Nylon

FDM nylon is a tough, wear-resistant engineering plastic known for high impact resistance, low friction, and the ability to flex repeatedly without cracking, all of which make it ideal for functional, moving parts.

FDM

+3

Nylon-Like Resin

Nylon-like resin is an impact-modified photopolymer formulated to mimic nylon's flexibility and toughness, offering meaningfully better durability than standard resin. However, it doesn't fully match the toughness of actual printed nylon.

MSLASLALCD+3

Flexible Resin

Flexible resin (Shore 80A) is a soft-touch, rubber-like photopolymer similar in firmness to a shoe heel. It combines flexibility with more rigidity and detail retention than elastic resin.

SLADLPMSLA+3

+8

Carbon Fiber PLA

Carbon Fiber PLA is a reinforced composite that significantly increases stiffness and dimensional stability over standard PLA, though this comes at the cost of increased brittleness.

FDM

+1

PCTG

PCTG is a tougher, clearer alternative to PETG. It offers notably better impact resistance and moisture resistance while it retains PETG's ease of use and chemical resistance.

FDM

+18

HP® 3D HR PA 12 S, enabled by Arkema

HP® 3D HR PA 12 S delivers exceptional surface quality and precision right out of the printer. The material is perfect for functional prototypes and high-end consumer goods.

MJF

+22

PC-ABS

PC-ABS is a polymer blend that combines polycarbonate's heat resistance and toughness with ABS's easier processability and dimensional stability, striking a middle ground between the two.

FDM

FDM TPE

FDM TPE is a softer, more rubber-like flexible material than TPU. It offers excellent comfort and stretch for grip and cushioning applications, though with less abrasion, chemical, and heat resistance.

FDM

+18

Plated Brass

Brass plated with a precious metal coating is perfect for jewelry pieces.

Lost Wax Casting

Glass Fiber FDM Nylon

Glass fiber nylon (PA-GF) adds stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability to nylon at a lower cost than carbon fiber nylon, while retaining significantly better impact resistance and toughness.

FDM

+3

Accura® ClearVue

Accura® ClearVue is a clear, transparent resin with low moisture absorption that simulates the appearance of polycarbonate and ABS, suited to lens and headlamp models, fluid-flow visualization, and transparent assemblies.

DLPSLAMSLA+1

Somos® Evolve

Somos Evolve is the perfect material for strong, highly detailed functional prototypes and parts that need to withstand continuous usage.

SLA

+4

HP® MJF Nylon PA11

Multi Jet Fusion PA11, produced by HP, is a bio-derived powder with exceptionally high toughness. This material offers high ductility and impact strength for all applications, especially functional parts.

MJF

+19

Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate

Carbon fiber polycarbonate (PC-CF) adds significant stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability to standard PC.

FDM

Carbon Fiber PPS

Carbon fiber PPS is a high-performance composite that offers metal-matching stiffness, exceptional chemical resistance, and inherent flame retardancy, though it's more brittle than tougher engineering plastics like nylon or polycarbonate.

FDM

High-Temperature Resin

High-temperature resin offers a notably higher heat deflection temperature than standard resin. This makes it a strong choice for heat-resistant mounts, fixtures, and housings that need to hold their shape under sustained heat.

SLADLPMSLA+3

+1

Recycled rPETG

Recycled rPETG reprocesses post-consumer or post-industrial PETG waste into new filament. It offers a sustainable alternative to virgin PETG with comparable strength, toughness, and chemical resistance.

FDM

+14

Flame Retardant Polycarbonate

Flame retardant polycarbonate (PC-FR) combines polycarbonate's strength and heat resistance with a UL94 V-0 fire rating. This makes it a strong choice for electrical enclosures and components near heat sources.

FDM

SLS Nylon PA11

Nylon PA11 is a bio-based nylon, made from castor oil, with high ductility and impact resistance. It is suitable for durable functional parts that need to flex or absorb impact.

SLS

+25

PETG-ESD

PETG-ESD combines the mechanical properties of standard PETG with controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges.

FDM

FDM PMMA

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), commonly known as acrylic or plexiglass, offers strong optical clarity and excellent UV resistance, though it's notably more brittle and less impact-resistant than materials like ABS or polycarbonate.

FDM

BioMed Resin

BioMed resin is a biocompatible photopolymer certified under ISO 10993 for medical device applications, with specific contact type and duration varying by exact formulation.

SLADLPcDLM+2

GreenTec Pro Carbon

GreenTEC Pro Carbon is a biopolymer made from renewable resources combined with 10% carbon fiber. The material offers high rigidity, very good mechanical properties and an increased temperature resistance.

FDM

Accura® Xtreme

Accura® Xtreme is a tough resin with good elongation that simulates polypropylene and ABS for snap-fits, assemblies, and functional prototypes, though it deflects under load at only about 54–62 °C.

SLAMSLADLP+1

+4

Rigid Resin

Rigid resin is a glass-reinforced photopolymer that offers a high level of detail, stiffness, and deformation resistance.

SLADLPcDLM+4

ABS-ESD

ABS-ESD is an ABS modified with a conductive additive so static charge drains away gradually, suited to electronics enclosures, jigs, and fixtures, though it is less ductile and impact-resistant than standard ABS.

FDM

Flame Retardant PETG

Flame retardant PETG combines the mechanical strength and chemical resistance of regular PETG with enhanced fire safety.

FDM

Castable Resin

Castable resin is a synthetic photopolymer engineered to burn out cleanly with minimal ash during investment casting. It offers a more affordable alternative to wax-based casting patterns.

DLPSLAMSLA+1

SLS Nylon PA 2200

PA 2200 is a widely used white nylon 12 grade with a balanced profile of strength, stiffness, and chemical resistance. It is a standard for functional SLS prototypes and rugged, end-use industrial components.

SLS

+46

Glass Fiber ASA

Glass Fiber ASA enhances standard ASA with glass fiber reinforcement, offering greater stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. It resists UV and weathering, making it ideal for outdoor and structural applications.

FDM

FDM Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a versatile and durable material, highly suitable for compliant and functional parts. The FDM technology provides a cheaper alternative to SLS or MJF printed parts.

FDM

+3

Recycled rPLA

Recycled rPLA reprocesses post-consumer or post-industrial PLA waste into new filament. It offers a more sustainable alternative to virgin PLA with generally similar, though somewhat more variable, mechanical properties.

FDM

+22

Durable Resin

Durable resin is a polypropylene-like photopolymer with low modulus, high elongation, and the highest impact strength of common resin options. It is ideal for pliable parts like living hinges and low-friction moving components.

SLADLPMSLA+2

+7

Spectroplast® TrueSil

TrueSil is a 3D printable pure silicone offering high flexibility, biocompatibility, and durability. Ideal for seals, wearables, and medical parts, it resists heat, UV, and repeated deformation.

DLPSAM

Carbon Fiber ABS

CF-ABS is made using ABS and 15% high-modulus carbon fiber.

FDM

ULTEM 9085

ULTEM 9085 is a high-performance thermoplastic with excellent chemical resistance and an extreme level of flame retardancy.

FDM

HIPS

HIPS is a material blend of polystyrene plastic and polybutadiene rubber. The mixture of these polymers results in a material that is both tough and resistant to impact.

FDM

GreenTec Pro

GreenTec Pro is a high performance biodegradable material made from 100% natural resources. With a high heat resistance (up to 160 °C) and mechanical stress resistance, the material is ideal for demanding applications.

FDM

Carbon Fiber PEEK

Carbon-reinforced PEEK is stronger and stiffer than normal PEEK.

FDM

Flame Retardant Resin

Flame retardant resin is a photopolymer that self-extinguishes rather than sustaining flame, which makes it a strong choice for electronics and industrial parts near heat or ignition sources.

SLAMSLADLP+1

Markforged® Onyx

Onyx is a carbon fiber reinforced nylon that is used to print strong prototypes or end-use parts.

FDM

Accura® 25

Accura® 25 is a white, polypropylene-like resin (Shore 80D) with good elongation and shape retention, used to simulate and replace CNC-machined polypropylene parts such as snap-fits and functional assemblies.

DLPSLAMSLA+1

+4

PETG-HT

PETG-HT is an enhanced version of PETG, specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and exhibit excellent mechanical properties.

FDM

PET

PET 3D prints offer a strong balance of toughness, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability. The material produces durable parts with good layer adhesion and a semi-gloss surface finish.

FDM

PHA

PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) filament is a biodegradable type of plastic used in 3D printing, made through the fermentation of plant sugars by bacteria. It a great choice for applications that require biodegradability.

FDM

Elastomeric Polyurethane

Elastomeric Polyurethane, or EPU, is a high-performance polyurethane elastomer. It exhibits excellent elastic behavior under cyclic tensile and compressive loads.

DLS

Recycled rASA

Recycled rASA reprocesses post-consumer or post-industrial ASA waste into new filament. It offers a more sustainable alternative to virgin ASA, though it has a more limited recyclability than PLA, ABS, or PETG.

FDM

iglidur® I180-PF

iglidur I180-PF by igus is a material with high wear resistance, especially designed for moving parts.

FDM

Carbon Fiber PET

PET CF is a carbon fiber-reinforced PET filament offering high stiffness, dimensional stability, and improved strength for lightweight, functional FDM parts.

FDM

SLS Nylon PA6 Carbon Fiber

SLS PA6 carbon fiber is a stiff, dimensionally stable nylon composite with higher heat resistance than unfilled PA6. It is suitable for rigid structural parts, though it has low ductility.

SLS

Lightweight PLA

Lightweight PLA (LW-PLA) is a specialized 3D printing filament that expands up to three times its volume for lighter prints without losing the strength of standard PLA.

FDM

+3

iglidur® I150-PF

iglidur I150-PF by igus features a high abrasion resistance at low speeds combined with good mechanical properties.

FDM

Conductive PLA

Conductive PLA is a version of PLA that is perfect for parts that need to be electrically conductive. It has a volume resistivity (perpendicular to layers) of 30 ohm-cm.

FDM

HP® 3D HR PA 12 FR, enabled by Evonik

Flame-retardant PA 12 for MJF, offering durability, dimensional stability, and fire compliance for functional and safety-critical parts.

MJF

+19

ABS Kevlar

ABS Kevlar is ABS reinforced with aramid (Kevlar) fibers for better abrasion resistance and dimensional stability, with strength, stiffness, and heat resistance close to standard ABS, suited to wear-prone parts and fixtures.

FDM

PC-Like Resin

PC-like resin is a highly rigid photopolymer that simulates polycarbonate's stiffness and heat resistance, though it's more brittle than ABS-like resin, which makes it better suited to precision, load-bearing parts than parts needing to absorb impact.

LCD

Recycled rABS

Recycled rABS reprocesses post-consumer or post-industrial ABS waste into new filament. It offers a sustainable alternative to virgin ABS with mechanical properties that hold up well through recycling.

FDM

Nylon PA12 CCF

PA12 CCF is a is a co-extruded material consisting of nylon PA12 with a composite of nylon and continuous carbon fibers. This unique combination gives the finished part a smooth surface along with high strength, toughness, and durability.

CFC

SLS Nylon PA66

Nylon PA66 is a strong, stiff nylon with good chemical resistance and heat tolerance, well above PA12 in strength and stiffness, though it absorbs far more moisture.

SLS

Figure 4® RUBBER-BLK 10

Figure 4® RUBBER-BLK 10 is a flexible, durable material with rubber-like properties. Parts feature a smooth black finish and excellent tear resistance, ideal for seals, gaskets, and other elastomeric applications.

DLP

Anti-Static Resin-ESD

Anti-static resin (ESD) produces rigid, high-detail parts with controlled surface resistivity to prevent static buildup. It offers dimensional accuracy, a smooth matte finish, and electrostatic discharge protection for sensitive electronic applications.

LCD

FDM TPU-ESD

FDM TPU-ESD is an engineering-grade thermoplastic chosen for its balance of flexibility and protection against electrostatic discharge.

FDM

Carbon Fiber ULTEM 9085

Carbon-reinforced ULTEM 9085 is stronger and stiffer than normal ULTEM 9085.

FDM

HP® 3D HR PA 12 W

HP® 3D HR PA 12 W is a high-reusability, white nylon (polyamide 12) designed for durable, functional 3D printed parts with excellent chemical and mechanical resistance.

MJF

+18

420/BR Steel

420/BR is a bronze-infused stainless steel that offers good strength and wear resistance for decorative and industrial parts, but less corrosion resistance than solid stainless steel.

Binder Jetting

+1

PLA-ESD

PLA-ESD combines the mechanical properties of standard PLA with controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges.

FDM

Carbon Fiber PEKK

Carbon-reinforced PEKK is stronger and stiffer than normal PEKK.

FDM

FDM PEBA

PEBA is a high-performance flexible material that combines the strength of nylon with the elasticity of rubber. It is characterized by its ultra-lightweight structure and a "high rebound" effect, delivering up to 85% energy return for dynamic parts.

FDM

SLS PEBA

SLS PEBA is a lightweight, flexible polyether block amide elastomer with high energy return and rubber-like fatigue resistance that stays flexible down to about -40 °C. It's suited to dampers and cushioning parts.

SLS

HP® 3D HR TPA, enabled by Evonik

HP 3D HR TPA is a durable, flexible elastomer for MJF printing, perfect for functional parts like gaskets, seals, and wearables that require repeated bending or impact resistance.

MJF

SLS Flexible TPE

SLS flexible TPE is a rubber-like elastomer, available from very soft to firm, that withstands repeated bending and vibration, suited to gaskets, dampers, and soft functional parts, though it is weak and softens at modest temperatures.

SLS

+16

PVC

PVC filament is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to moisture. Its versatility and robustness make it a favored option for creating functional prototypes, outdoor signage, and parts that require water-resistant properties.

FDM

Aluminum 6061 (EN AW-6061)

Aluminum 6061 is a strong, lightweight alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and good machinability. Ideal for aerospace, automotive, and general-purpose CNC-milled parts.

CNC

Aluminum 7075 (EN AW-7075)

Aluminum 7075 is a high-strength, heat-treatable alloy with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and fatigue resistance. Ideal for aerospace, motorsports, and high-load structural components.

CNC

Acetal (POM-C)

Acetal (POM-C) is a high-performance copolymer known for its excellent machinability, dimensional stability, and low friction. Ideal for precision parts like gears and bearings, it offers high strength and moisture resistance.

CNC

Aluminum 5052 (EN AW-5052)

Aluminum 5052 is a strong, corrosion-resistant alloy ideal for CNC machining. It offers high fatigue strength, excellent workability, and is widely used in marine, automotive, and aerospace parts.

CNC

Acetal (Glass-Filled)

Acetal (glass-filled) is a reinforced engineering thermoplastic enhanced with glass fibers. This addition significantly increases the material's stiffness, creep resistance, and dimensional stability compared to standard acetal.

CNC

Figure 4® High Temp 150 °C FR Black

Figure 4® High Temp 150 °C FR Black is a flame-retardant material with high thermal stability and rigidity. Parts have a smooth black surface finish and are ideal for functional applications requiring heat and flame resistance.

DLP

Rigid Polyurethane

Rigid Polyurethane is very stiff and strong with material properties that outperform ABS plastic and rivals Nylon. This material is perfect for mechanical parts that need to be tough, heat-resistant, and abrasion-resistant.

DLS

Nylon PA12 CBF

PA12 CBF is a co-extruded material consisting of nylon PA12 with a composite of nylon and continuous basalt fibers. This unique combination gives the finished part a smooth surface along with strength, toughness, and durability.

CFC

Nylon PA66

Nylon 6/6 produces strong, wear-resistant parts with excellent toughness, low friction, and good chemical resistance. It is ideal for durable mechanical components and precision applications.

CNC

Titanium Grade 5 (3.7165)

High-strength titanium alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and low weight. Used in aerospace, medical, and high-performance mechanical components.

CNC

Delrin® (POM-H)

Delrin® (POM-H) is a high-strength acetal homopolymer known for superior stiffness, hardness, and creep resistance. It is the go-to material for high-load mechanical parts like heavy-duty gears, bearings, and precision fasteners.

CNC

VisiJet® M2S-HT90

VisiJet® M2S-HT90 is a strong and rigid material for applications requiring temperature resistance and/or rigidity, ideal for rapid tooling, under the hood parts, enclosures and housings

MJP

Nylon PA6

Nylon PA6 is a durable, wear-resistant thermoplastic with excellent impact strength, low friction, and good machinability. Ideal for precision mechanical components like gears, bushings, and automotive parts.

CNC

ABS

CNC-milled ABS is strong, impact-resistant, and ideal for prototypes and housings. It machines well, has a matte finish, and is widely used in engineering, electronics, and product design.

CNC

Aluminum 6063 (EN AW-6063)

Aluminum 6063 is a medium-strength, heat-treatable alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and good formability. It's ideal for precision parts in architectural, structural, and electronic applications.

CNC

Vacuum Casting Plastics

Vacuum casting is a manufacturing process used to create detailed and precise prototypes or small production runs of plastic and rubber parts.

Vacuum Casting

Laser Cutting Plastics

Laser cutting is a precise manufacturing process that uses a high-powered laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize plastics, producing clean edges and accurate cuts across a variety of materials.

Laser Cutting

MJF Flexible TPU

MJF flexible TPU is a rubber-like, tear-resistant material with high rebound and good abrasion resistance that's suited to flexible functional prototypes and wear-prone parts.

MJF

+16

SLS Glass-Filled Nylon PA12

SLS glass-filled nylon PA12 is a stiff, wear-resistant PA12 with higher heat deflection under load than standard nylon, suited to rigid functional parts, though it is less ductile.

SLS

+8

Material Guide for Black color

Technology

Category

Manufacturing process

Color (1)

Property

SLS Nylon PA12

PETG

ABS

PLA

HP® MJF Nylon PA12

ASA

Tough Resin

PLA+ (Tough PLA)

Standard Resin

FDM TPU

Aluminum Alloy 6061

MJF Glass-Filled Nylon PA12

High-Detail Resin

Polycarbonate

Carbon Fiber PETG

Translucent Resin

Carbon Fiber ASA

SLS Flexible TPU

Carbon Fiber FDM Nylon

Carbon Fiber PPA

Elastic Resin

FDM Nylon

Nylon-Like Resin

Flexible Resin

Carbon Fiber PLA

PCTG

HP® 3D HR PA 12 S, enabled by Arkema

PC-ABS

FDM TPE

Plated Brass

Glass Fiber FDM Nylon

Accura® ClearVue

Somos® Evolve

HP® MJF Nylon PA11

Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate

Carbon Fiber PPS

High-Temperature Resin

Recycled rPETG

Flame Retardant Polycarbonate

SLS Nylon PA11

PETG-ESD

FDM PMMA

BioMed Resin

GreenTec Pro Carbon

Accura® Xtreme

Rigid Resin

ABS-ESD

Flame Retardant PETG

Castable Resin

SLS Nylon PA 2200

Glass Fiber ASA

FDM Polypropylene

Recycled rPLA

Durable Resin

Spectroplast® TrueSil

Carbon Fiber ABS

ULTEM 9085

HIPS

GreenTec Pro

Carbon Fiber PEEK

Flame Retardant Resin

Markforged® Onyx

Accura® 25

PETG-HT

PET

PHA

Elastomeric Polyurethane

Recycled rASA

iglidur® I180-PF

Carbon Fiber PET

SLS Nylon PA6 Carbon Fiber

Lightweight PLA

iglidur® I150-PF

Conductive PLA