Material Selection Guide
Selecting a 3D printing material often requires balancing a variety of attributes to achieve the intended results. Use this materials selection guide to help you make an educated choice based on your end-use application and your desired material properties.
Another important consideration is the finish applied to the part, which enhance the look and performance of the part. Tempus 3D offers a variety of industry-standard post-processing options to help achieve an optimal result.
All materials and finishes are suitable for a broad range of applications and demanding industrial environments.
What is the best material for my application?
Each material has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications. The chart below is based on HP's recommendations for the best use for each material. Post processing can improve the performance of some materials.
Nylon PA12 | Nylon PA11 | Polypropylene | BASF TPU | Nylon 12 GB | Nylon PA12 White | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stiffness | ||||||
Impact Resistance | ||||||
Elongation | ||||||
Dimensional Capability | ||||||
Level of Detail | ||||||
Flat part | ||||||
Temperature Resistance | ||||||
Chemical Reistance | ||||||
Low Moisture Absorbtion | ||||||
Lightweight | ||||||
Flat Part |
How do the material properties compare?
Compare materials based on their specific properties. More technical specifications can be found on the material's page.
Material | Tensile Strength | Elongation at Break (XY, Z) | Heat Deflection Temperature | Melting Point | Tensile Modulus | Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nylon 12 | 48 MPa | 20%, 15% | 175 ℃ | 187 ℃ | 1,800 MPa | 1.01 g/cm³ |
Nylon 11 | 52 MPa | 50%, 35% | 185 ℃ | 201 ℃ | 1,800 MPa | 1.04 g/cm³ |
Nylon 12 GB | 30 MPa | 10%, 10% | 174 ℃ | 186 ℃ | 2,500 MPa | 1.30 g/cm³ |
BASF TPU01 | 9 MPa | >220% | n/a | 120 - 150 ℃ | 75 - 85 MPa | 1.1 g/cm³ |
Polypropylene | 30 MPa | 20% | 60 ℃ | 187 ℃ | 1,600 MPa | 0.89 g/cm³ |
Nylon 12 White | 49 MPa | 17%, 9% | 175 ℃ | n/a | 1,900 MPa | 1.01 g/cm³ |
Nylon 12 Color | 46 MPa | 20%, 14% | n/a | 189 ℃ | 1600 MPa | 1.03 g/cm³ |
Note: all figures are approximate and dependent on a number of factors, such as machine and process parameters. When performance is critical consider independent lab testing of the materials or final parts.
How are the materials commonly used?
Nylon PA12 is the most popular general-use plastic, and is used for a broad range of products. It balances strength and detail with high environmental stability. This material is resistant to water, chemicals and UV light, and is certified biocompatible.
Nylon PA12 GB has glass microgranules added for enhanced stiffness. Used for technical parts that require stiffness and low abrasive wear. This material also resists warpage, so is recommended for flat or long, thin parts. Applications include enclosures and housings, jigs and fixtures, tooling, threads and sockets, and parts under sustained load.
Nylon PA11 is a high-performance material used for highly ductile, robust parts. It has excellent chemical resistance and enhanced elongation-at-break. Compared to Nylon 12, Nylon 11 is more flexible, less brittle, and better for thin walls. Applications include thin-walled ducts and enclosures; snaps, clips and hinges; orthotics, prosthetics and sports equipment.
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TPU is an elastomeric material which is tough and flexible. It is ideal for parts that require high elasticity, shock absorption and energy return. Used for dampers, cushions and grippers; industrial tubes and pipes; gaskets, seals, belts; orthotics, prosthetics, and sportswear.
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Polypropylene is durable, flexible, lightweight, airtight and waterproof. This material has the greatest resistance to chemicals of all our 3D printing materials. It is ideal for applications that come in contact with fluids such as piping and containers, as well as medical devices, orthotics, and industrial goods.
The excellent properties of PA12 are combined with its white colouring, which can easily absorb dyes of different pigments. Nylon 12 white is durable and resistant to moisture, grease and hydrocarbons. This popular plastic is used for a broad range of applications, and commonly used as a base for light, bright dyes, paints, and coatings.
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Nylon PA12 color produces engineering-grade parts that combine the excellent material properties of Nylon PA12 with full CMYK color. Applications include presentation models and consumer goods. It is also used for color-coded jigs and fixtures, and full-color medical models.
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