Materials / Properties
PLA (polylactide)
PLA is biodegradable and therefore environmentally friendly. It offers good printability and is ideal for beginners.
Properties: Biodegradable, low melting temperature.
Suitable for: Decorative objects, prototypes, non-functional parts.
Unsuitable for: Mechanically stressed parts, outdoor applications.
ASA (acrylic ester styrene acrylonitrile)
ASA is known for its UV resistance and is often used for outdoor applications.
Properties: UV-resistant, high weather resistance.
Suitable for: Outdoor applications, automotive parts, functional prototypes.
Unsuitable for: Applications that require contact with food.
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
PETG combines the printability of PLA with the strength and durability of ABS.
Properties: Good chemical resistance, easy to print, high strength.
Suitable for: Mechanically stressed parts, waterproof applications.
Unsuitable for: High temperature applications.
SLA (stereolithography)
SLA uses a UV light to cure resins layer by layer and is characterized by a high level of detail.
Properties: High level of detail, smooth surfaces.
Suitable for: Detailed models, jewelry, dental applications.
Unsuitable for: Structurally stressed parts.
SLS PA12 (selective laser sintering PA12)
PA12 is used in the SLS process and offers excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance.
Properties: High strength, good chemical resistance.
Suitable for: Functional parts, complex geometries, moving parts.
Unsuitable for: Very large components due to possible distortion problems.
SLS PA6-GF (glass fiber reinforced PA6)
PA6-GF is reinforced with glass fibers, which makes it particularly stable and heat-resistant.
Properties: High rigidity, improved thermal properties.
Suitable for: High-performance parts in automotive and aviation.
Unsuitable for: Parts with complex details that require fine features.
PA6-CF (carbon fiber reinforced PA6)
PA6-CF is extremely stable and is used for parts that require high strength and rigidity.
Properties: Extremely high strength and rigidity, good thermal stability.
Suitable for: Highly stressed structural parts, aviation components.
Unsuitable for: Inexpensive or less stressed parts.
ULTEM9085
ULTEM9085 is a thermoplastic polyetherimide known for its high heat resistance and strength.
Properties: Flame retardant, high heat resistance.
Suitable for: High temperature applications, aviation and automotive sector.
Unsuitable for: Applications that require low material costs.
SLA High-Temp Resin 270
This resin can withstand high temperatures and is ideal for prototypes and components that are exposed to thermal stress.
Properties: High temperature resistance, high rigidity.
Suitable for: Functional high-temperature tests, mold making.
Unsuitable for: Applications that require flexibility.
SLS TPU 88A (thermoplastic polyurethane)
TPU 88A is flexible and elastic, making it perfect for applications that require cushioning and shock absorption.
Properties: High flexibility, good abrasion resistance.
Suitable for: Flexible parts, sports equipment, seals.
Unsuitable for: Rigid or highly resilient structural parts.