MATERIALS MATTER:

Selecting the Right

Material for 3D Printing
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Materials must be suited to the application in

order to have successful results. The properties Material Advancements
TABLE OF CONTENTS of any material become increasingly important
The materials used in 3D printing have been
as a product progresses from concept and
Direct Metal Laser Sintering .............. 4 improving, as would be expected. These
Stainless Steel
functional prototyping to production.
advancements have allowed the technology
Aluminum to move beyond models and prototypes to
Titanium However, material properties can only be
functional parts for testing, shop floor use and
Cobalt Chrome evaluated when the manufacturing process is
production.
Inconel considered. It is the combination of the material
and the process that dictates the characteristics.
And while the output of 3D printing is different
Selective Laser Sintering ...................... 7 For example, an alloy processed by die casting
from that of other manufacturing processes, it
DuraForm HST Composite has different properties when it is metal injection
can offer a suitable alternative when seeking a
PA 850 Black molded. Likewise, a thermoplastic will have
ALM PA 650 direct replacement. Yet, its advantages increase
different properties if it is injection molded or
PA 615-GS when users experiment with the possibilities that
CNC machined.
it offers.
Stereolithography ....................................... 9 Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing,
Accura Xtreme White 200 However, experimentation is a bit challenging
is unique. It is different from all other
Somos WaterShed XC 11122 because of 3D printing’s differences that extend
manufacturing processes, so the material
Accura ABS Black beyond, but are related to, material properties.
Accura 60 properties and characteristics of parts that
For example, additive materials lack the rich set
Somos 9120 it produces are different, even when using a
of performance data that characterize a material
Accura 5530 nearly identical alloy or thermoplastic. In terms
over a range of conditions. Instead, 3D printing
Somos NanoTool of material properties, it is not a matter of
users are presented with a single data sheet that
MicroFine Green being better or worse; it is simply important to
contains a limited set of values. Those values
SLArmor recognize that the results will be different.
are also likely to present a best case scenario
based on testing of virgin material (unrecycled
Decision Tree ................................................ 13 Recognizing that there is a difference,
powders), for example.
DMLS Material the following information will aid in the
SL and SLS Material characterization, and ultimately the selection, of
Another complication is that 3D printing produces
materials from three widely used industrial 3D
anisotropic properties where the values differ for the X,
printing processes: direct metal laser sintering
RESOURCES (DMLS), selective laser sintering (SLS) and
Y and Z axes. The degree of anisotropism varies with
each additive technology — direct metal laser sintering
Our online library of 3D printing content includes stereolithography (SL).
is the closest to isotropic, for example — but it should
design tips, case studies, videos and other always be a consideration.
comprehensive white papers. We also staff
experienced customer service engineers who can
discuss any design questions that may arise.

Find us online at protolabs.com

or call us at 877.479.3680.

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 2

However, the material suppliers rarely publish material
specifications that document the change in properties
from one axis to another, as the data behind these
specifications can vary greatly by material, process and
even type of machine
By designing for the 3D printing process and adjusting
the build orientation, anisotropism or inadequate
material properties can be overcome. To do this,
leverage the experiences from past projects or that of
a qualified service organization to fill in the data gaps
that exist because of the limited material properties
data. When performance is critical, also consider
independent lab testing of additive materials.
While success is dependent on material properties, they
are not the only considerations. Each additive material
and build process will also dictate characteristics such
as maximum part size, dimensional accuracy, feature
resolution, surface finish, production time and part
cost. So it is advised to select a suitable material and
then evaluate its ability to meet expectations and
requirements related to time, cost and quality.
Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing
Material Selection
Generally, one or two material properties
distinguish an additive material from all others.
For example, if seeking the average tensile
strength of polyamide (PA) 11, a stereolithography
photopolymer maybe be a better option than a
selective laser sintering PA. Conversely, if the heat
deflection temperature (HDT) of an ABS is needed,
the best option would be a sintered nylon.
Recognizing that a few properties will separate
one material from the others, the recommended
approach for selecting a material for 3D printing
is to first define what mechanical or thermal
properties are critical. Then review the material
options to find a fit. With the options narrowed,
review other remaining properties to determine if
the material will be acceptable for the project.
Since 3D printing is unique, a goal of finding a
perfect match to a cast, molded or machined
material is ill-advised. Instead, investigate the
material options to find the material that satisfies
the most critical requirements.
© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 3
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Direct Metal Laser Sintering

DMLS uses pure metal powders to produce parts with
properties that are generally accepted to be equal or
better than those of wrought materials. Because there DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING
is rapid melting and solidification in a small, constantly TENSILE STRENGTH
moving spot, DMLS may yield differences in grain MATERIAL
size and grain boundaries that impact mechanical DMLS
37.7 ksi
performance. Research is ongoing to characterize Aluminum

the grain structures, which can change with the DMLS 130 ksi
Cobalt Chrome
laser parameters, post-build heat treatment and hot
DMLS
isostatic pressing. However, the results are not widely Inconel 718
180 ksi
available. Ultimately, this difference will become an DMLS
advantage when grain structure can be manipulated 129 ksi
Titanium
to offer varying mechanical properties in a part. DMLS
190 ksi
SS 17-4

Of the three additive manufacturing processes DMLS 70 ksi

SS 316
discussed here, DMLS produces parts with material
Wrought Metal
properties that approach an isotropic state. However, Die-cast AL
43.5 ksi
there will be some property variance when measured Wrought Metal 95 – 140 ksi
along different axes. For a visual comparison of DMLS F75 CoCr
material properties, see Chart 1 for tensile strength, Wrought Metal 160 ksi
Chart 2 for elongation and Chart 3 for hardness. IN718
Wrought Metal 125 ksi
Ti 23
Wrought Metal 160 – 210 ksi
17-4 Machined
Wrought Metal 85 ksi
316 Machined

0 50 100 150 200 250

KILOPOUNDS PER SQUARE INCH

Chart 1

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 4
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Stainless steel is a commonly used DMLS material, and it

is available in two grades at Proto Labs: 17-4 PH and 316L.
Select 17-4 for its significantly higher tensile strength (190 ksi DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING
vs. 70 ksi), yield strength and hardness (47 HRC vs. 26 HRC), but MATERIAL ELONGATION
recognize that it has far less elongation at break (EB) than 316L
DMLS
(8% vs. 30%), which means that it will be less malleable. Both Aluminum
1%
17-4 and 316L offer corrosion resistance, but 316L is better at DMLS 20%
resisting acids. 316L is also more temperature resistant than Cobalt Chrome
17-4. Note that 17-4 may be heat treated to modify mechanical DMLS 12%
Inconel 718
properties, while 316L is only offered in the stress-relieved state.
DMLS
10%
Titanium
DMLS aluminum (Al) is comparable to a 3000 series DMLS
8%
alloy that is used in casting and die casting processes. Its SS 17-4
composition is AlSi10Mg. Al has an excellent strength-to- DMLS 30%
SS 316
weight ratio, good temperature and corrosion resistance,
and good fatigue, creep and rupture strength. Wrought Metal 2 – 5%
Die-cast AL
Wrought Metal >8 – 20%
Compared to die-cast 3000 series aluminum, the Al properties F75 CoCr
for tensile strength (36 ksi to 43 ksi) and yield strength Wrought Metal 25%
(30 ksi to 32 ksi) far exceed the average values. However, IN718

elongation at break is significantly lower (1% vs. 11%) when Wrought Metal 10%
Ti 23
compared to the average for 3000 series aluminums.
Wrought Metal 5 – 7%
17-4 Machined
DMLS titanium (Ti-64 ELI) is most commonly used for Wrought Metal 56%
aerospace and defense applications due to its strength- 316 Machined
to-weight ratio, temperature resistance and acid/
corrosion resistance. It is also used in medical applications. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Versus Ti grade 23 annealed, the mechanical properties
PERCENT
are nearly identical with a tensile strength of 130 ksi,
elongation at break of 10% and hardness of 36 HRC.
Chart 2

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 5
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Cobalt chrome (CoCr) is one of two DMLS superalloys that DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING
tend to be used for specialty applications in aerospace and HARDNESS
medical. CoCr has an exceptional EB (20%), and it is creep and
corrosion resistant. Versus ASTM F-75 CoCr (dependent on MATERIAL
heat treating), DMLS CoCr offers moderate material properties DMLS
(DMLS vs. F-75): tensile strength of 130 ksi vs. 95-140 ksi, EB 25 HRC
Cobalt Chrome
of 20% vs. 8-20%, yield strength of 75 ksi vs. 65-81 ksi, and DMLS
35.5 HRC
Inconel 718
hardness of 25 HRC vs. 25-35 HRC. Of all DMLS metals, CoCr DMLS
has the best biocompatibility — which requires additional 39 HRC
Titanium
biocompatibility processing outside of Proto Labs — making DMLS
40 – 47 HRC
SS 17-4
it ideal for medical applications such as dental implants. Wrought Metal
IN718
36 HRC

Inconel 718 (IN718) is a nickel chromium superalloy Wrought Metal

36 HRC
Ti 23
used in high service temperature applications, such as Wrought Metal
aircraft engine components. DMLS IN718 parts have 17-4 Machined
35 – 45 HRC

an impressive operating temperature range of -423°F Wrought Metal 25 – 35 HRC

F75 CoCr
to 1,300°F coupled with excellent corrosion resistance,
and good fatigue, creep and rupture strength. 0 20 40 60
ROCKWELL HARDNESS - HRC
DMLS IN718 has higher tensile strength (180 ksi vs. 160
ksi) and comparable yield strength (133 ksi vs. 160 ksi)
than conventionally processed IN718. However, its EB is half
that of conventionally processed IN718 (12% vs. 25%). MATERIAL
DMLS 47.2 HRB
Aluminum
DMLS
76.5 – 101 HRB
SS 316
Wrought Metal
40 – 50 HRB
Die-cast AL
Wrought Metal 81 HRB
316 Machined

40 60 80 100 120

ROCKWELL HARDNESS - HRB

Chart 3

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 6
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Selective Laser Sintering
SLS uses thermoplastic powders, predominantly polyamide
(PA), to make functional parts that have greater toughness
and higher impact strength than parts produced through
SL, as well as high HDTs (351°F to 370°F). The tradeoffs
are that SLS lacks the surface finish and fine feature details
available with SL.
Generally, SLS PAs, when compared to the average values of
their injection-molded counterparts, have similar HDT values
but lower values for the mechanical properties. The exception
is the fiber-filled DuraForm HST composite, which exceeds
a mineral-filled PA 12 in all areas except tensile strength. In
a few instances, SLS PAs report properties that document
the degree of anisotropism. For a visual comparison of SLS
material properties, see Chart 4 for heat deflection, Chart 5
for elongation at break and Chart 6 for tensile strength.
DuraForm HST Composite is a fiber-filled PA that is similar
to a 25% mineral-filled PA 12. The fiber content in HST
significantly increases strength, stiffness and HDT. Compared
to other SLS and SL options (excluding ceramic-filled
materials), HST has the highest tensile strength, flexural
modulus and impact strength, and it maintains an elevated
HDT. This makes HST a great choice for functional applications
where temperatures exceeding 300°F may be present. The
material is somewhat brittle, however, with an EB of 4.5%.
Also consider that like injection-molded fiber-filled materials,
there is a significant delta in the Z-axis values.

PA 850 Black delivers ductility and flexibility with a

tensile modulus of 214 kpsi and EB of 51%, all without
SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING sacrificing tensile strength (6.9 ksi) and temperature
MATERIAL HEAT DEFLECTION resistance (HDT of 370°F). These characteristics make
PA 850 a popular general-purpose material and the best
DuraForm HST 276° – 363° solution for making living hinges for limited trials.
PA 615-GS 273° – 350°
When compared to the averages for injection-molded
PA 850 118° – 370°
PA 11, PA 850 has a higher HDT (370°F vs. 284°F) with
similar tensile strength and stiffness. However, its EB,
PA 650 186° – 350° while the highest of all AM plastics, is 60% less than
that for a molded PA 11.
Molded Nylon (PA) 410° – 476°
40% Mineral PA

Molded Nylon (PA) 465° – 495°

Another factor that distinguishes PA 850 is its
33% Glass PA uniform, deep-black color. Black has high contrast,
Molded Nylon (PA) 158° – 410° which makes features pop, and it hides dirt, grease
Unfilled PA
and grime. Black is also desirable for optical
0° 100° 200° 300° 400° 500° applications due to low reflectivity.

DEGREES° IN FAHRENHEIT

Chart 4

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 7
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING

MATERIAL ELONGATION AT BREAK
ALM PA 650 is a balanced, economical, go-to material
DuraForm HST 2.7 – 4.5%
for general-purpose applications. PA 650 is stiffer than
PA 850 (tensile modulus of 247 ksi vs. 214 ksi) and has PA 615-GS 1.6%
a similar tensile strength (7.0 ksi vs. 6.9 ksi). While its
PA 850 14 – 51%
EB is half that of PA 850, at 24% it’s still one of the
top performers in terms of ductility. PA 650 is loosely PA 650 24%
comparable to the average properties for an injection-
Molded Nylon (PA) 2.5%
molded PA 12. It has similar stiffness but roughly half the 40% Mineral PA
tensile strength and EB. However, its HDT is significantly Molded Nylon (PA) 2 – 3%
higher: 351°F vs. 280°F. 33% Glass PA
Molded Nylon (PA) 15 – 60%
Unfilled PA
PA 615-GS is a polyamide powder loaded with glass
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
spheres that make it stiff and dimensionally stable.
However, the glass filler makes PA 615-GS brittle, PERCENT
significantly decreasing impact and tensile strengths. The
glass spheres also make PA 615-GS parts much heavier
than those made with any other AM material.

PA 615-GS mimics the average value of glass-filled

injection molded nylons. When compared to 33% glass-
SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
MATERIAL TENSILE STRENGTH
filled nylon, the HDT is lower at 350°F vs. 490°F with a
much lower tensile strength (80%) and EB (50%). DuraForm HST 4.5 – 7.35 ksi

PA 615-GS 4.5 ksi

PA 850 6.1 – 6.95 ksi

PA 650 6.96 ksi

Molded Nylon (PA) 12.62 ksi

40% Mineral PA
Molded Nylon (PA) 20.0 – 29.0 ksi
33% Glass PA
Molded Nylon (PA) 5.51 – 16.5 ksi
Unfilled PA

0 10 20 30 40 50

KILOPOUND PER SQUARE INCH

Charts 5 & 6

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 8
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Stereolithography
SL uses photopolymers, thermoset resins cured with STEREOLITHOGRAPHY
ultraviolet (UV) light. It offers the broadest material
MATERIAL HEAT DEFLECTION
selection with a large range of tensile strengths,
tensile and flexural moduli, and EBs. Note that the Accura 5530 131° – 482°
impact strengths and HDTs are generally much lower
than those of common injection-molded plastics. Accura 60 118° – 131°
The range of materials also offers options for color and
Somos Nano Tool 185° – 437°
opacity. Combined with good surface finish and high
feature resolution, SL can produce parts that mimic PC (Molded) 250° – 280°
injection molding in terms of performance and appearance.
RenShape 7820 125°
The photopolymers are hygroscopic and UV sensitive,
MicroFine Green 122° – 138°
which may alter the dimensions and performance
of the part over time. Exposure to moisture and UV Somos Watershed 115° – 130°
light will alter the appearance, size and mechanical
properties. For a visual comparison of SL material ABS (Molded) 185° – 215°
properties, see Chart 7 for heat deflection, Chart 8 for
Accura Xtreme White 108° – 117°
elongation at break and Chart 9 for tensile strength.
Somos 9120 126° – 142°
Accura Xtreme White 200 is a widely used SL material.
In terms of flexibility and strength, it falls between PP (Molded) 124° – 203°
polypropylene and ABS, which makes it a good choice for
SLArmor
snap fits, master patterns and demanding applications. 10% Metal Volume
122° – 516°
Xtreme is a durable SL material; it has a very high SLArmor 122° – 516°
impact strength (1.2 ft.-lb./in.) and a high EB (20%) 20% Metal Volume

while mid-range in strength and stiffness. However, SLArmor 122° – 516°

30% Metal Volume
its HDT (117°F) is the lowest of the SL materials.
Die-cast Greater than 500°
Aluminum
Compared to the average value for injection-molded
ABS, Xtreme can have a slightly higher tensile
0° 100° 200° 300° 400° 500°
strength (7.2 ksi vs. 6.0 ksi) but slightly lower EB
(20% vs. 30%).Under a flexing load, Xtreme is 26% DEGRESS° IN FAHRENHEIT
less rigid, and its impact strength is 70% lower.

Chart 7
MOLDED MATERIAL COMPARISON KEY
POLYCARBONATE ABS POLYPROPYLENE METAL

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 9
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Somos WaterShed XC 11122 offers a unique

combination of low moisture absorption (0.35%) and
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY near-colorless transparency — secondary operations
MATERIAL ELONGATION AT BREAK will be required to get the material completely clear,
and it will also retain a very light blue hue afterward.
Accura 5530 1.3 – 4.4% While good for general-purpose applications and
pattern-making, WaterShed is the best choice for
Accura 60 5 – 13%
flow-visualization models, light pipes and lenses.
Somos Nano Tool 0.7 – 1.0%
Watershed’s tensile strength and EB are among the
PC (Molded) 100% highest of 3D-printed, thermoplastic-like materials,
which makes it tough and durable. Compared to average
RenShape 7820 8 – 18%
injection-molded ABS values, Watershed offers a slightly
MicroFine Green 6.1% higher tensile strength (7.8 ksi vs. 6.0 ksi), but falls short
in EB (20% vs. 30%) and HDT at 130°F vs. 215°F.
Somos Watershed 11 – 20%
Accura ABS Black is another alternative when prototyping
ABS (Molded) 30%
injection-molded ABS parts. ABS Black not only mimics
Accura Xtreme White 7 – 20% ABS’s mechanical properties, its deep black color and
glossy up-facing surfaces in a top profile offer the
Somos 9120 15 – 25% appearance of a molded part, while layer lines may be
PP (Molded)
visible in a side profile. ABS Black also has low moisture
100%
absorption so that parts are more dimensionally stable.
SLArmor
10% Metal Volume
0.9%
Compared to other SL materials, ABS Black has mid-
SLArmor 1.04%
20% Metal Volume range values for all mechanical properties. Compared
SLArmor to average ABS values (injection molded), it has a
1%
30% Metal Volume slightly higher tensile strength (7.4 ksi vs. 6.0 ksi),
Die-cast 2 – 5% but a lower EB (18% vs. 30%) and HDT at 124°F
Aluminum vs. 215°F. The most significant departure from
ABS is a low impact strength of 0.91 ft.-lb./in.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

PERCENT

Chart 8
MOLDED MATERIAL COMPARISON KEY
POLYCARBONATE ABS POLYPROPYLENE METAL

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 10
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Accura 60 is an alternative to both RenShape SL 7820

and WaterShed XC 11122 when stiffness is desired. Like
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY RenShape SL 7820, this material produces sharp, crisp
TENSILE STRENGTH details; like WaterShed, the material offers translucency.
MATERIAL
However, this material sacrifices ductility with 29% to
Accura 5530 6.8 – 8.9 ksi
36% lower EB and 10% to 44% lower impact strength.
Additionally, Accura 60 has a high rate of moisture
Accura 60 8.41 – 9.86 ksi absorption, which can affect dimensional stability.
Somos Nano Tool 8.9 – 11.3 ksi
Accura 60 has a high tensile strength of 9.9 ksi
PC (Molded) 7.25 – 10.44 ksi
and high tensile modulus of 450 ksi. Comparted
to the average values for an injection-molded,
RenShape 7820 5.2 – 7.4 ksi 10% glass-filled polycarbonate, it has equivalent
tensile strength and flexural modulus, 25%
MicroFine Green 6.5 ksi
higher EB but 80% lower impact strength.
Somos Watershed 6.8 – 7.8 ksi
Somos 9120 is the best choice of the SL resins
ABS (Molded) 4.64 – 6.1 ksi when polypropylene-like parts are needed. This
material is the most flexible SL option, with a flexural
Accura Xtreme White 6.3 – 7.25 ksi
modulus of 210 ksi, and the most ductile, with an
Somos 9120 4.4 – 4.7 ksi EB of 25%. It also has the second highest impact
strength (1.0 ft.-lb./in.) of the SL materials.
PP (Molded) 3.92 – 5.801 ksi

SLArmor In direct comparison to the average values of an

14.0 ksi
10% Metal Volume injection-molded polypropylene, 9120 has similar tensile
SLArmor 21.0 ksi strength (4.7 ksi), tensile modulus (212 ksi), flexural
20% Metal Volume
modulus (210 ksi) and impact strength (1.0 ft.-lb./in.).
SLArmor
30% Metal Volume
29.0 ksi The only departure from molded PP is a 75% lower EB.
Die-cast 43.5 ksi
Aluminum

0 10 20 30 40 50

KILOPOUND PER SQUARE INCH

Chart 9
MOLDED MATERIAL COMPARISON KEY
POLYCARBONATE ABS POLYPROPYLENE METAL

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 11
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Accura SL 5530 provides a strong, stiff part with high
temperature resistance. Furthermore, a thermal post-cure
option can increase HDT from 131°F to 482°F. 5530 has
the highest tensile and flexural moduli (545 ksi and 527
ksi, respectively) of all the unfilled SL materials and the
second highest tensile strength (8.9 ksi). However, the post-
cure does make 5530 less durable, resulting in an impact
strength of only 0.4 ft.-lb./in. and an EB of 2.9%. Without
the thermal post-cure, 5530 retains its tensile strength
and becomes more flexible. Also, EB increases by 50%.
When compared to injection-molded thermoplastics, a
10% glass-filled polycarbonate is the closest match. With
the thermal post-cure, 5530 has similar tensile strength
and flexural modulus (compared to the average values)
with 66% higher HDT. However, impact strength and EB are
much lower for 5530 (81% and 72% lower, respectively).
MicroFine Green is custom formulated at Proto Labs
to deliver the highest level of detail — 0.002 in.
features are possible —and tightest tolerance available
from any SL material. The material is used to make
small parts, generally less than 1 in. by 1in. by 1in.
In terms of mechanical properties, MicroFine
Green falls in the mid-range of SL materials for
tensile strength and modulus (6.5 ksi and 305 ksi,
respectively) and on the low end for impact strength
and EB (0.46 ft.-lb./in. and 6% respectively).
MicroFine Green has a stiffness (329 ksi vs. 333
ksi) and tensile strengths (6.5 ksi vs. 6.0 ksi) similar
to injection-molded ABS, however, MicroFine does
have a lower HDT than ABS of 138°F vs. 215°F.
Proto Labs offers another proprietary material, SLArmor,
combining nickel plating with Somos NanoTool parts
to offer an alternative to die-cast aluminum. The
plating increases NanoTool’s tensile strength to 14.5
ksi to 29 ksi, depending on the percentage of metal
volume. HDT is drastically increased over NanoTool
with a range of 122°F up to 516°F, and when
compared to die-cast aluminum, the HDT is greater
than 500°F with a tensile strength of 43.5 ksi.

Conclusion
Spanning metals, thermoplastics and thermosets, 3D printing provides many different
materials that can simulate, if not replace, those that are processed through conventional
means. While an exact match is not possible, since the fundamental processes are
different, the material breadth means that there is a strong likelihood that the important
material characteristics are satisfied.

The key to success is being open to, and cognizant of, the differences. With the support
of an informed, qualified 3D printing resource that can fill in the data gaps, this mindset
opens the door to leveraging the unique advantages that 3D printing technology can offer.

>>Sources:
matweb.com, ulprospector.com, vendor datasheets and protolabs.com.

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 12
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Decision Tree: DMLS Material

METAL DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING

ATTRIBUTES DMLS

Stainless Steel Aluminum Titanium

Inconel 718 TS: 482-1,310 MPa TS: 260 MPa TS: 894 MPa
STRENGTH Titanium Ti-6-4
Elongation: 8 – 30% Elongation: 1% Elongation: 10%
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH
Hardness: 76 HRB-47 HRC Hardness: 47.2 HRB Hardness: 39 HRC

Aluminum
LIGHTWEIGHT
Titanium Ti-6-4
Cobalt Chrome Inconel
TS: 896 MPa TS: 1,240 MPa
Aluminum
TEMPERATURE Elongation: 20% Elongation: 12%
Inconel 718
RESISTANCE Hardness: 25 HRC Hardness: 35.5 HRC
Titanium Ti-6-4

Stainless Steel 316L

CORROSION Inconel 718
RESISTANCE Titanium Ti-6-4
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH
KEY TS
TENSILE
STRENGTH

BIOCOMPATIBILITY Cobalt Chrome

STRENGTH-TO-WEIGHT Aluminum
RATIO Cobalt Chrome

© Proto Labs 1999–2016 Proto Labs, Inc., 5540 Pioneer Creek Dr., Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA | 877.479.3680 13
 Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing

Decision Tree: SL and SLS Material

PLASTIC
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY ATTRIBUTES SL SLS

Accura Xtreme White 200 Somos WaterShed XC 11122 Accura 60

Accura Xtreme White 200
Similar to: PP/ABS Similar to: ABS Similar to: 10% GF PC
STRENGTH SLArmor
HD: 108-117°F HD: 115-130°F HD: 118-131°F
ALM PA 650
EB: 7-20% EB: 11-20% EB: 5-13%
TS: 45-50 MPa TS: 47-54 MPa TS: 58-68 MPa
Accura 60
TRANSPARENCY Somos 9120
Accura 5530 Somos NanoTool MicroFine Green Somos WaterShed XC 11122
Similar to: 10% GF PC Similar to: 10% GF PC Similar to: ABS
HD: 131-482°F HD: 185-437°F HD: 122-138°F
WATER RESISTANCE Accura 5530
EB: 1.3-4.4% EB: 0.7-1% EB: 6.1%
Somos WaterShed XC 11122
TS: 47-61 MPa TS: 61-78 MPa TS: 45 MPa

Somos NanoTool
Huntsman RenShape 7820 SLArmor Somos 9120 TEMPERATURE
ALM PA 650
Similar to: ABS Similar to: Die-cast Aluminum Similar to: PP RESISTANCE
PA 615-GS
HD: 122°F HD: 122-516°F HD: 126-142°F
EB: 8-18% EB: 0.9-1% EB: 15-25%
TS: 36-51 MPa TS: 100-200 MPa TS: 30-32 MPa
Accura 5530
HIGH RESOLUTION MicroFine Green
Somos 9120

Accura Xtreme White 200

SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING DURABILITY SLArmor
ALM PA 650

DuraForm HST Composite PA 850 Black ALM PA 650 PA 615-GS

Similar to: 25% MF Nylon 12 Similar to: Nylon 11 Similar to: Nylon 12 Similar to: 50% GF Nylon 12 Somos NanoTool
HD: 276-363°F HD: 118-370°F HD: 186-350°F HD: 273-354°FEB: 24%
SLArmor
STIFFNESS DuraForm HST Composite
EB: 2.7-4.5% EB: 14-51% EB: 24% EB: 1.6%
PA 615-GS
TS: 31-51 MPa TS: 42-48 MPa TS: 48 MPa TS: 31 MPa

Huntsman RenShape 7820

IMPACT RESISTANCE ALM PA 650
PA 850 Black
KEY HD EB TS
Huntsman RenShape 7820
COLOR MicroFine Green
HEAT ELONGATION TENSILE PA 850 Black
DEFLECTION AT BREAK STRENGTH

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