Material Category | Examples | Compatible Printing Processes | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
Thermoplastics | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, Polycarbonate | FDM, SLS | Heat-sensitive, meltable and reformable, durable, flexible, available in various colors and finishes | Prototyping, functional parts, mechanical components |
Photopolymer Resins | Standard Resin, Tough Resin, Flexible Resin, Castable Resin | SLA, PolyJet | UV-curable liquid polymers, high-resolution, fine details, range from brittle to flexible | Jewelry, dental models, miniature and intricate prototypes |
Metals | Stainless Steel, Titanium, Aluminum, Inconel, Cobalt-Chrome | DMLS, Metal Binder Jetting | High strength, excellent durability, high-temperature and mechanical resistance | Aerospace parts, automotive components, medical implants |
Ceramics | Alumina, Zirconia, Ceramic Composites | SLA (ceramic-compatible), Binder Jetting | High heat resistance, electrical insulation, requires sintering | Decorative pieces, industrial insulators, dental/medical components |
Composites | Carbon Fiber PLA, Glass-Filled Nylon, CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) | FDM, SLS | Enhanced strength, rigidity, heat resistance, lightweight | Functional prototypes, end-use parts in automotive and aerospace |
Flexible Materials | TPU, TPE, Rubber-like Resins | FDM, SLA, PolyJet | Soft, stretchable, rubber-like elasticity, impact and wear-resistant | Gaskets, seals, footwear, wearables, shock-absorbing components |
Sand | Silica Sand | Binder Jetting | Used for mold and core creation, detailed and large-format models | Metal casting molds, architectural mockups, artistic sculptures |
3D Printing Technology | Standard Tolerance | Best Achievable Tolerance | Description |
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | ±0.2 mm | ±0.1 mm | Commonly used for prototypes; |
Commonly used for prototypes; has a wider tolerance range. Best for parts with moderate accuracy needs. | |||
Stereolithography (SLA) | ±0.1 mm | ±0.05 mm | Offers high resolution and detail. Ideal for small, intricate parts and high-precision models. |
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | ±0.2 mm | ±0.1 mm | Good for strong mechanical parts. Slightly less accurate than SLA but better for functional use. |
Metal 3D Printing (DMLS) | ±0.1 mm | ±0.05 mm | Excellent for complex, high-strength parts in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. |
Digital Light Processing (DLP) | ±0.1 mm | ±0.05 mm | Similar to SLA but often faster. Suitable for small, highly detailed parts requiring tight tolerances. |
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) | ±0.3 mm | ±0.2 mm | Produces functional, durable parts. Slightly looser tolerances, best for enclosures and prototypes. |
Feature | SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) | SLA (Stereolithography) | FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) | Metal (DMLS) (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) |
Printing Materials | Thermoplastic powders (e.g., Nylon) | Photopolymer resins | Thermoplastic filaments (e.g., PLA, ABS) | Metal powders (e.g., Stainless Steel, Titanium) |
Print Accuracy | High accuracy, ideal for complex parts | Very high accuracy, smooth finish | Moderate accuracy, suited for simple parts | Very high accuracy, excellent for functional metal parts |
Print Accuracy | High accuracy, ideal for complex parts | Very high accuracy, smooth finish | Moderate accuracy, suited for simple parts | Very high accuracy, excellent for functional metal parts |
Print Speed | Moderate | Moderate (depends on layer thickness) | Slower (due to extrusion process) | Moderate (depends on geometry and complexity) |
Print Strength | High strength, great for end-use parts | Moderate (varies by resin type) | Moderate, suitable for prototyping | Very high, comparable to traditionally machined metals |
Support Structures | Not required (powder supports the part) | Required (usually breakaway or soluble) | Required | Required (metal or powder-based supports) |
Post-Processing | Simple cleaning of excess powder | Requires curing, support removal | Requires support removal and cleanup | Sintering, support removal, surface finishing |
Common Applications | Functional prototypes, tools, mechanical parts | Dental models, jewelry, medical devices | Prototypes, concept models, low-cost parts | Aerospace, automotive, implants, industrial components |