Material Options FDM (filament)

PLA is the most common used thanks to its ease of use and wide range of applications. Due to its strong but brittle nature it is often used in applications such as prototyping or aesthetic models. There are a number of PLA varieties including wood filled, glow in the dark, silky or carbon fibre. These different varieties have different properties and we can advise the best option for your needs.

APPLICATIONS

• Architectural mockups

• Aesthetic, concept models

• Investment casting molds

• Low mechanically demanding prototypes

ABS is one of the most common technical materials in several industries around the globe. Its an engineering material which combines rigidity and resistance to impacts. It is the ideal material for technical applications and moving parts.

APPLICATIONS

• Parts under high mechanical stress

• Strong prototypes and end-use parts

• Aesthetic models

• Commonly used on electronic or appliances cases, suitcases and phones

• Precision fits, knobs, lids and buttons

• Rigid models with snap-fit joints

PA Nylon is one of the most common engineering plastics and has good comprehensive mechanical properties. It is widely used in industrial applications such as gears and automobiles through injection moulding. When carbon fibre is added to this material, its mechanical properties are significantly enhanced.

APPLICATIONS

• Automotive components

• Industrial Fixtures

• Drone Parts

• Replacement for metal parts in some cases

TPU is a great choice for a wide range of uses capable of producing rubber like industrial grade parts. It is resistant to impact, abrasion, oil, chemical and wearing, which makes it perfect for use in industries such as the automotive industry. printed parts of TPU are also resistant to low temperatures, which which means that it does not become brittle and difficult to work with and can withstand ambient temperatures of 80c

APPLICATIONS​

• Seals and gaskets

• RC model bumpers and tyres

• Drone parts subject to impact

• Sporting foot ware and insoles

• Flexible caps and hoses for automotive use

• Dampening mounts for machinery

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PET-G is a polyester thermoplastic characterised by a good balance of tensile strength and elongation at break. Its high resistance to water and chemicals makes it the material of choice for water-tight containers and protective cases and is often found in translucent colours.

APPLICATIONS

• Parts in contact with salts, acids and alkalis

• Functional prototypes and mechanical parts

• Light transmitting parts such as lenses

• Waterproof applications

• Structural parts subject to mild stress

• Snap-fit joints

ASA plastic is a tough and strong material with very similar characteristics to ABS, known for its high impact, wear, and UV resistance. ASA can also withstand extremely high and low temperatures as well as several chemicals like saturated hydrocarbons, aqueous salt solutions, weak acids and alkalis, and many oils. 

APPLICATIONS

• Automotive interior and exterior parts

• Strong prototypes and end-use parts

• Outdoor use parts

• Tooling and jigs

NonOilen® is a Slovak bioplastic from PANARA. It is made of a polylactic acid & polyhydroxy butyrate blend improving the toughness & biodegradability as well as providing temperature resistance of 110 °C from print. It is food safe & can be reused many times, and once the lifetime ends, it can be recycled.

APPLICATIONS

• Food and beverage containers

• Internal replacement parts in white goods i.e Dishwasher

• Food contact items/tools

• Pharmaceutical containers and equipment

• Rapid prototyping where colour is not important

Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance, synthetic but recyclable material that can be engineered to meet specific application or processing requirements. It’s toughness and rigidity make it an ideal material for higher demanding 3D-printing applications. It is heavily used in automotive sectors due to its remarkable flame retardancy, heat resistance, light weight, and insulating properties. These applications encompass electrical housings, light fixtures, and even headlights in vehicles Pure PC is transparent but colours such as black are also available. Adding Carbon Fibre to the material enhances its mechanical qualities at the expense of material transparency.

APPLICATIONS

• Automotive components

• Industrial Fixtures

• Drone Parts

• Transparent parts such as light lenses