Discover the key differences between SLA, DLP, and MSLA/LCD 3D printing technologies in our comprehensive comparison.
HIPS
HIPS is a multifunctional material. It shares many mechanical properties with ABS plastic, but as the name suggests, it has a much higher resistance to impact. This added strength makes HIPS an excellent choice for creating durable 3D-printed parts that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.04
Tensile Strength(MPa): 40
Flex Modulus(MPa): 1600
Elongation(%): 18
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 80
Hardness Shore D: –
PMMA-Like Resin
PMMA Like clear resin has high transparency and anti-yellowing, suitable for high transparency applications in non-high temperature environments. The transparent resin has imitation acrylic, glass appearance.
Suitable for: SLA
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.05
Tensile Strength(MPa): 40
Flex Modulus(MPa): 40
Elongation(%): 32
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): –
Hardness Shore D: 78
Nylon12 Glass Fibre40 Blue-gray
This grey-blue composite nylon powder, enhanced with 40% glass beads, creates 3D-printed parts with exceptional stiffness and heat resistance. Powder reuse rate can reach up to 100%.
Suitable for: SLS
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 0.72
Tensile Strength(MPa): 46
Flex Modulus(MPa): 2,800
Elongation(%): –
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 160
Hardness Shore D: –
Nylon 12 Glass Fibre 30
PA12GB30 is a high-performance material with excellent chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties, ideal for engineering applications. Compared to PA6, it absorbs significantly less moisture, preserving strength and shape in humid environments. With added glass fiber reinforcement, it offers enhanced durability, stiffness, and stability, making it a reliable choice for demanding conditions.
Suitable for: SLS
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.25
Tensile Strength(MPa): 62.6
Flex Modulus(MPa): 2,340
Elongation(%): 6.8
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 160
Hardness Shore D: –
Rubber-Like Resin
Rubber-like resin has a low tensile modulus and high elongation at break, making it well-suited for objects that will be bent or compressed.
Suitable for: SLA
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): –
Tensile Strength(MPa): 7.9
Flex Modulus(MPa): –
Elongation(%): 255.1
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): –
Hardness Shore D: 60-75
ABS-Like Resin
ABS-like resin excels in high precision, providing a smooth surface quality with exquisite detail features. Known for its superior forming dimensional stability, this resin is ideal for the assembly and testing of various engineering models. Achieving a perfect balance between tensile strength and hardness, it prevents brittleness with its high elongation at break, ensuring resistance to breaking.
Suitable for: SLA
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.05-1.13
Tensile Strength(MPa): 42-62
Flex Modulus(MPa): 60-80
Elongation(%): 11-21
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): –
Hardness Shore D: 75-80
Nylon-Like Resin
Nylon-like resin is a high-strength material known for its excellent durability and long-term stability. It also boasts exceptional toughness and impact resistance.
Suitable for: SLA
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.05-1.15
Tensile Strength(MPa): 68
Flex Modulus(MPa): 35
Elongation(%): 15
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): –
Hardness Shore D: 75
Hard-Tough Resin
This hard resin boasts higher toughness and impact resistance compared to standard ABS-like resin, making it exceptionally well-suited for mechanical prototypes.
Suitable for: SLA
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.08-1.12
Tensile Strength(MPa): 30-60
Flex Modulus(MPa): 30-75
Elongation(%): 35-52
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 60
Hardness Shore D: 75-81
High Temp. Resin
High Temp Resin is characterized by high hardness, strength, modulus, and precision. It exhibits resistance to prolonged heating at 120°C or boiling at 100°C, showcasing excellent mechanical properties, weather resistance, and temperature resistance.
Suitable for: SLA
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: NO
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.09-1.10
Tensile Strength(MPa): 70-85
Flex Modulus(MPa): 95-105
Elongation(%): 35-40
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 100.5
Hardness Shore D: 82-84
General Resin
General resin, known for its high rigidity, proves to be a versatile material ideal for both functional testing and rapid prototype.
Suitable for: SLA
Application
Prototype
Application Fields
Aerospace: NO
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: NO
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: NO
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.08-1.13
Tensile Strength(MPa): 46-67
Flex Modulus(MPa): 46-72
Elongation(%): 28-36
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): –
Hardness Shore D: 78-82
Ultem1010 PEI (Polyetherimide)
PEI is a high-performance industrial-grade thermoplastic known for its strength, durability, and low flammability. This versatile material finds applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medicine, and dentistry.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: NO
Automation: YES
Medical: NO
Education Community: NO
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.27
Tensile Strength(MPa): 56
Flex Modulus(MPa): 2510
Elongation(%): 3
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 208
Hardness Shore D: –
Ultem9085 PEI (Polyetherimide)
PEI is a high-performance industrial-grade thermoplastic known for its strength, durability, and low flammability. This versatile material finds applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medicine, and dentistry.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: NO
Automation: YES
Medical: NO
Education Community: NO
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.34
Tensile Strength(MPa): 54
Flex Modulus(MPa): 2170
Elongation(%): 3
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 158
Hardness Shore D: –
PEEK (Polyether ether ketone)
PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a high-performance semi-crystalline industrial thermoplastic known for its exceptional resistance to harsh chemicals, minimal moisture absorption, excellent fire performance, superior mechanical strength over a wide temperature range, and reliable dimensional stability.
PET-CF emerges as a superior choice over nylon for printing functional parts in high-humidity environments. Its high-temperature resistance and minimal warping make it ideal for crafting mechanical assembly parts, including automotive accessories and fixtures. In comparison to PETG-CF, PET-CF contains a higher concentration of carbon fibre, resulting in significantly greater strength and high temperature resistance.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.29
Tensile Strength(MPa): 131
Flex Modulus(MPa): 5320
Elongation(%): 1.2
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 205
Hardness Shore D: –
PAHT-CF (High temperature polyamide carbon fiber reinforced)
A composite of PA and carbon fibre, merges the low water absorption advantage of PA with the high-performance attributes of carbon fibre. This combination yields excellent mechanical and thermal properties that remain robust even in wet conditions. PA+CF is prized for its outstanding chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and versatile processing capabilities.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.06
Tensile Strength(MPa): 125
Flex Modulus(MPa): 4230
Elongation(%): 1.8
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 194
Hardness Shore D: –
PLA-CF (Carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid)
Carbon fibber reinforced PLA, stands out for its remarkable increase in stiffness and strength. This cutting-edge bio-polymer, when combined with recycled carbon fibber reinforcement, results in a higher mechanical properties
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.22
Tensile Strength(MPa): 89
Flex Modulus(MPa): 3950
Elongation(%): 3.2
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 55
Hardness Shore D: –
ESD-safe (Electrostatic discharge)
It exhibits excellent antistatic performance, making it particularly suitable for fields that require ESD protection.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.08-1.11
Tensile Strength(MPa): 35-37
Flex Modulus(MPa): 1300-1500
Elongation(%): 5-7
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 98
Surface Resistance: 107 and 109 ohms Ω
UL 94-V0
It possesses higher mechanical properties and is halogen-free, environmentally friendly, and flame retardant, achieving a UL94V-0 level flame retardancy. This makes the product more fireproof and safer.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: NO
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.05
Tensile Strength(MPa): 45
Flex Modulus(MPa): 2400
Elongation(%): 30
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 85
Hardness Shore D: –
ASA (Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)
ASA shares excellent mechanical properties with ABS but offers additional benefits. It is more resistant to ultraviolet rays and harsh weather conditions, making it particularly suitable for outdoor use. ASA boasts strong toughness, rigidity, and high impact resistance.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: NO
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: NO
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1
Tensile Strength(MPa): 50
Flex Modulus(MPa): 4300
Elongation(%): 30
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 88
Hardness Shore D: –
PP (Polypropylene)
Polypropylene (PP) is a popular material in 3D printing, valued for its versatility, strength, and chemical resistance. This lightweight and flexible plastic stands up well to acids, bases, and organic solvents, making it suitable for a range of applications. Additionally, PP is considered food-safe, though standard 3D printing food safety guidelines should still be followed.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.05
Tensile Strength(MPa): 21-26
Flex Modulus(MPa): 1200
Elongation(%): 30
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 80
Hardness Shore D: –
PC (Polycarbonates)
PC is a high-performance material known for its toughness, heat resistance, dimensional stability, and high optical clarity. It exhibits excellent mechanical properties, high toughness, and impact resistance, making it stable and durable. Additionally, PC offers impressive temperature resistance, with a heat distortion temperature up to 80 ℃.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.21
Tensile Strength(MPa): 54
Flex Modulus(MPa): 1073
Elongation(%): 150
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 80
Hardness Shore D: –
Nylon / PA (Polyamide)
Nylon is a versatile material known for its good flexibility, wear resistance, and high strength-to-weight ratio. PA12, in particular, exhibits high toughness and impact resistance.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.21
Tensile Strength(MPa): 50
Flex Modulus(MPa): 659
Elongation(%): 165
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 100
Hardness Shore D: –
TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane)
TPU material is renowned for its excellent flexibility, high elasticity, tear resistance, wear resistance, cut resistance, sturdiness, and durability.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: NO
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: NO
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.21
Tensile Strength(MPa): 35
Flex Modulus(MPa): –
Elongation(%): ≥800
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): –
Hardness Shore D: 95A
PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
PETG is a robust material known for its odor neutrality and ease of printing. These characteristics, combined with high impact strength, flexibility, low shrinkage, water resistance, chemical resistance, and high toughness, make PETG an excellent choice for a variety of applications.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: NO
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: YES
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.27
Tensile Strength(MPa): 52
Flex Modulus(MPa): 1073
Elongation(%): 83
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 64
Hardness Shore D: –
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
ABS is a lightweight material known for its high impact resistance. These characteristics, coupled with a high heat deflection temperature, render ABS suitable for a wide range of applications and environments.
Suitable for: FDM
Application
Prototype
End-User part
Application Fields
Aerospace: YES
Automotive: YES
Industrial Machinery: YES
Consumer Electronics: YES
Automation: YES
Medical: NO
Education Community: YES
Material Property
Density(g/cm3): 1.06
Tensile Strength(MPa): 40
Flex Modulus(MPa): 1203
Elongation(%): 30
Heat Distortion Temp(°C): 73
Hardness Shore D: –
PLA (Polylactic acid)
PLA is an environmentally friendly biopolymer-based material that is both stiff and easy to print. It is available in a wide variety of colours.