Materials Used in FDM 3D Printing
At ProTek Models, we provide state-of-the-art FDM 3D printing services to companies and organizations in a wide range of industries, including defense, aerospace, and automotive. When a client first approaches us about a project, one of their first questions is what type of materials we use in the 3D printing process. What material you use for the creation of 3D printed parts has a big impact on their performance. Depending on the project, a client may require materials that are strong, flexible, heat-resistant, or biodegradable.
The Wide Variety of Materials Used in the 3D Printing Process
Some of the materials used in ProTek Model’s FDM 3D printing processes include:
ABS-ESD7 has a number of transportation and industrial equipment applications. It doesn’t conduct static electricity, making it ideal for parts that will come in contact with sensitive electronics.
ABS-M30 parts are more durable than ABS parts – excellent for prototype and light-duty production parts.
ABS–M30i is a biocompatible 3D printing material perfectly suited for medical, pharmaceutical, and food-packaging applications.
Antero 800NA – PEKK is one of the newest high-performance, engineering thermoplastic FDM materials available. An outstanding choice for parts requiring high-temperature resistance, long-term chemical resistance, high strength, and toughness, PEKK gives you design flexibility not possible with other materials.
ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) has properties similar to ABS-M30; it’s excellent for outdoor-use products due to its strength, color choice, and UV resistance.
Nylon 12CF is a high-performance FDM 3D printed thermoplastic material that is used to improve the strength, stiffness, and thermal properties of FDM 3D printed parts.
FDM Nylon 6 is a production-grade thermoplastic that combines strength and toughness to give you tremendous design flexibility.
Nylon 12 is a production-grade thermoplastic whose strength and flexibility make it an excellent material for production and prototype 3D printing.
PC (polycarbonate) printed parts offer high accuracy, durability, and stability, creating strong parts that withstand functional testing and end-use parts.
PC–ABS is a high-impact, heat-resistant engineering thermoplastic ideal for functional prototyping, tooling, and low-volume manufacturing.
PC–ISO is a bio-compatible, heat-resistant FDM thermoplastic ideal for creating prototypes, molds, and products for the pharmaceutical, food packaging, and medical industries.
ST-130 is specifically engineered for sacrificial/washout tooling for composite fabrication, designed to optimize build speed, conserve material, and dissolve quickly.
ULTEM 1010 resin is one of the strongest FDM thermoplastics, producing parts that are high strength, have high heat resistance and thermal stability. It’s able to withstand autoclave operations and sterilization.
ULTEM 9085 resin features a high strength-to-weight ratio, high thermal and chemical resistance, and flame, smoke, and toxicity (FST) ratings and is FAA approved for aircraft interiors.
State of the Art FDM 3D Printing Products
If you’re in need of state-of-the-art FDM 3D Printing services, ProTek Models are the ones to call. We can create just about whatever part you need, using a wide variety of wood, plastic, metal, and composite materials. We’re one of the leaders in high-quality custom scale models, urethane castings, automotive printing other 3D printing. Our client list includes Boeing, Mitsubishi, Oceaneering, the U.S. Air Force, Facebook West Coast Customs, Google, and Circor Energy.
Contact ProTek through our website, or call us at (832) 968-6636 to learn how easy and affordable 3D printing can be. We’re available to answer all your questions and provide a free 3D printing quote.