Materials for 3D printing
33 materials across filament, powder and resin: the same ones offered in the online quote tool, with data from the manufacturers’ official datasheets.
Isotropic and anisotropic
Isotropic means the material behaves the same in all directions. Anisotropic means it changes with direction: in 3D printing it depends on how the part is built.
XY along the layers · Z between the layers
FDM · filament
The part is built layer by layer. Along the layers (XY) it is strong; across the layers (Z), interlayer adhesion is the weak point.
PA6-CF: tensile strength 109 MPa along the layers, 54 MPa between the layers (Polymaker datasheet).
We orient the part in the machine so that the load runs along the layers.
XY along the layers · Z between the layers
SLS · powder
The powder is fused throughout the volume, with no deposited filament: properties are very similar in every direction.
PA12: same tensile strength (50 MPa); slightly lower elongation at break in Z (6% vs 11%), Formlabs datasheet.
The part can be oriented as needed for accuracy and to fit more parts in one build.
XY along the layers · Z between the layers
MSLA · resin
The resin layers bond chemically to one another during curing: the part behaves like a single block.
Resins behave the same in all directions after full curing.
Ideal for fine detail; less impact-resistant than nylon and composites.
PETG · filament
RAL 5012
Indicative on-screen colour
Colours
48 standard RAL colours for PETG. Tap a code to see it on the sample. On-screen colours are indicative; for an exact match we will send you a printed sample.
AI materials advisor
It reads all the datasheets above and suggests the three best-suited materials, explaining why.
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