FDM MATERIALS OVERVIEW:
At our Advanced Manufacturing facility, we specialize in cutting-edge 3D printing technology utilizing FDM technology. Our focus is on delivering top-quality parts using a variety of high-performance thermoplastic materials that are renowned for their durability and versatility.
Our commitment to providing consistent, high-quality results drives our choice of FDM technology and materials. Each material we offer is rigorously tested and validated to ensure it meets and often exceeds the specific requirements of your project.
MATERIALS:
We will print almost any material you need in this technology. With a wealth of experience and a wide range of machine capability we can print in whatever you need.
Below are a range of the most common materials we print in and will have in stock at all times from our on-demand 3D printing service.
PLA
Polyactic Acid (PLA) is a versatile filament known for its rigidity, making it well-suited for handling complex structures and overhangs, although it does have a slight brittleness. It offers a temperature resistance of up to 60°C, making it ideal for creating prototypes and non-functional models. Apart from its functional benefits, PLA also boasts high aesthetic quality, making your prints visually appealing.
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is widely used due to its excellent durability and impact resistance, making it suitable for functional parts and engineering applications. Its higher melting point compared to PLA allows it to handle higher temperatures. Ideal for creating functional prototypes, end-use parts, and mechanical components.
PETG
Glycol modified – Polyethylene Terephthalate. The is an industrial strength polymer for a wide range of uses. With high dimensional accuracy, unmatched layer adhesion it is one of the strongest options.
TPU
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). This is a flexible material with a shore hardness of 95A. It can be squashed bent and fully deformed without breakage due to its elongation at break of ~600%. Very strong layer adhesion.
ASA
Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). Similar to ABS, ASA matches or exceeds the mechanical properties of standard ABS and has similar heat resistance (~100C).
Most notably, ASA demonstrates exceptional UV stability allowing more extended end usage outdoors. Combined with its matte finish, offers one of the best aesthetics of any FDM thermoplastic. Especially suited for end-use parts in outdoor commercial and infrastructure applications.
Nylon
Nylon 12 (PA12). This is one of the strongest material that can be printed with the FDM technology. The material is rigid while also having a large elongation at break meaning it can withstand large forces. It is extremely tough however has a large thermal shrinkage and thus can become dimension-ally inaccurate. This means that it can warp on larger designs.
Ideal for smaller designs that need extreme strength and rigidity.
Carbon Fibre
Carbon fiber-reinforced filaments are very rigid and provide high stiffness to printed parts. This rigidity allows for the creation of lightweight but structurally sound components. It’s commonly used in applications where minimal flex or deformation is required, such as drone frames, automotive brackets, and high-performance mechanical parts.