3D Printing & CNC Materials: Interactive Datasheets
Answer three quick questions and get a ranked material recommendation with the full datasheet — or scroll down for the complete reference covering all 36 materials.
Find your material
This guide covers all 36 materials available through MakerVerse: 12 metals for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), 5 nylons for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), 2 polymers for Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), 8 thermoplastics for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and 9 metals and engineering plastics for CNC machining. Each entry lists mechanical properties, tolerances, build volume limits and available surface finishes, based on the MakerVerse data sheets (v1.0.8). Use the interactive finder above for a ranked recommendation, or read the full reference below.
How to choose a material
Start with the requirement that would make the part fail, not with the process. In practice, one or two properties eliminate most of the portfolio and the remaining candidates differ mainly in price and lead time.
- High static strength: Tooling steel MS1 reaches Rm 1850–2050 MPa after aging — the highest value in the portfolio. Inconel 718 (up to 1500 MPa aged) and 17-4PH (up to 1335 MPa after H900) follow. Among polymers, ULTEM 9085 leads at 70 MPa tensile.
- Lightweight structures: Ti6Al4V offers the best strength-to-weight ratio (about 4.4 g/cm³ at Rp 950–1050 MPa annealed). Scalmalloy is the strongest aluminum option (Rp 449–479 MPa at roughly 2.7 g/cm³). For non-structural parts, SLS PA12 weighs just 0.95 g/cm³.
- Dynamic and vibration loads: Ti6Al4V with hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is the documented recommendation — HIP closes internal porosity and raises elongation to 13–16 %. Ductile options like 316L (40–55 % elongation) and PA11 (25 %) tolerate repeated flexing.
- Temperatures above 500 °C: Only the nickel superalloys remain in play: Inconel 718 (high strength to about 650–700 °C), Inconel 625, and Hastelloy X for combustion environments. Machined H13 tooling steel keeps its properties to about 540 °C. The most heat-resistant polymer is ULTEM 1010 with a heat deflection temperature of 214 °C.
- Corrosion and chemicals: 316L is the standard answer; Inconel 625 handles seawater and aggressive process media; titanium forms a stable passive layer. Among plastics, PTFE resists almost everything.
- Electrical or thermal conductivity: Pure copper CuCP reaches up to 100 % IACS. CuCrZr trades some conductivity (80–90 % IACS) for strength and temperature stability. CuNi2SiCr is the strongest copper at 40 % IACS.
- Flame retardancy: ULTEM 9085 and ULTEM 1010 are UL 94 V-0 rated; PA12 FR additionally passes FAR 25.853 aerospace flammability, smoke and toxicity requirements at 1.0–2.0 mm wall thickness.
- ESD protection: ABS ESD7 has a defined surface resistance of 10⁴–10⁹ Ω for electronics handling equipment.
- Flexible parts: MJF TPU is the only true elastomer in the portfolio: Shore 88–90 A, 150–280 % elongation, no break in notched impact testing.
- Food contact: ABS M30i carries NSF 51 certification. 316L is the established food-processing steel; part-level qualification remains the buyer's responsibility.
- Wear and low friction: Machined PTFE has a friction coefficient of 0.05–0.10, the lowest available. POM and cast PA6 are the standard choices for gears and bearings. In metal, aged MS1 reaches 50–54 HRc.
- Tight tolerances: CNC machining beats every printing process here. As-built AM tolerances are typically ±0.3–0.4 mm up to 100 mm; a CNC-machined finish on printed parts or a fully machined part gets you tighter.
- Watertight parts: LPBF metals reach a relative density above 99.5 %. Printed polymers need the sealed finish for air- and watertight geometries.
LPBF metals: 12 alloys for Laser Powder Bed Fusion
LPBF melts metal powder layer by layer with a laser. Parts are fully dense (over 99.5 % relative density), can be heat treated like conventional metal, and hold ±0.3 mm up to 100 mm as built. Minimum wall thickness is 0.8 mm (1.0 mm for copper alloys). Mechanical values vary with build orientation; geometries with strong internal stresses can distort. Standard finishes for all LPBF metals: polished, tumbled, painted, and CNC machining of functional surfaces.
- ±0.3 mm tolerance up to 100 mm
- 0.8 mm min. wall
- Build up to 500 × 500 × 500 mm
- >99.5 % relative density
Aluminum AlSi10Mg
The default AM aluminum: light, corrosion-resistant, good thermal conductivity. Used for housings, brackets and heat exchangers. A T6 heat treatment trades a little strength for roughly double the elongation.
| Property | As built | Heat treated (T6) |
|---|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 210–270 MPa | 200–240 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 310–440 MPa | 270–345 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 2–7 % | 6–11 % |
| Build chamber | 400 × 400 × 400 mm | |
Scalmalloy (AlMgSc)
An aluminum-magnesium-scandium alloy developed for aerospace. Nearly twice the strength of AlSi10Mg at the same density, always delivered annealed (4 h at 350 °C). The choice when an aluminum bracket has to carry real structural load.
| Property | Annealed (standard delivery) |
|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 449–479 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 490–520 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 5–13 % |
| Build chamber | 400 × 400 × 360 mm |
Titanium Ti6Al4V
The workhorse titanium alloy: highest strength-to-weight ratio in the portfolio, excellent corrosion resistance, biocompatible base material. For parts under cyclic or vibration load, order the HIP option — it closes internal porosity and is the documented recommendation for dynamic applications.
| Property | Annealed | HIP |
|---|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 950–1050 MPa | 870–950 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 1000–1150 MPa | 950–1050 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 9–15 % | 13–16 % |
| Build chamber | 400 × 400 × 400 mm | |
Stainless Steel 316L (1.4404)
Austenitic stainless steel with unusually high ductility (40–55 % elongation). Delivered as built only; no separate heat treatment exists for this grade. The standard pick for corrosion-exposed functional parts, from fittings to food-processing components.
| Property | As built |
|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 470–640 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 500–650 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 40–55 % |
| Build chamber | 400 × 400 × 400 mm |
Stainless Steel 17-4PH (1.4542)
Precipitation-hardening stainless steel. As built it behaves like a tough mid-strength steel; after the H900 vacuum treatment (ASTM A564) it reaches 34–42 HRc and up to 1335 MPa tensile — corrosion resistance plus near-tool-steel strength.
| Property | As built | H900 heat treated |
|---|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 490–570 MPa | 825–1170 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 820–980 MPa | 1170–1335 MPa |
| Hardness | 20–23 HRc | 34–42 HRc |
| Build chamber | 250 × 250 × 365 mm | |
Tooling Steel MS1 (1.2709)
Maraging steel and the strongest material in the portfolio. A simple 6-hour aging cycle at 500 °C pushes it to 50–54 HRc and up to 2050 MPa tensile. Built for injection-mold inserts with conformal cooling, dies and highly loaded machine parts.
| Property | As built | Aged |
|---|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 950–1200 MPa | 1800–2010 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 1000–1300 MPa | 1850–2050 MPa |
| Hardness | 33–37 HRc | 50–54 HRc |
| Build chamber | 400 × 400 × 400 mm | |
Inconel 625
Nickel superalloy for heat and aggressive media: turbine and exhaust parts, chemical process equipment, marine hardware. High strength combined with 29–40 % elongation makes it damage-tolerant.
| Property | As built |
|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 630–690 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 850–950 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 29–39 % |
| Build chamber | 500 × 500 × 500 mm |
Inconel 718
The precipitation-hardening counterpart to 625. After the aerospace-spec solution anneal and aging cycle (AMS 2774/5662) it reaches up to 1500 MPa tensile and 47 HRc while keeping its strength to roughly 650–700 °C — the standard alloy for hot-section turbine parts.
| Property | As built | Solution annealed & aged |
|---|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 560–770 MPa | 1034–1250 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 870–1050 MPa | 1241–1500 MPa |
| Hardness | 30 HRc | 47 HRc |
| Build chamber | 500 × 500 × 500 mm | |
Hastelloy X
The oxidation-resistance benchmark for combustion environments: burner components, furnace parts, combustion chambers. Solution annealing per AMS 2773 trades strength for elongation up to 48 %.
| Property | As built | Solution annealed |
|---|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 520–695 MPa | 345–435 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 660–890 MPa | 675–750 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 25–40 % | 40–48 % |
| Build chamber | 500 × 500 × 500 mm | |
Copper CuCP (pure copper)
More than 99.95 % pure copper with electrical conductivity up to 100 % IACS. Printed inductors, heat sinks and busbars with internal channels that machining cannot produce. Minimum wall: 1.0 mm.
| Property | As built |
|---|---|
| Electrical conductivity | up to 100 % IACS |
| Tensile strength Rm | 235–255 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 30–45 % |
| Build chamber | 250 × 250 × 300 mm |
Copper Alloy CuCrZr
The balanced copper: after solution annealing and aging it reaches 80–90 % IACS while resisting thermal softening far better than pure copper. Typical for welding electrodes, induction tooling and thermally loaded conductive parts.
| Property | As built | Annealed & aged |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical conductivity | 20–25 % IACS | 80–90 % IACS |
| Tensile strength Rm | 210–240 MPa | 250–340 MPa |
| Build chamber | 250 × 250 × 325 mm | |
Copper Alloy CuNi2SiCr
The strongest copper option: Rp 460–590 MPa after aging, at a still-useful 40 % IACS. For conductive parts that also carry mechanical load.
| Property | As built | Annealed & aged |
|---|---|---|
| Yield strength Rp 0.2 % | 190–250 MPa | 460–590 MPa |
| Tensile strength Rm | 240–320 MPa | 590–680 MPa |
| Electrical conductivity | 14 % IACS | 40 % IACS |
| Build chamber | 250 × 250 × 300 mm | |
SLS nylons: 5 materials for Selective Laser Sintering
SLS sinters nylon powder without support structures, which makes it the most design-flexible polymer process for functional parts and small series. Tolerance: ±0.3 mm up to 100 mm, ±0.3 % beyond. Minimum wall thickness 1.0 mm. All SLS parts can be sealed for air- and watertightness, chemically smoothed, tumbled, painted or dyed.
- ±0.3 mm tolerance up to 100 mm
- 1.0 mm min. wall
- Build up to 700 × 380 × 580 mm
- No support structures
PA12
The SLS standard. Balanced strength, toughness and detail resolution at a density of 0.95 g/cm³ — lighter than water. If no requirement pushes you elsewhere, start here.
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 48 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Tensile modulus | 1650 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Elongation at break | 18 % | ISO 527 |
| Heat deflection (1.8 MPa) | 86 °C | ISO 75 |
| Build chamber | 700 × 380 × 580 mm | |
PA11
Bio-based and noticeably tougher than PA12: 25 % elongation and higher notched impact strength. The better choice for snap fits, living hinges and parts that get dropped.
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 48 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Elongation at break | 25 % | ISO 527 |
| Charpy notched impact | 6.5–7.8 kJ/m² | ISO 179/1eA |
| Build chamber | 340 × 340 × 600 mm | |
PA12 Glass Filled
Glass beads roughly double the stiffness (tensile modulus 3200 MPa) and raise the load-bearing heat deflection temperature to 96 °C. For housings, fixtures and parts that must stay dimensionally stable under load.
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 51 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Tensile modulus | 3200 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Heat deflection (1.8 MPa) | 96 °C | ISO 75 |
| Density | 1.22 g/cm³ | – |
PA12 Aluminum Filled
Aluminum-filled powder with a metallic look, the highest stiffness of the SLS range (3800 MPa) and a heat deflection temperature of 144 °C at 1.8 MPa. Common for tooling aids and metal-like prototypes.
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile modulus | 3800 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Heat deflection (1.8 MPa) | 144 °C | ISO 75 |
| Density | 1.36 g/cm³ | – |
PA12 Flame Retardant
UL 94 V-0 rated and compliant with aircraft interior flammability, smoke and toxicity requirements (FAR 25.853, ABD 0031) at wall thicknesses of 1.0–2.0 mm. Halogen-free. The printed polymer for cabin and electrical parts that must pass a burn test.
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 45 MPa | ISO 527 |
| Flammability | V-0 (Blue Card) | UL 94 |
| Aerospace flammability | passed at 1.0/1.5/2.0 mm | FAR 25.853 (12 s) |
MJF polymers: 2 materials for Multi Jet Fusion
HP Multi Jet Fusion fuses nylon powder with a binding agent and infrared energy — fast, repeatable, and well suited to series production. Build chamber: 380 × 284 × 380 mm.
- ±0.3–0.5 mm tolerance
- Build 380 × 284 × 380 mm
- Series-ready repeatability
PA11 (MJF)
The MJF version of the ductile bio-based nylon, with elongation up to 40 % depending on orientation. Tumbling and through-dyeing are available, which makes it a practical series material for visible parts.
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 47–50 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at break | 11–40 % | ASTM D638 |
| Tolerance | ±0.3 mm up to 100 mm / ±0.5 % beyond | |
TPU (MJF)
The only elastomer in the portfolio: Shore 88–90 A, 150–280 % elongation, and no break in notched impact testing. Seals, grips, dampers and lattice cushioning. Plan for the wider elastomer tolerance of ±1.5 mm up to 100 mm.
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Shore hardness | 88–90 A | ISO 7619-1 |
| Elongation at break | 150–280 % | DIN 53504 |
| Notched impact | no break | ISO 179-1 |
FDM thermoplastics: 8 materials for Fused Deposition Modeling
FDM extrudes production-grade thermoplastics in the largest build volume of the portfolio: 914 × 610 × 914 mm, printed solid. Tolerance: ±0.4 mm up to 100 mm, ±0.4 % beyond; minimum wall 1.2 mm. All FDM parts can be sanded, sealed, chemically smoothed or painted.
- ±0.4 mm tolerance up to 100 mm
- 1.2 mm min. wall
- Largest build: 914 × 610 × 914 mm
ABS M30
General-purpose production ABS for jigs, fixtures and enclosures where size matters more than peak mechanics: tensile strength 25 MPa, tensile modulus 2300 MPa, heat deflection 95 °C at low load.
ABS M30i
The biocompatible ABS grade, NSF 51 certified for food equipment materials and gamma/EtO sterilizable. Stronger than standard M30 (36 MPa tensile) and the pragmatic pick for food-contact fixtures and medical device prototypes.
ABS ESD7
Static-dissipative ABS with a surface resistance of 10⁴–10⁹ Ω (ASTM D257). Built for electronics manufacturing: trays, jigs and enclosures that must not build up charge near sensitive components.
ASA
The UV-stable ABS alternative. Its acrylate rubber chemistry does not degrade in sunlight, which makes it the default FDM material for outdoor housings and automotive exterior prototypes. Tensile strength 28–31 MPa.
PC (Polycarbonate)
Tough engineering plastic with tensile strength up to 68 MPa and heat deflection above 104 °C. For functional parts and tooling that see real load.
PC-ABS
PC strength with ABS processability and outstanding impact resistance: 480 J/m unnotched IZOD, glass transition at 125 °C. The material for housings and clips that get dropped, kicked or over-tightened.
ULTEM 9085
Aerospace-grade PEI blend: 70 MPa tensile strength, heat deflection 173 °C, UL 94 V-0 (Blue Card). The certified-material standard for aircraft interior parts and a common metal replacement in cabin components.
ULTEM 1010
The most heat-resistant polymer in the portfolio: heat deflection 214 °C even at high load, glass transition 209 °C, V-0 rated, tensile modulus around 3000 MPa. Used for autoclave tooling, under-hood parts and hot-air ducting.
| FDM material | Tensile strength | Heat deflection (high load) | Standout property |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS M30 | 25 MPa | 80 °C | General purpose, low cost |
| ABS M30i | 36 MPa | 82 °C | NSF 51 food certification |
| ABS ESD7 | 36 MPa | – | Surface resistance 10⁴–10⁹ Ω |
| ASA | 28–31 MPa | 98 °C | UV / outdoor stability |
| PC | 53–68 MPa | – | Strongest standard grade |
| PC-ABS | 41 MPa | 96 °C | 480 J/m impact strength |
| ULTEM 9085 | 70 MPa | 173 °C | Aerospace V-0 certification |
| ULTEM 1010 | 28–79 MPa | 212 °C | Highest heat resistance |
CNC materials: 9 metals and engineering plastics
CNC machining removes material from solid stock. It delivers tighter tolerances and better surface finish than any printing process, has no fixed size limit (part size on request), and gives access to materials that cannot be printed economically. Values below are typical literature references for the representative grades; binding values on request. Surface finish availability differs per material — the table in each entry reflects the actual finish matrix.
- Tightest tolerances of all processes
- Part size on request
- 9 metals & engineering plastics
Aluminum (6061-T6)
Light (2.70 g/cm³), easy to machine, naturally corrosion-resistant. The default for machined housings, brackets and heat sinks. Tensile strength 290–310 MPa, yield 240–270 MPa, thermal conductivity around 150–170 W/(m·K).
Finishes: stress relief annealing, anodising, nickel plating, sandblasting. Painting is possible but less economical, as it requires additional process steps. Black oxide, electrogalvanising and tempering are not available for aluminum.
Stainless Steel (316L)
The machined counterpart to printed 316L: tensile strength 485–620 MPa, about 40 % elongation, strong corrosion resistance. Valves, fittings, medical instruments, food-processing parts.
Finishes: stress relief annealing, black oxide, nickel plating, sandblasting. Painting is possible but less economical. Tempering is available only for martensitic stainless grades — not for austenitic 316L itself.
Tooling Steel (H13)
Hot-work tool steel with tensile strength up to about 1650 MPa and a working hardness of 50–56 HRC, stable to roughly 540 °C in service. Injection-mold and extrusion inserts, forming dies, fixtures. Properties are tuned via tempering at 540–650 °C.
Finishes: the widest set of any CNC material — stress relief annealing, black oxide, electrogalvanising, nickel plating, painting, sandblasting and tempering. Only anodising is not applicable.
Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5)
Machined Grade 5 titanium, annealed: tensile 900–950 MPa at 4.43 g/cm³, biocompatible, corrosion- and oxidation-resistant. Medical and dental parts, racing components, aviation brackets. Note the low thermal conductivity (6.7 W/(m·K)) — relevant for machining time and cost.
Finishes: stress relief annealing, anodising, nickel plating, painting, sandblasting.
Brass (C36000)
The 100 % machinability reference — no metal cuts faster or holds fine detail better. Corrosion-resistant, with good thermal (115–120 W/(m·K)) and electrical (about 26 % IACS) conductivity. Plumbing, hardware, electrical and decorative parts.
Finishes: stress relief annealing, black oxide, nickel plating, painting, sandblasting.
Superalloys (Inconel 718)
Machined and precipitation-hardened Inconel 718: tensile 980–1100 MPa, continuous service to about 700 °C, excellent corrosion resistance. Turbine components, exhaust systems, heat exchangers.
Finishes: stress relief annealing, nickel plating, sandblasting. Painting is technically possible but not recommended for typical superalloy service conditions — a coating rarely survives the temperatures these parts are chosen for.
PA / Nylon (cast PA6)
Strong, light engineering plastic with good wear resistance and low friction: tensile 75–85 MPa at 1.14 g/cm³. Gears, bearings, wear pads. Account for moisture-related swelling in tight fits. Finish: sandblasting.
POM / Acetal (POM-C)
The precision-machining plastic: excellent dimensional stability, low friction, tensile 62–80 MPa. First choice for gears, bushings and mechanisms that need repeatable fits. Finish: sandblasting.
PTFE / Teflon
Friction coefficient 0.05–0.10 — the lowest of any material here — with near-universal chemical resistance and continuous service to about 260 °C. Seals, bearings, chemical-plant components. Soft (Shore D 50–60) and prone to cold flow under sustained load. Finish: sandblasting.
Master comparison table: all 36 materials
Strength values are the highest documented condition for each material (heat treated where available). AM part sizes are the process build chambers; CNC sizes are on request.
| Material | Process | Max tensile strength | Key property | Max part size (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlSi10Mg | LPBF | 440 MPa | Lightweight all-rounder, 2.7 g/cm³ | 400 × 400 × 400 |
| Scalmalloy | LPBF | 520 MPa | Strongest aluminum | 400 × 400 × 360 |
| Ti6Al4V | LPBF | 1150 MPa | Best strength-to-weight | 400 × 400 × 400 |
| 316L | LPBF | 650 MPa | Corrosion resistance, 40–55 % elongation | 400 × 400 × 400 |
| 17-4PH | LPBF | 1335 MPa | High-strength stainless | 250 × 250 × 365 |
| MS1 | LPBF | 2050 MPa | Strongest material, 50–54 HRc | 400 × 400 × 400 |
| Inconel 625 | LPBF | 960 MPa | Heat + chemical resistance | 500 × 500 × 500 |
| Inconel 718 | LPBF | 1500 MPa | Strength to ~700 °C | 500 × 500 × 500 |
| Hastelloy X | LPBF | 890 MPa | Oxidation resistance to ~1000 °C | 500 × 500 × 500 |
| Copper CuCP | LPBF | 255 MPa | Up to 100 % IACS conductivity | 250 × 250 × 300 |
| CuCrZr | LPBF | 340 MPa | 80–90 % IACS + heat stability | 250 × 250 × 325 |
| CuNi2SiCr | LPBF | 680 MPa | Strongest copper, 40 % IACS | 250 × 250 × 300 |
| PA12 | SLS | 48 MPa | SLS standard, 0.95 g/cm³ | 700 × 380 × 580 |
| PA11 | SLS | 48 MPa | Toughest SLS nylon, bio-based | 340 × 340 × 600 |
| PA12 GF | SLS | 51 MPa | 2× stiffness, HDT 96 °C | 700 × 380 × 580 |
| PA12 AF | SLS | 48 MPa | Stiffest SLS, HDT 144 °C | 700 × 380 × 580 |
| PA12 FR | SLS | 45 MPa | UL 94 V-0 + FAR 25.853 | 700 × 380 × 580 |
| PA11 (MJF) | MJF | 50 MPa | Series production, dyeable | 380 × 284 × 380 |
| TPU | MJF | 9 MPa | Elastomer, Shore 88–90 A | 380 × 284 × 380 |
| ABS M30 | FDM | 25 MPa | Large low-cost parts | 914 × 610 × 914 |
| ABS M30i | FDM | 36 MPa | NSF 51 food certified | 914 × 610 × 914 |
| ABS ESD7 | FDM | 36 MPa | ESD-safe, 10⁴–10⁹ Ω | 914 × 610 × 914 |
| ASA | FDM | 31 MPa | UV / outdoor stable | 914 × 610 × 914 |
| PC | FDM | 68 MPa | Strong engineering plastic | 914 × 610 × 914 |
| PC-ABS | FDM | 41 MPa | 480 J/m impact strength | 914 × 610 × 914 |
| ULTEM 9085 | FDM | 70 MPa | Aerospace V-0 standard | 914 × 610 × 914 |
| ULTEM 1010 | FDM | 79 MPa | HDT 214 °C | 914 × 610 × 914 |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | CNC | 310 MPa | Machined lightweight standard | on request |
| Stainless 316L | CNC | 620 MPa | Machined corrosion resistance | on request |
| Tooling Steel H13 | CNC | 1650 MPa | 50–56 HRC, stable to 540 °C | on request |
| Titanium Grade 5 | CNC | 950 MPa | Biocompatible, 4.43 g/cm³ | on request |
| Brass C36000 | CNC | 470 MPa | 100 % machinability reference | on request |
| Inconel 718 | CNC | 1100 MPa | Service to ~700 °C | on request |
| PA6 (cast) | CNC | 85 MPa | Gears and bearings | on request |
| POM-C | CNC | 80 MPa | Best dimensional stability | on request |
| PTFE | CNC | 35 MPa | Friction 0.05–0.10, 260 °C service | on request |
Common material decisions
AlSi10Mg or Scalmalloy?
Scalmalloy is roughly twice as strong (Rp 449–479 vs. 210–270 MPa) at the same density, but costs more and is always delivered annealed. Choose AlSi10Mg for housings, brackets and thermal parts where 250 MPa yield is enough; choose Scalmalloy when the part is structural and every gram counts, typically in aerospace and motorsport.
PA12 or PA11?
PA12 has better detail resolution, the larger build chamber (700 × 380 × 580 mm) and more variants (glass-filled, aluminum-filled, flame-retardant). PA11 is bio-based and tougher: 25 % elongation against 18 %, with higher notched impact strength. For snap fits, hinges and impact-loaded parts, PA11; for everything else, PA12.
Printed or machined Ti6Al4V?
Printed titanium is actually stronger on paper (annealed Rp 950–1050 MPa vs. 830–880 MPa for machined Grade 5) and allows internal channels and topology-optimized geometry. Machined titanium wins on tolerances, surface finish and certification simplicity for conventional geometries. If the part vibrates, print it with the HIP option or machine it — porosity without HIP is the risk factor.
ULTEM 9085 or ULTEM 1010?
Both are V-0 rated. 9085 is the aircraft-interior standard with better impact behavior; 1010 trades toughness for the highest heat resistance of any polymer here (HDT 214 °C vs. 173 °C) plus higher stiffness. Cabin parts: 9085. Autoclave tooling and under-hood: 1010.
3D printing or CNC machining?
Print when the geometry is complex (internal channels, lattices, consolidated assemblies), quantities are low, or the material only makes sense printed (pure copper conductors, conformal-cooled MS1 tooling). Machine when tolerances are tighter than about ±0.1 mm, surfaces must be sealing- or bearing-grade, the part is a simple prismatic or turned shape, or you need materials like POM, PTFE or brass that are not printable here. The two combine well: many printed metal parts get critical surfaces CNC-finished.
Frequently asked questions
What tolerances can 3D printing achieve?
As built: ±0.3 mm up to 100 mm for LPBF and SLS (±0.3 % beyond), ±0.4 mm for FDM, and ±1.5 mm for the TPU elastomer. Tighter tolerances on printed metal parts are achieved by CNC-machining the functional surfaces; specify them on the technical drawing.
Which is the strongest 3D-printed material?
Tooling steel MS1 (1.2709) after aging: 1850–2050 MPa tensile strength at 50–54 HRc. Among printed polymers, ULTEM 9085 and ULTEM 1010 lead with up to 70–79 MPa.
Which 3D-printing material works outdoors?
ASA is the UV-stable choice for FDM. Painted finishes add protection for other polymers. Among metals, 316L, titanium and the nickel alloys handle weather without coating; anodised aluminum also performs well outdoors.
Can printed parts be air- or watertight?
LPBF metals reach over 99.5 % relative density and are inherently dense. Printed polymers (SLS, MJF, FDM) need the sealed finish for reliably air- and watertight geometries.
Why can't every CNC material get every surface finish?
Finish availability depends on the base material's chemistry. Anodising only works on aluminum and titanium. Tempering requires a hardenable steel — tool steel yes, austenitic 316L no (only martensitic stainless grades). Painting aluminum and stainless steel is possible but less economical because it needs extra preparation steps, and painting superalloys is not recommended since coatings rarely survive their service temperatures. Machined plastics (PA6, POM, PTFE) are offered with sandblasting.
How large can a part be?
FDM offers the largest printed volume at 914 × 610 × 914 mm. LPBF metals go up to 500 × 500 × 500 mm (nickel alloys) or 400 mm cubed (aluminum, titanium, steels). CNC parts have no fixed chamber limit — size on request.
Do printed parts have the same properties in every direction?
No. Mechanical values vary with build orientation, and geometries that build up strong internal stresses can distort. Critical load paths should be discussed during design review; the datasheet values state the documented ranges.
Are surface roughness values (Ra) guaranteed per finish?
Ra is not specified per finish. If your part has a roughness requirement, state it on the technical drawing or in the quote comment field and it will be confirmed individually.
Data basis: MakerVerse material data sheets v1.0.8. Typical reference values, provided without guarantee — verify suitability for your application before ordering. Last technical review: July 2026.