3D Printing Materials | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
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Superalloy | Excellent high-temperature strength, oxidation and corrosion resistance. Difficult to print; requires high-power laser systems and inert atmosphere. | Aerospace turbines, rocket engines, combustion chambers, energy components |
Titanium | High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility. Sensitive to oxygen; inert gas environment required. | Aerospace structures, medical implants, military-grade parts |
Aluminum | Lightweight, good thermal/electrical conductivity, moderate strength. Prone to warping; needs precise process control. | Automotive frames, aerospace housings, electronic casings |
Ceramic | Extreme temperature and wear resistance, chemically inert. Brittle; requires binder jetting or stereolithography for complex geometries. | Medical devices, semiconductors, turbine insulators, heat-resistant tools |
Stainless Steel | Excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, weldability. Prints well via SLM or DMLS. | Industrial tools, food-grade equipment, medical devices, structural components |
Carbon Steel | Strong, affordable, and easy to process post-print. Challenging to print due to oxidation and internal stress. | Functional prototypes, tooling inserts, automotive components |
Copper | Superior thermal and electrical conductivity. Reflective and conductive; requires green laser or EBM systems. | Heat exchangers, electrical connectors, RF shielding parts |
Plastics | Low cost, flexible properties (ABS, PLA, PA, etc.). Ideal for prototyping. Can degrade under UV or heat depending on type. | Consumer goods, prototyping, jigs and fixtures, low-load functional parts |
Resins | High precision and surface finish. Properties depend on formulation (e.g., tough, flexible, biocompatible). Limited in strength vs. metals. | Dental aligners, precision models, microfluidics, casting molds, electronics casing |