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SELECTING THE RIGHT MATERIAL FOR 3D PRINTING

Materials must be suited to the application in order to have successful results.
The properties of any material become increasingly important as a product
progresses from concept and functional prototyping to production.

However, material properties can only be evaluated when the manufacturing
process is considered. It is the combination of the material and the process
that dictates the characteristics. For example, an alloy processed by die
casting has different properties when it is metal injection moulded. Likewise, a
thermoplastic will have different properties if it is injection moulded or CNC
machined.

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is unique. It is different from all
other manufacturing processes, so the material properties and characteristics of
parts that it produces are different, even when using a nearly identical alloy
or thermoplastic. In terms of material properties, it is not a matter of being
better or worse; it is simply important to recognise that the results will be
different.



Recognising that there is a difference, the following information will aid in
the characterisation, and ultimately the selection, of materials from three
widely used industrial 3D printing processes: direct metal laser sintering
(DMLS), selective laser sintering (SLS), and stereolithography (SL).

  

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 * Material Advancements
 * Material Selection
 * Direct Metal Laser Sintering
 * Selective Laser Sintering
 * Stereolithography
 * Decision Tree

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MATERIAL ADVANCEMENTS

The materials used in 3D printing have been improving, as would be expected.
These advancements have allowed the technology to move beyond models and
prototypes to functional parts for testing, shop floor use, and production.

And while the output of 3D printing is different from that of other
manufacturing processes, it can offer a suitable alternative when seeking a
direct replacement. Yet, its advantages increase when users experiment with the
possibilities that it offers.

However, experimentation is a bit challenging because of 3D printing’s
differences that extend beyond, but are related to, material properties. For
example, additive materials lack the rich set of performance data that
characterise a material over a range of conditions. Instead, 3D printing users
are presented with a single data sheet that contains a limited set of values.
Those values are also likely to present a best case scenario based on testing of
virgin material (unrecycled powders), for example.

Another complication is that 3D printing produces anisotropic properties where
the values differ for the X, Y and Z axes. The degree of anisotropism varies
with each additive technology—direct metal laser sintering is the closest to
isotropic, for example—but it should always be a consideration.



However, the material suppliers rarely publish material specifications that
document the change in properties from one axis to another, as the data behind
these specifications can vary greatly by material, process, and even type of
machine.

By designing for the 3D printing process and adjusting the build orientation,
anisotropism or inadequate material properties can be overcome. To do this,
leverage the experiences from past projects or that of a qualified service
organisation to fill in the data gaps that exist because of the limited material
properties data. When performance is critical, also consider independent lab
testing of additive materials.

While success is dependent on material properties, they are not the only
considerations. Each additive material and build process will also dictate
characteristics such as maximum part size, dimensional accuracy, feature
resolution, surface finish, production time, and part cost. So it is advised to
select a suitable material and then evaluate its ability to meet expectations
and requirements related to time, cost, and quality.

MATERIAL SELECTION

Generally, one or two material properties distinguish an additive material from
all others. For example, if seeking the average tensile strength of polyamide
(PA) 11, a stereolithography photopolymer may be a better option than a
selective laser sintering PA. Conversely, if the heat deflection temperature
(HDT) of an ABS is needed, the best option would be a sintered nylon.



Recognising that a few properties will separate one material from the others,
the recommended approach for selecting a material for 3D printing is to first
define what mechanical or thermal properties are critical. Then review the
material options to find a fit. With the options narrowed, review other
remaining properties to determine if the material will be acceptable for the
project.

Since 3D printing is unique, a goal of finding a perfect match to a cast,
moulded or machined material is ill-advised. Instead, investigate the material
options to find the material that satisfies the most critical requirements.

DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING (DMLS)

DMLS uses pure metal powders to produce parts with properties that are generally
accepted to be equal or better than those of wrought materials. Because there is
rapid melting and solidification in a small, constantly moving spot, DMLS may
yield differences in grain size and grain boundaries that impact mechanical
performance. Research is ongoing to characterise the grain structures, which can
change with the laser parameters, post-build heat treatment, and hot isostatic
pressing. However, the results are not widely available. Ultimately, this
difference will become an advantage when grain structure can be manipulated to
offer varying mechanical properties in a part.

Of the three additive manufacturing processes discussed here, DMLS produces
parts with material properties that approach an isotropic state. However, there
will be some property variance when measured along different axes. For a visual
comparison of DMLS material properties, see Chart 1 for tensile strength, Chart
2 for elongation, and Chart 3 for hardness.

Stainless steel is a commonly used DMLS material and is available from Protolabs
in 316L, which has excellent elongation, offering 40% at break, making it very
malleable. 316L offers acid & corrosion resistance and is more temperature
resistant than most other materials in its stress relieved state.

DMLS aluminium (Al) is comparable to a 3000 series alloy that is used in casting
and die casting processes. Its composition is AlSi10Mg. Al has an excellent
strength-to-weight ratio, good temperature and corrosion resistance, and good
fatigue, creep and rupture strength. Compared to die-cast 3000 series aluminium,
the Al properties for tensile strength (360 MPa +/- 30 MPa) and yield strength
(240 MPa +/- 30MPa) far exceed the average values. However, elongation at break
(EB) is significantly lower (6% vs. 11%) when compared to the average for 3000
series aluminium's.

DMLS titanium (Ti6Al4V) is most commonly used for medical applications due to
its strength-to-weight ratio, temperature resistance and acid/corrosion
resistance. Versus Ti grade 23 annealed, the mechanical properties are nearly
identical with a tensile strength of 930 MPa, elongation at break of 10% and
hardness of 33 HBW.

Maraging steel is known for possessing superior strength and toughness without
losing malleability. It is a special class of low-carbon ultra-high strength
steels that derive their strength not from carbon, but from precipitation of
intermetallic compounds. It is curable up to 37 HRC with high temperature
resistance. Its uniform with its uniform expansion and easy machinability before
ageing makes maraging steel useful in high wear components of assembly lines and
dies.

Inconel 718 (IN718) is a nickel chromium superalloy used in high service
temperature applications, such as aircraft engine components or gas turbine
parts. DMLS IN718 parts have an impressive operating temperature range of -252°C
to 704°C, coupled with excellent corrosion resistance and good fatigue, creep
and rupture strength.

Copper (CuNi2SiCr) is a low alloyed Copper-Material which combines good
mechanical properties with high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is
usually used in more rough environments where pure copper is not feasible.

Cobalt Chrome is a superalloy comprised primarily of cobalt and chromium, and is
known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent creep and corrosion
resistance. Parts built in CoCr are according to ASTM F75.



SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING (SLS)

SLS uses thermoplastic powders, predominantly polyamide (PA), to make functional
parts that have greater toughness and higher impact strength than parts produced
through stereolithography (SL), as well as high HDTs (177°c to 188°c). The
trade-offs are that SLS lacks the surface finish and fine feature details
available with SL.

Generally, SLS PAs, when compared with the average values of their injection
moulded counterparts, have similar HDT values but lower values for the
mechanical properties. In a few instances, SLS PAs report properties that
document the degree of anisotropism. For a visual comparison of SLS mineral
properties, see Chart 4 for heat deflection, Chart 5 for elongation at break and
Chart 6 for tensile strength.

PA 11 Black delivers ductility and flexibility with a tensile modulus of 48 MPa
and EB of 30% in XY direction, all without sacrificing tensile strength (49 MPa)
and temperature resistance (HDT of 188°c). These characteristics make PA 850 a
popular general-purpose material and the best solution for making living hinges
for limited trials. When compared to the averages for injection-moulded PA 11,
PA 11 Black has a higher HDT (188°c vs 140°c) with similar tensile strength and
stiffness. However, its EB, while the highest of all AM plastics, is 60% less
than that for a moulded PA 11. Another factor that distinguishes PA 11 Black is
its uniform, deep-black colour. Black has high contrast, which makes features
pop standout, and it hides dirt, grease and grime. Black is also desirable for
optical applications due to low reflectivity.

PA 12 White is a balanced, economical, go-to material for general-purpose
applications. PA 12 White is stiffer than PA 11 black (tensile modulus of 1650
MPa vs 1560 MPa) and has a similar tensile strength (48 MPa vs 42 - 48 MPa).
While its EB is less than half that of PA 11 black, at 18% it’s still one of the
top performers in terms of ductility. PA 12 White is loosely comparable to the
average properties for an injection moulded PA 12. It has similar stiffness but
roughly half the tensile strength and EB. However, its HDT is significantly
higher: 188°c vs. 138°c.

PA 12 40% Glass Filled is a polyamide powder loaded with glass spheres that make
it stiff and dimensionally stable. However, the glass filler makes it brittle,
significantly decreasing impact and tensile strengths. The glass spheres also
make PA 12 40% Glass Filled parts much heavier than those made with any other AM
material. PA 12 40% Glass Filled is a good choice when stiffness and temperature
resistance are required.

PA 12 Carbon Filled is an anthracite grey nylon characterised by extreme
stiffness and high temperature resistance, coupled with electric conductivity
properties and light weight. Carbon-fibre filler provides different mechanical
properties based on the considered three axis direction.

PA 12 Flex Black is a black/ anthracite nylon characterised by excellent
flexibility and impact resistance. PA 12 Flex black combines positive properties
of PA12 and PP. Strength and stiffness is similar to PA 12 with tensile strength
of 48MPa. The elongation is comparable to that of unfilled PP with EB of 2-21%
vs. 6-24%

TPU-88A is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that combines rubber-like
elasticity and elongation with good abrasion and impact resistance. EB for
TPU-88A is 450-570%



STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SL)

SL uses photopolymers, thermoset resins cured with ultraviolet (UV) light. It
offers the broadest material selection with a large range of tensile strengths,
tensile and flexural moduli, and EBs. Note that the impact strengths and HDTs
are generally much lower than those of common injection-moulded plastics. The
range of materials also offers options for colour and opacity. Combined with
good surface finish and high feature resolution, SL can produce parts that mimic
injection moulding in terms of performance and appearance.

The photopolymers are hygroscopic and UV sensitive, which may alter the
dimensions and performance of the part over time. Exposure to moisture and UV
light will alter the appearance, size and mechanical properties. For a visual
comparison of SL material properties, see Chart 7 for heat deflection Chart 8
for elongation at break and Chart 9 for tensile strength.

ABS-Like White (Accura Xtreme White 200) is a widely used SL material. In terms
of flexibility and strength, it falls between polypropylene and ABS, which makes
it a good choice for snap fits, master patterns and demanding applications.
Xtreme is a durable SL material; it has a very high impact strength (64 J/M.)
and a high EB (20%) while mid-range in strength and stiffness. However, its HDT
(47°c) is the lowest of the SL materials.

Compared to the average value for injection-moulded ABS, Xtreme can have a
slightly higher tensile strength (45 MPa - 50 MPa) but slightly lower EB (20%
vs. 30%). Under a flexing load, Xtreme is 26% less rigid, and its impact
strength is 70% lower.

ABS-Like Grey (Accura Xtreme Grey) is similar to polypropylene (PP)/ABS and is a
tough, durable material. It is very suitable for snap fits, assemblies and
demanding applications and it is characterised by its grey colour.

ABS-Like Translucent/ Clear (WaterShed) offers a unique combination of low
moisture absorption (0.35%) and near-colourless transparency – secondary
operations will be required to get the material completely clear, and it will
also retain a very light blue hue afterwards. While good for general-purpose
applications and pattern-making, WaterShed is the best choice for
flow-visualisation models, light pipes and lenses. Watershed’s tensile strength
and EB are among the highest of 3D-printed, thermoplastic-like materials, which
makes it tough and durable. Compared to average injection-moulded ABS values,
Watershed offers a slightly higher tensile strength (53.6 MPa vs 42 MPa), but
falls short in EB (15.5% vs. 30%) and HDT at 50 °C -> 54 °C.

ABS-Like Black (Accura Black 7820) is another alternative when prototyping
injection-moulded ABS parts. It not only mimics ABS’s mechanical properties, its
deep black colour and glossy up-facing surfaces in a top profile offer the
appearance of a moulded part, while layer lines may be visible in a side
profile. It offers a large working envelope of physical properties, high EB
(6-13%) and impact strength suitable for building concept models, and functional
prototype parts. 

MicroFine Green/Grey is custom formulated at Protolabs to deliver the highest
level of detail – 0.07 mm features are possible – and tightest tolerance
available from any SL material. The material is used to make micro to small
parts, generally less than 25 x 25 x 25 mm³. In terms of mechanical properties,
MicroFine Green/Grey falls in the mid-range of SL materials for tensile strength
and modulus (60 MPa and 2600 MPa respectively) and on the low end for impact
strength and EB (0.23 J/cm and 8% respectively). MicroFine Green has a stiffness
and tensile strengths similar to injection-moulded ABS, however, it does have a
lower HDT than ABS (59 °C vs 102°C).

PC-Like Advanc HighTemp (Accura 5530) provides a strong, stiff part with high
temperature resistance. Furthermore, a thermal post-cure option can increase HDT
from 85°C up to 250 °C (at 0.45 MPa). 5530 has one of the highest tensile and
flexural moduli of all the unfilled SL materials and the second highest tensile
strength (61 MPa). However, the post cure does make 5530 less durable, resulting
in an impact strength of only 21 J/m and an EB of 2.9%. Without the thermal
post-cure, 5530 retains its tensile strength and becomes more flexible. Also, EB
increases by about 50%. When compared to injection-moulded thermoplastics, a 10%
glass-filled polycarbonate is the closest match. With the thermal post-cure,
5530 has similar tensile strength and flexural modulus (compared to the average
values) with 66% higher HDT. However, impact strength and EB are much lower for
5530 (81% and 72% lower, respectively).

Ceramic-Like (Advanc HighTemp PerFORM) is the ideal material for creating
strong, stiff parts with excellent high heat resistance. An additional thermal
post-cure option can increase HDT from 132°C up to 268 °C (at 0.45 MPa), i.e. to
the highest value among all SLA materials. Typical material usage includes
production of tooling and wind tunnel testing applications.

 

CONCLUSION

Spanning metals, thermoplastics and thermosets, 3D printing provides many
different materials that can simulate, if not replace, those that are processed
through conventional means. While an exact match is not possible, since the
fundamental processes are different, the material breadth means that there is a
strong likelihood that the important material characteristics are satisfied.

The key to success is being open to, and cognizant of, the differences. With the
support of an informed, qualified 3D printing resource that can fill in the data
gaps, this mindset opens the door to leveraging the unique advantages that 3D
printing technology can offer.

Sources: matweb.com, ulprospector.com, vendor datasheets and protolabs.com.

Want to learn more about how Protolabs supports businesses with CNC machined,
injection moulded or 3D printed prototypes?

Looking for more whitepapers? Why not check out 3D Printing Technologies for
Prototyping and Production.



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