The performance, longevity, and cost of every 3D printed part is based in large part on the material used to print it. This article outlines and compares the primary materials offered by ABCorp 3D, the advantages of each, and their ideal applications.
Why does materials selection matter for 3D printed production parts?
The right 3D printing material determines durability, regulatory compliance, repeatability, and cost of use for companies using additive manufacturing to manufacture parts or finished goods. That calculation changes as 3D printing moves from one-off prototypes into production runs of hundreds or thousands of units. This is why it’s so important to get that decision right early in the engineering conversation. Doing so allows companies to test different materials and decide on the right one for their application before investing in higher volume production.
There are diverse 3D printing materials to choose from, as outlined below. Each has its own advantages and use cases depending on the needs of the project. For a deeper dive into choosing the right material for your 3D printing project, read our post about materials use cases and applications for more information.
Which 3D printing materials does ABCorp 3D offer?
At ABCorp 3D, materials selection isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into how we work with customers from the very first design conversation. Our team of engineers, materials experts, and production technicians are available to help our customers match the right material to the application, not just what we happen to have in stock. That guidance sits on top of a production-scale HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) platform, backed by secure, U.S.-based manufacturing and the repeatable processes that regulated and security-conscious industries expect.
ABCorp 3D offers a comprehensive suite of engineering-grade polymers specifically designed for HP Multi Jet Fusion, providing a balance of strength, durability, reusability, and precision. The following chart offers a quick comparison of our current materials portfolio from white, high-reusability PA 12 to bio-based PA 11 and chemically robust polypropylene, so you can confidently choose the right material for your next 3D printed project. It also includes a new flame retardant nylon built for safety-critical applications, so you can make an informed decision for your next build.
ABCorp 3D materials comparison at a glance
| Material | Category | Advantages and traits | Ideal applications | Powder reusability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP 3D HR PA 12 | General-purpose polymer | High density, balanced mechanicals, watertight, chemical resistant, biocompatible | Enclosures, housings, assemblies, watertight designs | Up to 80% |
| HP 3D HR PA 12 White | General-purpose polymer | Same PA 12 performance in a bright-white finish | Jigs, fixtures, presentation models, coded prototypes | Up to 80% |
| HP 3D HR CB PA 12 (Color) | General-purpose polymer | Same PA 12 performance printed in full color | High-visibility parts, training aids, coded assemblies | Up to 80% |
| HP 3D HR PA 12 ESD | General-purpose polymer | Controlled surface resistivity (105–1012 Ω/sq), vapor-smoothed finish | Electronics housings, production-line components | N/A |
| HP 3D HR PA 12 FR | General-purpose polymer | Flame retardant without sacrificing strength or design flexibility | Aircraft interiors, electrical housings, transportation systems | N/A |
| HP 3D HR PA 11 | High-ductility polymer | Bio-based (castor oil), superior ductility, high impact resistance, biocompatible | Prosthetics, insoles, living hinges, snap fits | Up to 70% |
| HP 3D HR PP | Chemical-resistant polymer | Matches injection-molded PP performance, weldable, low moisture absorption | Fluid systems, piping, reservoirs, automotive parts | Up to 100% |
| Ultrasint® TPU01 | Elastomeric polymer | High surface detail, durable under repeated load cycles | Lattice structures, cushioning, energy-return components | N/A |
Click here for a PDF version of ABCorp’s materials guide.
Ready to get started with 3D printing?
Our team of additive manufacturing experts is here to help guide you through the process. Reach out to us by completing the form to get in touch.
