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3D Printing Materials

3D Printing Material Properties Guide

Compare mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and application suitability across six industry-standard materials. Comprehensive technical specifications for engineering-grade 3D printing polymers.

Quick Reference

Engineering-Grade Polymer Analysis

Different materials support unique mechanical and thermal properties, making them suitable for various applications — from prototypes to end-use parts. This comprehensive database delivers detailed property data for six engineering-grade polymers.

Use this guide to compare key characteristics and select the best stock material for your specific needs. Whether you require high tensile strength, extreme flexibility, chemical resistance, or thermal tolerance, our property database helps you make informed decisions.

PLA
Best for Prototypes
TPU
Most Flexible
PC
Heat Resistant
3D Printing Materials
Material Explorer

Interactive Material Selector

Select a stock material to view detailed physical, mechanical, and thermal properties with visual indicators.

Physical Properties

Density 1.20 g/cm³
Melt Flow Index 3.5 (190°C/2.16kg)
Melting Temp 190-230°C
Poisson's Ratio 0.35
Shore Hardness 78 D

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength 72 MPa
Elongation at Break 11.8%
Flexural Strength 90 MPa
Flexural Modulus 1915 MPa

PLA Applications

PLA is a practical choice for prototypes, concept models, and low-stress functional parts. Biodegradable and easy to print with well-suited surface finish. Best for visual prototypes and display models.

Prototypes Display Models Concept Parts Easy Printing
Print Difficulty
Data Table

Complete Material Comparison

Side-by-side technical specifications for quick stock material selection.

Material Tensile (MPa) Elongation (%) Melting Temp Best For Difficulty
PLA
72 11.8 190-230°C Prototypes, Display
ABS
43 22 230-270°C Functional Parts
PETG
52.2 83 230-250°C Chemical Resistance
TPU
35 800 210-240°C Flexible Parts
Nylon
52 175 250-290°C High Strength
PC
60 100 260-310°C Heat Resistance
Selection Guide

Find Your Material

Select the right stock material based on your application requirements.

Need Strength?

Nylon and PC support exceptional tensile strength for load-bearing applications and mechanical components.

Need Flexibility?

TPU with 800% elongation is a practical choice for gaskets, seals, phone cases, and flexible components.

Need Heat Resistance?

PC withstands temperatures up to 115°C — a practical choice for hot environments and automotive applications.

Need Ease of Printing?

PLA is easiest to print with minimal warping and well-suited surface finish. Perfect for beginners.

Need Chemical Resistance?

PETG combines well-suited resistance to chemicals and moisture. Suitable for outdoor and food-contact applications.

Need Durability?

ABS balances strength and impact resistance for functional prototypes and end-use parts.

Visual Comparison

Property Comparison Chart

Nelotiv visual comparison allows you to quickly assess multiple properties across different materials at a glance. Each bar represents relative performance in key categories.

Tensile Strength
Flexibility
Heat Resistance
Print Ease
Material Properties Visualization
3D printer producing a white vase beside filament and printed parts

Ready to Start Your 3D Printing Project?

Upload your CAD files and specify your material choice. Nelotiv engineers will help you select the optimal filament for your application.