What materials are commonly used in industrial 3D printing?

What Materials Are Commonly Used in Industrial 3D Printing?

Overview of Industrial-Grade 3D Printing Materials

Industrial 3D printing uses a broad range of engineering polymers, high-performance metals, and ceramics to meet the performance demands of aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors. Each material is selected based on mechanical strength, thermal resistance, chemical stability, and process compatibility. Neway's 3D printing services support these materials through advanced processes like SLS, DMLS, SLA, and FDM.

Common Metal Materials

1. Aluminum Alloys

   • AlSi10Mg: Lightweight and strong, suitable for structural components and heat exchangers

   • Use Cases: Automotive brackets, aerospace housings

   • Learn More

2. Titanium Alloys

   • Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5): Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility

   • Use Cases: Medical implants, turbine blades, aerospace fasteners

   • Cast Titanium Services

3. Nickel-Based Superalloys

   • Inconel 625, 718: High-temperature resistance and corrosion performance

   • Use Cases: Jet engine parts, chemical processing components

   • Superalloy 3D Printing

4. Tool Steels

   • H13, M2: High hardness and wear resistance for tooling and mold inserts

   • Tool Steel Info

Common Plastic and Composite Materials

1. Nylon (PA12, PA6)

   • Excellent wear resistance and flexibility

   • Used in SLS for enclosures, jigs, and functional parts

   • Nylon PA Molding Info

2. PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)

   • High strength, thermal stability (up to 250°C), and chemical resistance

   • Preferred in medical, aerospace, and oil & gas

   • PEEK Info

3. Ultem (PEI)

   • Flame-retardant, stable up to 200°C, and ideal for electrical applications

   • Ultem/PEI Info

4. ABS and PC

   • Used for durable prototypes and end-use parts

   • ABS: Tough, impact-resistant

   • PC: High clarity and thermal performance

   • ABS Info | PC Info

5. Carbon-Fiber Filled Filaments

   • Reinforced thermoplastics (e.g., Nylon + CF) for added stiffness and strength

   • Ideal for structural and lightweight applications

High-Performance Resin Materials

• Standard Resins: Used in SLA for prototyping

• Engineering Resins: High-temperature, flexible, or tough resins for functional parts

• Biocompatible Resins: Used for surgical guides, dental applications

Supporting Material Selection Services

Neway provides tailored consultation for:

• Material Selection based on application, geometry, and environment

• Hybrid Manufacturing with CNC finishing for optimal strength and precision

• Rapid Prototyping to validate material behavior and form-fit function

With ±0.01 mm accuracy, certified raw materials, and global delivery, Neway ensures industrial-grade reliability across a full range of 3D printing materials.