What’s the use of low-cost 3D printed parts that undergo wear and tear within a short time? Not only will it cause brand reputation damage but also increase maintenance costs, lead to frequent downtime, and compromise the safety and reliability of products. With more inclination towards sustainability from both government and consumers, 3D printing materials that are durable and deliver superior performances have become a requisite.
In this blog, we present a list of 3-D printing materials that are known for superior durability and performance, which can help budding businesses develop their product strategy and select the right material for their business.
Top 3D Printing Materials for Unmatched Durability and Performance
GE Aviation made history a few years ago when it shipped its 1,00,000 3-D printed fuel nozzle. But what is to be noted more than the number of fuel nozzles shipped is the fact that these nozzles had a feature that was missing in the previous one—these aircraft nozzles were 5 times more durable than the traditional nozzles.
This displays the revolutionary way in which 3D printing materials have the potential to change the way industries like aviation, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, etc. work.
Another case in point is the endeavor by a California-based 3D printing construction company that is tackling the housing availability crisis by 3D printing houses using a novel cement that helps reduce CO2 emissions by more than 60%.
Here is the list of the most widely used 3D printing materials preferred by brands globally for their strength, performance, and use.
#1 Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament
Businesses prefer PLA for its ease of usability, the great accuracy attained in dimensions, and the low costs. No wonder that PLA occupied almost 33% of the share among the various 3D printing plastics in 2024.
However, PLA’s are known to start degrading and crumbling after four years in a room temperature environment ranging from 24°C to 36°C.
But as with all things, this can be avoided by applying finishes such as paint or clear coats to extend the lifespan of 3D-printed parts by providing a barrier against environmental factors.
#2 Polycarbonate (PC)
If there is a 3-D printing material that ranks high in the department of strength, great optical properties, and low stiffness, then it is polycarbonate. These are considered to be ideal for parts that must endure significant stress and strain.
Polycarbonate is preferred for its ability to withstand high temperatures and its clear, transparent finish makes it suitable for applications like mechanical parts, automotive components, and protective gear.
Another distinct feature of polycarbonate is the exceptional impact resistance it displays. This makes them ideal for businesses dealing with the production of protective gear and applications where high shock absorption is needed.
#3 Nylon (Polyamide)
If your product needs the brilliance of strength, flexibility, and durability then Nylon is your material. The high resistance to wear and abrasion has made Nyling a perfect fit for developing functional prototypes, gears, and living hinges.
If there is a specific forte that nylon stands for it is toughness, flexibility, and abrasion resistance, making it particularly useful for parts requiring high-impact strength.
The incredible strength, durability, and versatility of this 3D printing material along with the thinness and very high inter-layer adhesion make nylon a must-use material for making living hinges, functional parts, gears, components, and other functional parts.
#4 Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Have you ever thought of having all the best features power-packed in one material to make an in-demand 3-D printed product? Then ABS is the 3D printing material that you are looking for.
Widely used for its good strength, shock resistance, and affordability, ABS is the go-to material for brands looking for a material that is apt for functional prototypes and enclosures, because of its toughness and impact resistance.
Another advantage is its heat resistance which is higher compared to PLA and PETG, making it suitable for applications involving higher temperatures like automotive parts, electronic housings, and toys.
#5 Carbon Fiber Reinforced Filaments
If you are looking for the strength of carbon fiber with the versatility of materials like PLA or nylon then these composites are your match.
Carbon fiber-reinforced filaments have a distinct identity in the manufacturing world for their high stiffness, low weight, and excellent dimensional stability. They are the most used material for manufacturing demanding structural components in aerospace, automotive, industrial applications, and high-performance sporting goods, and rank high in the strength and stiffness department.
The specialty of these filaments lies in the enhanced mechanical properties because of the combination of materials like nylon or PETG with carbon fiber, which results in parts that are strong, stiff, and lightweight.
#6 Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)
Another contender for the top spot when it comes to high performance and durability is polyether ether ketones which are known for exceptional mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, heat, and chemical resistance.
What sets PEEK apart is the exceptional combination of mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties that make it excellent for demanding environments such as aerospace, medical, and oil and gas industries.
Giants in medical, oil and gas, and aerospace applications prefer PEEK for its excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
Chemically speaking PEEK is a high-performance polymer known for its exceptional mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making it one of the strongest 3D printing materials available that is suitable for medical implants, aerospace components, and other demanding applications.
#7 Metals
Earlier considered unthought of for 3D printing, metals are now one of the most used materials. They have grown in demand for the obvious strength and performance they provide along with their suitability for high-stress applications where high structural integrity is necessary.
One of the front-runners is stainless steel known for its high strength, high ductility, and corrosion resistance.
On the other hand, aluminum is chosen for its exceptionally lightweight, durability, strength, and good thermal properties. All these metals like stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum, offer excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, durability, and heat resistance, making them a highly appropriate material for aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial applications.
#8 Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG)
When businesses were innovating with their products they needed a material that could provide ease of printing coupled with strength and chemical resistance. That’s when PEG came into the picture.
PETG has the best of PLA and ABS and is ideal for creating parts that require durability and flexibility, such as mechanical components and outdoor equipment. The transparency and resistance to UV and impact, make it a popular choice for packaging, medical devices, and signage.
Though prolonged exposure to elements like UV light may affect PETG’s durability, it is considerably more resistant to environmental factors than PLA. Another plus point of PETG is that it is a bit stronger than ABS and a bit more heat resistant than PLA, making it suitable for producing durable parts that require some good flexibility and impact resistance.
#9 Silicon
Silicon with a temperature limit of up to 300°C, high viscosity ( which makes it tougher to 3D print.), and features like flexibility, high heat resistance, and biocompatibility is one of the most superior 3D printing materials used in direct liquid printing. At Cubein we use silicon 3D printing material so that our clients can stay ahead of the curve, as we combine the material properties of cast silicone with the precision of 3D printing. This enables us to smoothen rapid tooling so that our clients can move smoothly from prototyping to mass production of silicone parts
Wrapping Up
The quest for smarter, faster, and better has led to a lot of innovation in 3D printing material. Newer innovations like the use of responsive materials, advanced composites, and multi-material printing techniques have changed the 3D printing world.
The best material to be used depends on the end product and features that are a must-have and the use case.
At Cubein provide end-to-end 3D printing services in India that involve providing our expertise in the design part for ODM and OEMs. We specialize in making innovative high-performance, high-quality products using plastics, metals, glass, photopolymers, and biocompatible substances.
If you are still in the initial phase and want an expert consultation on selecting a material for your product and bringing it to life, then connect with our team of experts.
We provide our expertise by understanding the specific requirements of your project, including mechanical stress, environmental conditions, and desired finish, and deliver a solution that is a perfect fit for the market and your business.
