| Lifecycle | Lead Time | FDM Print Size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early stage prototyping | As fast as 1 day | FDM bed size to 914mm x 610mm x 914mm |
ABS , ABS – M30i , ABS ESD , ASA , Nylon 12 , Nylon 6 , PC-ISO , PC+ABS , PETG , Polycarbonate (PC) , Ultem 1010 , Ultem 9085 , |
ABS
ABS is a durable plastic material well-suited for mechanical strength and early-stage rough prototypes. It provides a cost-effective solution for initial prototyping needs, and with post-processing, it can achieve a smoother surface finish compared to PLA.
Process: FDM 3D printing
Colors: Black, Blue, Neutral, Red, White
Resolution: 0.25 mm
Max Print Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
ABS – M30i
ABS thermoplastic is specially designed for medical applications, providing both durability and biocompatibility. It is commonly used for manufacturing medical instruments and devices.
Manufacturing Process: FDM
Finish: Ivory (previously referred to as natural)
Layer Resolution: 0.25 mm
Maximum Print Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
ABS ESD
FDM ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is a high-performance styrenic polymer enhanced with a carbon black nanotube additive, ensuring effective electrostatic discharge dissipation. It also offers superior thermal conductivity, along with excellent mechanical properties such as wear resistance, stress resistance, and a dust-free surface by minimizing static buildup.
Manufacturing Process: FDM
Available Color: Black
Layer Resolution: 0.2 mm
Maximum Print Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
ASA
FDM ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is a versatile thermoplastic ideal for general use. While similar to ABS, it provides three key advantages: improved mechanical properties, enhanced visual appeal, and superior UV resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
Manufacturing Process: FDM
Available Colors: Black, Grey, Natural, White
Material Benefits: Shares a similar chemical composition with ABS but offers better strength, aesthetics, and UV resistance
Maximum Print Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
Nylon 12
Manufacturing Process: FDM
Available Finish: Black
Layer Resolution: 0.2 mm
Maximum Build Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
Nylon 6
Manufacturing Method: FDM
Available Color: Dark Grey
Layer Thickness: 0.2 mm
Maximum Build Dimensions: 914 x 610 x 914 mm
PC-ISO
This polycarbonate-based material is engineered for medical and healthcare applications that require sterilization. It offers excellent strength and durability while maintaining biocompatibility, making it ideal for medical tools and device enclosures.
Process: FDM
Finishing: White
Resolution: 0.2 mm
Max Print Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
PC+ABS
FDM PC-ABS (Polycarbonate-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a specialized thermoplastic that combines the durability and impact resistance of ABS with the high heat resistance of PC. This material is ideal for applications requiring both strength and heat tolerance.
Process: FDM
Colors: Black, White
Applications: Functional prototypes, durable tools, and production components
Material Overview: Offers the heat resistance of polycarbonate along with the flexibility of ABS
Maximum Print Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
PETG
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is an excellent 3D printing material for creating functional prototypes in the early stages of development. It combines the affordability of PLA with the performance characteristics of ABS. While it may not be the best choice for visually-focused projects, it is known for its high impact resistance, low shrinkage, resistance to warping, and high heat deflection temperature.
Process: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Colors: Black, White, Neutral
Resolution: 0.2 mm
Max Print Size: 300 x 300 x 400 mm
Polycarbonate (PC)
FDM PC (Polycarbonate) is a reliable material widely used for various applications, providing excellent dimensional stability, heat resistance, and strong impact resistance. With its high stiffness, it retains its shape well and is ideal for durable applications, making it suitable for industrial use or functional testing.
Process: FDM
Colors: Black, White
Resolution: 0.2 mm
Max Print Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
Ultem 1010
This material shares similarities with Ultem 9085, offering exceptional heat and chemical resistance. It is commonly used in industries that demand strong, durable parts capable of withstanding high temperatures.
Process: FDM
Finishing: Amber
Resolution: 0.25 mm
Max Print Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
Ultem 9085
Process: FDM
Finishing: Tan and Black
Resolution: 0.25 mm
Max Print Size: 914 x 609 x 914 mm
| Max Part Size | Min Feature Size | Tolerance | Min Wall Thickness | Min Hole Diameter | Min Gaps for Mating Parts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS / ABS ESD / Polycarbonate (PC) / PC+ABS: 500 x 500 x 500 mm | 1 mm | +/- 0.5 mm or +/- 1% per inch | 1 mm | 1 mm | 0.1 mm minimum; 0.2 mm to ensure fit |
| PLA / PET-G / ASA: 300 x 300 x 400 mm | 1 mm | +/- 0.5 mm or +/- 1% per inch | 1 mm | 1 mm | 0.1 mm minimum; 0.2 mm to ensure fit |
Avoid internal cavities in your designs.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a 3D printing method, also known as additive manufacturing, widely used for modeling, prototyping, and production purposes. In this process, material is extruded through a nozzle, layer by layer, to form 3D objects.
Since FDM requires support material—either breakaway or soluble—it’s important to consider this when selecting the process, as it can impact the final quality of the part.
