Materials for Additive Manufacture
We offer two materials for part manufacture. Both are used in our SLS machines
but each one offers its own unique characteristics and features.
Overview
For 10 years we only offered one material option, SLS Nylon PA12 (PA2200). The benefits of this material far outweighed that of other materials on the market. Ten years on we are excited to announce that after extensive in-house research and testing, we are now able to offer the production of parts using MJF Nylon 12 and SLS Flexible TPU.
On this page we have highlighted the key characteristics of each material. If you require further detail about either of our materials please click the links below.
1. SLS PA12
• PA 2200 meets all the criteria of the USP-Biological Test Class VI/121°C
• Food suitability - FDA CFR 21 compliant
• Can be dyed red, blue, green, yellow and black using our in-house service
• Good chemical resistance
• Excellent long-term stability
• High selectivity and detail resolution
• Various finishing possibilities (e.g vibratory grinding, dyeing, bond-ing, flocking, paint)
SLS Nylon 12 (PA2200) is widely regarded as the industry standard for high end 3D printing, yet still remains one of the most affordable, with prices starting from just 50p per model.
The material is both strong and smooth when combined with our free polishing service can be made even smoother – we say it’s like the difference between the texture of an Extra Strong Mint to that of a Softmint/Mentos.
2. MJF PA12
• Biocompatibility—meets USP Class I-VI and US FDA guidance for Intact Skin Surface Devices
• Provides good chemical resistance to oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and alkalies
• Robust thermoplastic produces high density parts with balanced property profiles and strong structures
• High strength down to 1mm
• Excellent long-term stability
• Parts can be polished or shot peened & dyed black
• High selectivity and detail resolution
MJF Nylon 12 has been engineered especially for HP Multi Jet Fusion technology and has been designed for production of functional parts across a variety of industries. MJF Nylon 12 provides the best balance between performance and reusability and has been engineered to produce final parts and functional prototypes with fine detail and dimensional accuracy.
3. SLS Flexible TPU
• Good chemical resistance
• Excellent long-term stability
• High selectivity and detail resolution
• High UV stability
SLS Flexible TPU is our rubber like material. The parts made from this white material are extremely hydrolysis-resistant, with high resilience and good tribological properties. The degree of flexibility can be influenced by the part design and the choice of process parameters and can even be varied within the same part.