38 materials
ABS is a tough, amorphous thermoplastic copolymer combining acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene monomers, known for its balance of rigidity, impact resistance, and processability. It is widely used in consumer products, automotive components, and industrial housings where good dimensional stability, chemical resistance, and aesthetic finish are required. Engineers select ABS over more brittle plastics (like HIPS) when impact toughness is critical, and over engineering thermoplastics (like polycarbonate or nylon) when cost and ease of injection molding are priorities.
DGEBA/DDS is a high-performance aerospace-grade epoxy thermoset formed by reacting diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) with diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) hardener, delivering superior thermal stability and mechanical strength compared to standard epoxy formulations. This system is the workhorse matrix resin in primary structural composites for commercial aircraft, military platforms, and space vehicles, prized for its ability to maintain performance at elevated service temperatures while offering excellent adhesion to carbon and glass fibers. Engineers select DGEBA/DDS over faster-curing or lower-cost alternatives when thermal durability, damage tolerance, and long-term structural reliability under sustained loads are mission-critical.
Highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is a thermosetting polymer created by chemically linking polyethylene chains to form a three-dimensional network structure, dramatically improving its thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical performance compared to conventional linear polyethylene. The material is widely used in cable insulation for high-voltage power transmission, medical tubing and device components, and industrial piping systems where superior heat resistance and creep resistance are essential. Engineers select XLPE over standard polyethylene when applications demand sustained performance at elevated temperatures, resistance to permeation, or long-term durability in demanding chemical or thermal environments without sacrificing impact tolerance.
Kapton HN is a high-performance polyimide film that represents the standard-grade variant of DuPont's Kapton family, engineered for thermal stability and electrical insulation across demanding temperature ranges. It is widely deployed in aerospace, electronics, and electrical industries where components must maintain dimensional stability and dielectric properties in high-heat environments—such as motor windings, transformer insulation, flexible printed circuits, and spacecraft thermal control systems. Engineers select Kapton HN over commodity polymers when extended service at elevated temperatures combined with mechanical reliability and chemical resistance is non-negotiable; its balanced stiffness and thermal durability make it a go-to material for harsh operational conditions where alternative plastics would degrade or fail.
Nylon 66 (PA 6/6) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyamide created by condensation polymerization of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, offering a balance of stiffness, impact resistance, and chemical durability. It is widely used in automotive (fuel tanks, air intake manifolds, under-hood clips), electrical/electronics (connectors, switch housings, circuit board components), and consumer goods (textiles, zippers, brush bristles) where moderate temperature service and repeated flexing are common. Engineers select nylon 66 over alternatives like nylon 6 for its higher melting point, better dimensional stability, and superior creep resistance, while favoring it over glass-filled variants when lower cost and injection moldability outweigh the need for maximum rigidity.
PEEK 450G is a glass-filled polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite that combines the high-performance thermoplastic base polymer with reinforcing fibers to enhance stiffness and dimensional stability while maintaining PEEK's inherent chemical and thermal resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, and medical device industries where components must withstand elevated temperatures, aggressive chemical exposure, or demanding mechanical loads in continuous-use environments. Engineers select glass-filled PEEK over unfilled PEEK or competing thermoset composites when they need the combination of excellent creep resistance, low moisture absorption, electrical properties, and the processing advantages of a thermoplastic that can be injection-molded or machined into complex geometries.
PEEK is a high-performance semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer belonging to the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family, known for exceptional chemical resistance, dimensional stability at elevated temperatures, and mechanical performance across a wide operating range. It is widely used in aerospace, medical device, automotive, and oil & gas industries where demanding thermal, chemical, and mechanical environments require a lightweight polymer alternative to metals or thermosets. Engineers select PEEK over conventional plastics when applications demand continuous service at elevated temperatures, resistance to aggressive chemicals and sterilization methods, low flammability, or biocompatibility—making it particularly valuable in applications where material reliability directly impacts safety or performance.
PEI Ultem 1000 is a high-performance thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) engineering resin known for its exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance across a wide temperature range. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications where components must withstand elevated temperatures, mechanical stress, and exposure to oils, fuels, and other aggressive chemicals without significant degradation. Engineers select Ultem 1000 over commodity plastics and lower-performance engineering polymers when lightweight construction, dimensional stability in high-heat environments, and long-term durability under demanding conditions are critical design drivers.
PEKK (polyetheretherketone) 60/40 is a high-performance aromatic polyketone thermoplastic that combines excellent thermal stability with mechanical strength, making it suitable for demanding structural applications. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors where components must withstand elevated temperatures, chemical exposure, and mechanical loading without significant degradation. Engineers select PEKK over lower-performing thermoplastics (like PPS or PEEK alternatives) when thermal limits, dimensional stability, and long-term performance in harsh environments are critical design constraints.
PLGA is a synthetic biodegradable copolymer composed of lactic acid and glycalic acid monomers, widely used in medical and pharmaceutical applications where controlled degradation is required. The material is extensively employed in drug delivery systems, surgical implants, and tissue engineering scaffolds because it degrades predictably in physiological environments while maintaining initial structural integrity, making it a preferred alternative to permanent polymers when temporary mechanical support or staged therapeutic release is needed. Its established biocompatibility and FDA approval for medical devices have made it an industry standard in regenerative medicine and minimally invasive therapeutics.
PMMA bone cement is an acrylic polymer formulated specifically for orthopedic and dental fixation, typically supplied as a two-component system (powder and liquid monomer) that polymerizes in situ to create a rigid, biocompatible interface. It is widely used in joint replacement surgery, spinal instrumentation, and dental prosthetics to mechanically interlock implants with bone and provide load transfer; engineers select it for its established biocompatibility, ease of application, and decades of clinical track record, though it is gradually being supplemented by newer formulations offering improved mechanical properties and reduced exothermic curing reactions.
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a semi-crystalline aliphatic polyester synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone, valued for its biodegradability and processability at moderate temperatures. It is widely used in biomedical applications—including sutures, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds—as well as in flexible films, adhesives, and 3D printing filaments, where its combination of low melting point, high elongation capability, and slow degradation in physiological environments makes it preferable to faster-degrading polymers like PGA or more rigid alternatives.
Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent, amorphous thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional impact resistance and optical clarity, making it significantly tougher than acrylic or glass alternatives. It is widely used in applications demanding durability combined with transparency—including safety glazing, automotive windows, protective equipment, and consumer electronics—and is preferred where repeated impact, thermal cycling, or dimensional stability under load are critical concerns. Engineers select PC when standard brittle plastics fail, when weight savings over glass are essential, or when processing flexibility and design complexity justify slightly higher material costs.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable resources, commonly produced from corn starch or sugarcane. It is widely used in medical devices—particularly orthopedic fixation (screws, plates, pins) and cardiovascular stents—where its controllable biodegradability allows the material to gradually resorb as tissue heals, eliminating the need for device removal. PLLA is also employed in sustainable packaging, 3D-printed prototypes, and textile fibers; engineers select it over conventional plastics when environmental impact, biocompatibility, or temporary mechanical support is critical, though its brittleness and lower thermal stability compared to petroleum-based polymers require careful design consideration.
PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), marketed as Ryton R-4, is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for excellent chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and retention of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. It is widely used in automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, and electrical industries where corrosive environments, sustained heat, or precise dimensional tolerance are critical requirements. Engineers select PPS over commodity plastics when long-term exposure to aggressive solvents, acids, or bases is expected, or when operating temperatures preclude use of polyesters or polyamides.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a synthetic fluoropolymer known for its exceptional chemical resistance, low friction coefficient, and non-stick surface properties. It is widely used in chemical processing equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food handling systems, and sealing applications where corrosive environments or sterile conditions demand a material that won't degrade or contaminate. Engineers select PTFE when standard plastics or metals fail due to chemical attack, when low-friction sliding surfaces are critical, or when non-reactivity with aggressive fluids is essential—though its relatively low stiffness and creep under sustained load require careful design consideration.
Medical-grade silicone is a biocompatible elastomeric polymer engineered to meet stringent FDA and ISO standards for prolonged contact with human tissue and body fluids. It is widely used in implantable and external medical devices where flexibility, inertness, and resistance to bodily fluids are critical—including catheters, breast implants, pacemaker housings, and seals in insulin pumps. Engineers select medical-grade silicone over commodity alternatives because its chemical stability, low inflammatory response, and ability to withstand repeated sterilization cycles make it the gold standard for applications requiring long-term biocompatibility and regulatory approval.
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a linear polymer with an exceptionally long chain structure, specified under ASTM F648, offering an unusual combination of low density, high impact resistance, and excellent wear behavior. It is widely used in orthopedic implants (joint replacements, bearing surfaces), industrial wear components (conveyor systems, chute liners), marine applications, and medical devices where its low friction and self-lubricating properties reduce component degradation. Engineers select UHMWPE over standard polyethylene or competing polymers when prolonged wear life, biocompatibility, and minimal friction are critical, though its relatively low stiffness and moderate temperature ceiling require careful design consideration.
Creality CR-ABS is Creality's filament grade of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), printed by fused deposition modeling, which melts the copolymer and extrudes it through a nozzle in successive layers. As with other ABS filaments, parts are anisotropic: bonding between layers is weaker than along the deposited roads, so strength is lowest in the build direction, and surfaces show layer lines. ABS shrinks on cooling and tends to warp or split between layers unless printed on a heated bed, ideally in an enclosure, and overhangs need removable supports. Parts are often smoothed with acetone vapor and are used for functional prototypes, enclosures, housings, jigs and fixtures. Every value on this page is read from Creality's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
EOS PA 1102 Black is a black-pigmented PA11 powder grade for selective laser sintering, which gives parts that are coloured through their full cross-section. The parts are built without supports in the powder bed. They come out with a grainy matte surface, some residual porosity, and lower strength and elongation in the build direction than in the build plane. Post-processing is usually depowdering and bead blasting, with smoothing or sealing where needed. Laser-sintered PA11 is more ductile and impact-resistant than PA12, so the grade suits functional prototypes and end-use parts such as snap fits, living hinges, clips, housings and ducts. Every value on this page is read from EOS's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
EOS PA 1102 Black is a black-pigmented PA11 powder grade for selective laser sintering, described here in the dry state. Parts build in a heated powder bed that supports them, so no support structures are needed. They come out slightly porous with a matte, grainy surface, usually cleaned by blasting. As with other laser-sintered polyamides, strength and elongation are lower in the build direction than in the build plane. Compared with laser-sintered PA12, the PA11 base gives more ductile, impact-resistant parts, suited to snap fits, living hinges, clips, ducts and housings, where the through colour avoids dyeing. Every value on this page is read from EOS's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Formlabs Nylon 11 Powder is a PA11 grade for selective laser sintering, here in the conditioned state, with printed parts equilibrated to ambient moisture. The laser fuses each layer in a powder bed that supports the part, so no supports are needed. Parts have a matte, grainy surface, some porosity and somewhat lower strength and ductility along the build direction, and are depowdered and usually bead blasted. Absorbed moisture plasticizes the polyamide, lowering stiffness and raising toughness and elongation relative to dry parts. Chosen over SLS PA12 for ductility and impact resistance, it is used for snap fits, living hinges, clips, ducts and housings that must flex or absorb impact. Every value on this page is read from Formlabs' own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 is a polyamide 12 powder grade for Multi Jet Fusion, in which a fusing agent jetted onto each powder layer absorbs infrared energy so the part areas fuse, and it is formulated so that much of the unfused powder can be reused in later builds. The surrounding powder supports the parts, so no support structures are needed. Parts come out grey with a slightly grainy surface, are normally depowdered and bead blasted and often dyed black, and have fairly even properties across build directions with some residual porosity. Printed parts serve as functional prototypes and end-use parts such as housings, brackets, clips, ducts, and jigs and fixtures. Every value on this page is read from HP's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 W is a white-printing grade of PA12 powder for Multi Jet Fusion, in which infrared energy fuses the powder bed wherever a fusing agent has been jetted, with a detailing agent sharpening edges. Parts come out white rather than the grey typical of the process. They are built without supports in the surrounding powder and show fairly uniform properties across build directions with a slightly grainy surface. They are usually cooled, depowdered and bead blasted, then may be dyed, painted or smoothed. The grade is used for functional prototypes and end-use parts such as housings, enclosures, brackets and consumer components where a light or coloured finish matters. Every value on this page is read from HP's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Farsoon FS3300PA is a PA12 powder grade made by Farsoon for selective laser sintering, in which a laser fuses successive layers of a heated polymer powder bed. As with other laser-sintered PA12, the surrounding unfused powder supports the parts, so no support structures are needed. Parts retain some porosity, a grainy matte surface, and lower strength and elongation in the build direction than in the layer plane. Printed parts are depowdered and bead-blasted, and may be dyed or smoothed. The grade is used for functional prototypes and end-use parts such as housings, ducts, brackets, clips and fixtures, often in small production runs. Every value on this page is read from Farsoon's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Stratasys FDM Nylon 6 is that maker's polyamide 6 filament grade, printed by fused deposition modeling into tough, semi-crystalline nylon parts. Like other extruded parts, it is anisotropic: layers bond less strongly than the deposited roads within them, so parts are weakest across the build direction, and surfaces show layer lines. The filament absorbs moisture and must be kept dry, overhangs need support structures that are removed after printing, and printed parts become less stiff and slightly larger as they take up water. Typical uses are durable functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures and end-use parts that need impact resistance and snap-fit toughness. Every value on this page is read from Stratasys' own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Stratasys FDM Nylon 6 is a polyamide 6 filament printed by fused deposition modeling, here in the conditioned state, in which parts have absorbed moisture to equilibrium with humid air. Parts are built from fused extruded roads, so they show layer lines, some porosity between roads and weaker properties across layers than along them, and overhangs need removable supports. Absorbed water makes nylon tougher and more ductile but less stiff and strong than when dry, and slightly changes part dimensions. Printed parts serve as jigs, fixtures, tooling, snap fits and functional prototypes that must withstand impact and repeated loading. Every value on this page is read from Stratasys' own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Roboze PEEK is a PEEK filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling, extruded at high temperature into a heated build chamber. Parts are anisotropic, weaker across layers than along the deposited roads, and their crystallinity depends on chamber temperature and cooling, so they are often annealed to raise crystallinity and relieve residual stress. Layer lines remain visible, supports are removed mechanically, and tight-tolerance features are usually machined. Printed parts serve as jigs, fixtures, brackets and low-volume functional components exposed to heat and aggressive chemicals, often replacing machined metal parts. Every value on this page is read from Roboze's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Anycubic PLA is a polylactic acid filament grade from Anycubic, extruded layer by layer by fused deposition modeling. Like other PLA printed this way, its parts are strongest along the deposited roads and weakest across layer interfaces. They show visible layer lines and some voids between beads, and they need removable supports under steep overhangs. PLA prints with little warping and needs no heated enclosure, but printed parts soften at relatively low temperatures and are poorly suited to warm or sustained-load service. It is used for prototypes, fit and form models, light-duty jigs and fixtures, display pieces and hobby parts that operate near room temperature. Every value on this page is read from Anycubic's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
BigRep rPLA is a polylactic acid filament grade from BigRep, printed by fused deposition modeling, in which the melted filament is extruded through a nozzle to build parts bead by bead and layer by layer. Like other printed PLA, it warps little and needs no heated chamber, but parts are anisotropic: strength across layers in the build direction is lower than within a layer, and surfaces show layer lines. Overhangs need supports that are removed afterward, and sanding or coating gives a smoother finish. Printed parts are used for prototypes, visual and architectural models, patterns, and jigs and fixtures that stay at modest temperatures. Every value on this page is read from BigRep's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Flashforge PLA Basic is a general-purpose polylactic acid filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling, in which it is melted and laid down through a heated nozzle layer by layer. Like other PLA filaments, it prints with little warping, but parts are anisotropic: strength across layers depends on interlayer bonding and is lower than along the deposited beads, and voids between beads lower density. Surfaces show layer lines, overhangs need removable supports, and parts soften at modest temperatures. It is used for concept models, fit-check prototypes, display pieces and light-duty jigs and fixtures. Every value on this page is read from Flashforge's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Markforged Precise PLA is a polylactic acid filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling, in which the material is melted and extruded through a heated nozzle in successive layers. As with other extruded PLA, printed parts are anisotropic and weaker across layer interfaces than along the deposited roads. They show visible layer lines on side walls and stepping on shallow curved surfaces. PLA's low shrinkage and slight warping tendency make it straightforward to print to good dimensional accuracy, though overhangs need support structures that are removed afterwards. Parts are used mainly for visual and fit-check prototypes, fixtures, jigs and display models where the material's low heat resistance is acceptable. Every value on this page is read from Markforged's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
QIDI Tech PLA Rapido is a polylactic acid filament grade for fused deposition modeling, formulated for fast printing. Like other extruded PLA, it is built up from fused roads, so parts show visible layer lines, small voids between roads, and lower strength across layers than along them. It prints with little warping, needs supports only under steep overhangs, and can be sanded or coated for a smoother finish. Printed parts are used for concept models, fit and form prototypes, light-duty jigs and fixtures, and display pieces that will not see heat or sustained loads. Every value on this page is read from QIDI Tech's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Raise3D Hyper Speed PLA is a polylactic acid filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling, formulated for extrusion at higher print speeds than standard PLA. Like other extruded PLA, parts are built from fused beads and are anisotropic, weakest across layers, where strength depends on interlayer bonding. It shrinks and warps little and needs no heated chamber, but parts show layer lines, stair-stepping on curved surfaces and marks from supports under overhangs. Printed parts serve as rapid prototypes, concept and display models, and lightly loaded jigs and fixtures kept near room temperature. Every value on this page is read from Raise3D's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Raise3D Hyper Speed PLA printed by fused deposition modeling is a polylactic acid filament grade formulated for fast extrusion, here in the conditioned state, held at controlled temperature and humidity before testing. As with other extruded PLA, parts are built from fused beads, so they are weaker across layers than along them and show layer lines, some internal voids and stair-stepping on sloped faces. PLA warps little in printing and needs removable supports only under overhangs. Parts serve as prototypes, fixtures, jigs and enclosures where quick turnaround matters more than heat resistance. Every value on this page is read from Raise3D's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Prusament PC Blend from Prusa Research is a polycarbonate-based filament for fused deposition modeling, formulated as a blend so that it warps less and prints more readily than unmodified polycarbonate. Like other printed polycarbonate, it needs high nozzle and bed temperatures, an enclosed build space for larger parts, and dry filament, since absorbed moisture degrades extrusion and surface quality. Printed parts are anisotropic, with lower strength and toughness across layers than along them, and show visible layer lines on side walls. It is used for tough functional parts such as brackets, housings, jigs and fixtures, and components that must withstand higher temperatures than common printing plastics. Every value on this page is read from Prusa Research's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
UltiMaker PP is a polypropylene filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling, in which the semi-crystalline polymer is melted and extruded through a nozzle layer by layer. Polypropylene shrinks markedly as it cools and crystallizes, so printed parts are prone to warping and adhere poorly to most build surfaces, usually needing a polypropylene-compatible bed surface and a draft-free build. Parts show visible layer lines and are weaker and less tough across layers than along them. Printed parts are used for chemically resistant containers and fixtures, living hinges, snap fits and functional prototypes of parts later injection moulded in polypropylene. Every value on this page is read from UltiMaker's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.
Bambu Lab Bambu PVA is a polyvinyl alcohol filament grade for fused deposition modeling, used as a water-soluble support material printed alongside a build material on multi-material machines. PVA is strongly hygroscopic, so the filament must be kept dry to avoid stringing, bubbling and poor extrusion. After printing, the supports are dissolved by soaking the part in water, which leaves the contact surfaces free of the scars that breakaway supports leave. It supports overhangs, internal channels and enclosed cavities that breakaway supports cannot reach, and is typically paired with PLA and similar low-temperature filaments. Every value on this page is read from Bambu Lab's own material data sheet — quoted, cited and dated — and is the maker's statement about printed material, not a measurement by MatWorld; none has yet been reviewed by a person.