802 materials
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer characterized by a linear molecular structure with minimal branching, resulting in high stiffness and strength relative to other polyethylenes. It is widely used across packaging, automotive, and infrastructure sectors where a balance of rigidity, impact resistance, and chemical durability is needed at moderate temperatures. Engineers select HDPE over lower-density polyethylenes when higher modulus and creep resistance are required, and over rigid plastics like polycarbonate when cost and processability are priorities.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer characterized by a linear molecular structure and higher density compared to other polyethylene grades, giving it greater stiffness and strength. It is widely used in packaging films, rigid containers, piping systems, and automotive components across consumer, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, where its combination of chemical resistance, processability, and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred choice over lower-density polyethylenes and competing commodities plastics.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer derived from cellulose, modified with hydroxyethyl side chains to enhance solubility and rheological control. It is widely used in construction, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and coatings as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer, valued for its ability to control viscosity, improve workability, and provide consistent performance across diverse formulations without compromising environmental compatibility.
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a semi-synthetic polymer derived from cellulose through hydroxypropyl ether substitution, producing a water-soluble thermoplastic with tunable properties. It is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations as a binder, thickener, and film-former in tablets and capsules, as well as in cosmetics, food additives, and coatings where its ability to form clear films and control viscosity are valued. Engineers select HPC over alternatives like PVP or PEG when they need a cellulose-based polymer with good film-forming characteristics, thermal processability, and regulatory acceptance in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a semi-synthetic cellulose ether derived from plant cellulose through chemical modification, classified as a water-soluble polymer with tunable rheological properties. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals as a binder, thickener, and controlled-release agent in tablets and capsules, and in construction as a water-retention and workability enhancer in cement-based products; engineers select HPMC over alternatives because it offers temperature-dependent gelation, excellent film-forming ability, and compatibility with both aqueous and some organic systems, making it versatile across formulation-sensitive applications.
Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is a semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer characterized by a highly ordered molecular structure that gives it superior stiffness and thermal performance compared to atactic or random polypropylene grades. It is widely used across automotive, packaging, consumer goods, and appliance industries where a balance of rigidity, chemical resistance, and processability is needed at moderate temperatures. Engineers select iPP over lower-grade polypropylenes when components require improved dimensional stability and heat resistance, and over engineering plastics when cost and ease of molding are priorities.
Isotactic poly(isopropyl acrylate) is a synthetic acrylic polymer with a stereoregular molecular structure, where the isopropyl ester side chains are organized in a uniform spatial arrangement along the polymer backbone. This material is primarily of research and specialized industrial interest, used in applications requiring specific thermal and mechanical properties derived from its controlled stereochemistry, including adhesives, coatings, and polymer blends where precise chain organization enhances performance over randomly-structured alternatives.
Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) is a semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer characterized by regular, ordered molecular chain structure that provides superior stiffness and crystallinity compared to atactic variants. It is widely used in automotive components, consumer packaging, medical devices, and appliances where a balance of rigidity, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness is required. Engineers favor iPP over lower-grade polypropylene grades and competing polymers when moderate temperature resistance and good fatigue performance are needed without the expense of engineering plastics like nylon or PBT.
Isotactic-polystyrene (i-PS) is a semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer where the methyl side groups are arranged regularly along the backbone, distinguishing it from atactic polystyrene and making it stiffer and more heat-resistant. It is widely used in injection-molded consumer products, automotive interior components, appliance housings, and medical device casings where modest rigidity and chemical resistance are needed at moderate temperatures. Engineers favor i-PS over standard atactic polystyrene when parts require improved dimensional stability and higher service temperatures, or over engineering thermoplastics when weight savings and low material cost are prioritized over maximum strength.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer characterized by a branched molecular structure that gives it flexibility and toughness despite relatively modest stiffness. It is widely used in flexible packaging, films, tubing, and containers where impact resistance and elongation are critical; engineers select LDPE over more rigid plastics (like HDPE or PP) when part deformation and stress distribution are preferred over dimensional stability, and it remains a production workhorse due to its low cost, processability, and chemical resistance.
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer characterized by a linear backbone with short-chain branching, positioned between LDPE and HDPE in density and mechanical behavior. It is widely used in flexible films, tubing, and containers across packaging, agriculture, and consumer goods industries because its combination of toughness and elongation capability provides superior puncture resistance and flexibility compared to higher-density polyethylenes while maintaining good processability. Engineers select LLDPE when applications demand impact resistance, low-temperature flexibility, and stretch capability—making it the material of choice for stretch wrap films, agricultural mulch, squeezable bottles, and flexible tubing.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer characterized by a branched molecular structure that gives it flexibility and impact resistance at ambient temperatures. It is widely used in flexible packaging films, plastic bags, tubing, and squeeze bottles across the food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries, where its combination of processability, chemical resistance, and low cost make it the preferred choice over more rigid or expensive alternatives. Engineers select LDPE when flexibility, ease of processing, and cost-effectiveness are priorities, though its lower stiffness and heat resistance compared to high-density polyethylene limit its use in structural or high-temperature applications.
MEH-PPV is a conjugated polymer belonging to the poly(phenylene vinylene) family, a class of organic semiconductors engineered for optoelectronic applications. This material is primarily used in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photovoltaic devices, where its ability to emit light under electrical excitation and conduct charge carriers makes it valuable for flexible and printable electronics. MEH-PPV is notable as a research-stage material that bridges conventional inorganic semiconductors and solution-processable organic electronics, enabling lower-cost fabrication methods compared to silicon-based alternatives, though with trade-offs in thermal stability and long-term performance.
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), commonly known as acrylic, is a transparent thermoplastic polymer valued for its optical clarity, rigidity, and weather resistance. It is widely used in applications requiring transparency combined with structural integrity, including automotive glazing, aircraft windows, lighting fixtures, medical devices, and protective barriers. PMMA is chosen over glass in many applications because it offers superior impact resistance, lower density, easier processing, and better UV stability, though it exhibits lower chemical resistance than some engineering thermoplastics.
NIPAAm (N-isopropylacrylamide) is a synthetic polymer known for its thermally responsive behavior, exhibiting a sharp phase transition in aqueous solutions near body temperature. It is widely used in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology applications where reversible swelling and controlled release are advantageous, including drug delivery systems, cell culture scaffolds, and smart hydrogels that respond to temperature changes. Engineers select NIPAAm-based materials when they require stimuli-responsive functionality—enabling on-demand release of therapeutics or reversible mechanical changes—making it particularly valuable in biomedical devices where conventional static polymers are inadequate.
NIPAM (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)) is a synthetic polymer widely recognized for its temperature-responsive behavior, exhibiting a sharp phase transition in aqueous solutions near body temperature (~32°C). This smart polymer is employed in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications where controlled release and reversible swelling/shrinking triggered by temperature changes are advantageous, as well as in research settings exploring stimuli-responsive materials. Engineers select NIPAM-based systems for applications requiring dynamic material response to thermal stimuli without chemical modification, offering unique advantages over static polymers in targeted drug delivery, bioseparation, and adaptive biointerfaces.
N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) is a synthetic polymer known for its temperature-responsive behavior, transitioning between hydrophilic and hydrophobic states around body temperature (approximately 32°C). This smart polymer is primarily used in biomedical research and emerging therapeutic applications where controlled release or responsive behavior is advantageous, including drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and biosensors; its main appeal over conventional polymers is the ability to trigger material property changes without mechanical or chemical intervention, making it valuable in precision medicine contexts and experimental medical devices.
Natural rubber (NR) is an elastomeric polymer derived from the latex of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), consisting primarily of polyisoprene chains. It is widely used in automotive tires, seals, gaskets, and vibration-damping components where high extensibility, resilience, and moderate mechanical strength are required. Engineers select NR for applications demanding excellent elasticity and low-cost production, though it is typically compounded with reinforcing fillers (carbon black, silica) and protective additives to enhance durability against oxidation, ozone, and thermal degradation.
Nylon is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer from the polyamide family, characterized by strong C-N backbone chains that provide excellent mechanical strength and toughness combined with good flexibility. It is widely used in automotive components (fuel tanks, air intake manifolds, bearing cages), consumer goods (textiles, sports equipment, luggage), industrial machinery (gears, bushings, connectors), and electrical housings where engineers value its combination of durability, low friction, and ease of processing. Nylon is chosen over metals in weight-sensitive applications and over other polymers when impact resistance and wear resistance are critical, though its moisture absorption and moderate thermal stability require careful consideration in humid or high-temperature environments.
Nylon 6 is a semi-crystalline aliphatic polyamide thermoplastic, synthesized from caprolactam monomer, that combines moderate stiffness with good toughness and wear resistance. It is widely used in automotive components (fuel tanks, air intake manifolds, bearing housings), consumer goods (gears, fasteners, tubing), textiles, and industrial machinery where a balance of mechanical performance, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness is required. Engineers typically select nylon 6 over commodity plastics when impact strength and dimensional stability under load are priorities, and over higher-performance polymers when cost and processability are constraints.
Nylon 66 printed by fused deposition modeling is polyamide 66 supplied as filament and deposited layer by layer through a heated nozzle. The semi-crystalline polymer shrinks considerably on cooling and takes up moisture readily, so parts warp and lift from the bed unless adhesion is good and the chamber is heated, and the filament needs drying before printing. Printed parts are anisotropic, weakest between layers and strongest along the extruded roads, with visible layer lines and small voids between roads. Overhangs usually need supports. It is used for jigs, fixtures, functional prototypes and wear-resistant end-use parts such as brackets, housings and clips.
BigRep PA6/66 is a copolyamide filament of polyamide 6 and polyamide 66 printed by fused deposition modeling, including on large-format machines. The filament absorbs moisture readily and must be dried before printing. The semi-crystalline polymer also shrinks on cooling, so a heated bed and an enclosed chamber help limit warping. Parts are weaker across layers than along the deposited roads, show visible layer lines and need supports under steep overhangs. Printed parts are used for functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures and tooling, and for tough, wear-resistant end-use components. 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.
Nylon printed by fused deposition modeling is a polyamide thermoplastic extruded from filament through a heated nozzle and deposited layer by layer. Parts contain small voids between the bonded roads and are weaker across the layers than along them, with visible layer lines and support material needed under overhangs. Nylon warps and shrinks on cooling and absorbs moisture, so filament is dried before printing and parts change stiffness and dimensions as they take up water. Printed parts include jigs and fixtures, functional prototypes, gears, bushings and other tough, wear-resistant components, and industrial systems sometimes add continuous fiber reinforcement for stiffness.
Markforged Nylon White is an unfilled nylon filament from Markforged, printed by fused deposition modeling and also usable as the matrix for the maker's continuous fibre reinforcement. Parts are built from fused beads, so they show layer lines and some porosity between roads, and they are weaker and less tough across layers than along them. The filament absorbs moisture readily and must be kept dry before and during printing to avoid poor surfaces and weakened parts, and overhangs need supports. Printed parts serve as jigs, fixtures, non-marring tooling, functional prototypes and tough, slightly flexible end-use components. 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.
UltiMaker Nylon is UltiMaker's nylon filament grade for fused deposition modeling, which melts and extrudes it layer by layer into tough, slightly flexible parts. Like other printed nylons, the filament absorbs moisture readily and is dried and kept dry before printing to avoid bubbling, rough surfaces and weak layers. Parts are weaker across the layers than along them, show visible layer lines and tend to warp as they cool, so a heated bed, good bed adhesion and supports for overhangs are usually needed. Printed parts are used for functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, snap fits, hinges and lightly loaded gears and wear parts. 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.
Poly(2-vinylpyridine) or P2VP is a synthetic aromatic polymer featuring pyridine rings in the backbone, commonly used as a homopolymer or in block copolymer formulations. It is valued in research and industrial applications for its ability to form complexes with metals and act as a chelating agent, as well as its use in self-assembling nanostructured materials. P2VP is particularly notable in academic and advanced materials contexts where controlled assembly, metal coordination, or pH-responsive behavior is required, distinguishing it from commodity polymers in specialty and nanomaterial domains.
Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) or P(3HB) is a naturally derived thermoplastic polyester that belongs to the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family, produced through bacterial fermentation or chemical synthesis. It is a biodegradable polymer notable for its ability to decompose in various environmental conditions (soil, marine, compost), making it a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics for applications where end-of-life disposal is a critical concern. P(3HB) is used in packaging films, agricultural mulches, medical implants, and tissue engineering scaffolds, though its brittleness and lower processing flexibility compared to polyethylene or polypropylene typically limit its adoption to niche markets where biodegradability justifies performance trade-offs.
P3HT (poly(3-hexylthiophene)) is a conjugated polymer semiconductor widely used in organic electronics, particularly as the active material in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). It is valued for its relatively high charge carrier mobility, solution processability, and ability to form ordered crystalline structures when properly annealed, making it a benchmark polymer for flexible and lightweight electronic devices. Unlike traditional inorganic semiconductors, P3HT enables low-temperature, large-area manufacturing on plastic substrates, though it typically offers lower performance and shorter operational lifetime than silicon-based alternatives.
P4VP (poly(4-vinylpyridine)) is a synthetic aromatic polymer featuring pyridine rings along its backbone, making it a rigid, nitrogen-containing thermoplastic with inherent polarity. It is primarily used in specialty applications including chromatography media, ion-exchange resins, pharmaceutical delivery systems, and as a building block in self-assembling polymer complexes and nanostructured materials. Engineers select P4VP for applications demanding chemical resistance, thermal stability, and the ability to form hydrogen bonds or coordinate with metal ions—particularly in research and advanced manufacturing contexts where its polar character provides advantages over commodity polymers.
PA (polyamide) is a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic known for its excellent balance of strength, stiffness, and toughness. Widely used in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications, PA offers superior chemical resistance and wear properties compared to commodity plastics, making it the preferred choice for structural components requiring durability and dimensional stability.
PA11 is a semi-crystalline polyamide (nylon) derived from renewable castor oil feedstock, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyamides while maintaining good mechanical properties and chemical resistance. It is widely used in automotive fuel systems, flexible tubing, cable jacketing, and consumer goods where its combination of toughness, flexibility, and environmental profile provides advantages over PA6 and PA66. Engineers select PA11 when weight reduction, chemical compatibility with fuels and oils, low-temperature flexibility, and a reduced carbon footprint are priorities, despite typically lower stiffness compared to glass-filled alternatives.
PA11 printed by Multi Jet Fusion is a semi-crystalline polyamide processed as a polymer powder bed, where inkjet-applied fusing and detailing agents control where infrared energy melts each layer. Unfused powder supports the part, so no support structures are needed. Parts are nearly dense with some residual porosity, have a slightly grainy grey surface, and are somewhat anisotropic between the build plane and the build direction. Caked powder is removed by bead blasting or air, and parts can then be dyed or smoothed. Typical uses are functional prototypes and production of tough, flexible parts such as housings, clips, ducting, snap-fits and living hinges.
HP 3D High Reusability PA 11 is HP's PA11 powder for Multi Jet Fusion, a powder bed process that jets a fusing agent onto each layer and a detailing agent at part edges before infrared energy fuses the printed areas, and the grade is formulated so that much of the unfused powder can be reused in later builds. Parts come out grey with a slightly granular surface, need no supports, and are usually bead blasted and often dyed or smoothed. Compared with MJF PA12 they are more ductile and impact resistant, though ductility is lower along the build direction. They are used for snap fits, living hinges and functional parts that must flex repeatedly without cracking. 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.
PA11 printed by selective laser sintering is a semi-crystalline polyamide made from castor-oil-derived powder, fused layer by layer in a heated powder bed. The surrounding unsintered powder supports the part, so no support structures are needed and many parts can be nested in one build. As-printed parts have a matte, slightly grainy surface, some residual porosity and modest anisotropy between build directions. Parts are depowdered and usually bead blasted, tumbled, dyed or coated. It is used for functional prototypes, snap-fits, living hinges, housings, ducts and impact-loaded end-use parts.
BASF Forward AM Ultrasint PA11 is a PA11 powder grade for selective laser sintering, in which a laser fuses successive layers of polymer powder in a heated bed. The surrounding unfused powder supports the part, so no support structures are needed. Parts come out slightly porous with a matte, grainy surface, and they are weaker and less ductile across the layers than within them; they are depowdered and bead blasted, and often dyed or smoothed. Laser-sintered PA11 is more ductile and impact tolerant than laser-sintered PA12, so it is used for functional prototypes and end-use parts such as snap fits, hinges, housings and ducts. Every value on this page is read from BASF Forward AM'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.
BASF Forward AM Ultrasint PA11 is a PA11 powder grade for selective laser sintering, here in the dry as moulded condition, without moisture conditioning after printing. The laser sinters the powder layer by layer in a heated bed, giving semi-crystalline parts with slight residual porosity, a grainy surface and lower ductility in the build direction than in the build plane. Loose powder supports the part, so no support structures are needed, and parts are usually depowdered, bead blasted and often dyed or smoothed. Printed parts serve where impact resistance and elongation matter, such as snap fits, living hinges, ducts, housings and functional prototypes. Every value on this page is read from BASF Forward AM'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 1101 is an unfilled PA11 powder grade printed by selective laser sintering, in which a laser fuses successive layers of polyamide powder in a heated bed. The surrounding unfused powder supports the part, so no support structures are needed. Parts have slight porosity and a matte, grainy surface that is usually bead blasted and may be dyed or smoothed. Elongation and strength are lower across the layers than within them. Laser-sintered PA11 is more ductile and impact resistant than laser-sintered PA12, which suits it to functional prototypes and end-use parts such as snap fits, living hinges, clips 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 1101 is a PA11 powder grade for selective laser sintering, here in the dry as moulded state, meaning tested without conditioning to ambient moisture. Each layer is fused in a heated powder bed, so parts need no supports, but they have slight residual porosity, a matte grainy surface and lower strength and elongation across layers than within them. Compared with laser-sintered PA12 it is notably more ductile and impact-resistant. Parts are usually depowdered and bead-blasted, then dyed or smoothed where appearance matters. It is used for functional parts that must flex or take impact, such as snap fits, living hinges, clips 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, 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.
PA12 is a semi-crystalline polyamide (nylon) thermoplastic commonly produced through ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactam. It is widely used in automotive, consumer goods, and industrial applications where a balance of mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and processing flexibility is required. PA12 is valued for its toughness and fatigue resistance compared to PA6, along with superior dimensional stability in humid environments, making it the preferred choice when moisture sensitivity and long-term performance are critical design constraints.
PA12 printed by fused deposition modeling is a semi-crystalline polyamide thermoplastic, fed as filament and deposited through a heated nozzle, typically on industrial systems with a heated build chamber. The process leaves a layered structure with visible road lines, small voids between beads and weaker bonding between layers than along the deposited paths, so strength and elongation are lowest in the build direction. Warping from uneven cooling is controlled with bed adhesion and chamber temperature, and overhangs need removable support. Parts are used for jigs, fixtures, functional prototypes, housings and ducts needing toughness and chemical resistance.
Stratasys FDM Nylon 12 is a PA12 filament grade printed by fused deposition modeling, here in the as-built condition. Parts are built from extruded roads fused layer by layer, so strength and toughness are lower across layers than within them, and small voids can remain between beads. As-built surfaces show layer lines and stair-stepping on curved and inclined faces, and overhangs need support material that is removed after printing. Printed parts are used for tough functional prototypes, snap fits and other repeatedly flexed features, jigs, fixtures and low-volume end-use components. 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.
PA12 printed by Multi Jet Fusion is a nylon thermoplastic built in a polymer powder bed, where a fusing agent is jetted onto each layer and infrared energy melts the powder it covers while a detailing agent sharpens the edges. Parts are nearly fully dense with only modest anisotropy between build directions, a slightly grainy matte surface, and a grey tone from the agent. No support structures are needed because unfused powder holds the part, but parts require depowdering and usually bead blasting, with dyeing or vapor smoothing added for appearance or sealing. Typical uses are functional prototypes, enclosures, housings, ducts, clips, hinges, jigs and low to medium volume production parts.
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.
PA12 printed by selective laser sintering is a semi-crystalline nylon built from fine powder fused layer by layer in a heated powder bed. The laser sinters the particles rather than fully melting them, so parts keep some residual porosity and a matte, slightly grainy surface, and strength and ductility are usually lowest along the build direction. Surrounding unfused powder supports the part, so no support structures are needed and many parts can be nested in the same build. Parts come out needing depowdering and are often bead blasted, tumbled or dyed to improve finish. Typical uses are functional prototypes, housings, ducts, clips, hinges and low-volume end-use parts.
EOS PA 2200 is a white PA12 powder grade for selective laser sintering and one of the most widely used materials in polymer powder bed fusion. The laser fuses each layer in a heated powder bed, and the unfused powder supports the part, so no support structures are needed and parts can be nested throughout the build volume. Parts come out with a matte, slightly grainy surface, some residual porosity and lower elongation in the build direction than in the layer plane. They are usually bead blasted after depowdering and often dyed or smoothed. Typical uses are functional prototypes and small-series end-use parts such as housings, brackets, ducts, clips and fixtures. 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 2200 is a white PA12 powder grade for selective laser sintering, here in the dry as moulded state, before printed parts take up moisture from the air. The laser fuses each powder layer in a heated bed, and the unfused powder supports the part, so no supports are needed and parts can be nested throughout the build. Printed parts are slightly porous with a matte, granular surface that is usually bead blasted after depowdering, and strength and elongation are lower along the build direction than in the layer plane. It is used for functional prototypes and small series of end-use parts such as housings, ducts, clips, snap fits and fixtures. 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 2201 is a general-purpose white PA12 powder for selective laser sintering, in which a laser fuses successive layers of powder in a heated bed. The surrounding unfused powder supports the parts, so no support structures are needed and parts can be nested throughout the build. As-built parts carry some residual porosity, a grainy matte surface, and somewhat lower strength and elongation along the build direction than in the layer plane. They are usually depowdered and bead blasted, and may be dyed, smoothed or infiltrated. The grade is used for functional prototypes and small series of end-use parts such as housings, ducts, clips, brackets, jigs and fixtures. 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 2201 is an unfilled white PA12 powder grade for selective laser sintering, here in the dry-as-moulded state, before the parts take up moisture from the air. The powder is fused layer by layer in a heated bed whose unfused powder supports the part, so no supports are needed and parts can be nested through the build volume. As built, parts are slightly porous, have a matte, grainy surface, and are weaker and less ductile across layers than within them. They are usually depowdered and bead blasted, and may be dyed or infiltrated. Typical uses are functional prototypes and low-volume end-use parts such as housings, ducts, snap fits and fixtures. 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.
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.
Formlabs Nylon 12 Powder is a PA12 grade for selective laser sintering, in which a laser fuses heated polymer powder layer by layer into tough, semi-crystalline nylon parts. As printed, parts have some residual porosity, a matte, slightly grainy surface, and somewhat lower strength and elongation across layers than within them. Unsintered powder supports the part, so no supports are needed. Post-processing is mainly depowdering and media blasting, sometimes followed by dyeing or smoothing. Parts are used for functional prototypes and low-volume end-use components such as housings, ducts, snap fits, jigs and fixtures. 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.
Formlabs Nylon 12 Powder is a PA12 grade for selective laser sintering, here in the conditioned state, with printed parts equilibrated to a standard laboratory atmosphere. Sintering in a heated powder bed leaves a grainy matte surface, some residual porosity and lower ductility along the build direction. The loose powder supports the part, so no support structures are needed, and parts are depowdered and usually bead blasted. Conditioning lets the polyamide reach its equilibrium moisture content, making it slightly less stiff and more ductile than dry as-printed parts. Parts are used for functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, enclosures, snap fits and low-volume end-use components. 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.
PA 6 (polyamide 6) is a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic polymer widely used for applications requiring a balance of mechanical strength, toughness, and processing flexibility. It is commonly injection molded or extruded into parts for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications where moderate stiffness and impact resistance are needed at reasonable cost. PA 6 is valued for its durability in mechanical components and its ability to withstand continuous service at elevated temperatures, making it a practical alternative to metals in weight-sensitive applications, though it requires careful consideration of moisture absorption and long-term creep in load-bearing designs.
PA6 (polyamide 6, also known as nylon 6) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer widely valued for its balance of mechanical strength, toughness, and chemical resistance. It is produced through ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam and is one of the most commercially important engineering plastics, often reinforced with glass fibers or other fillers to enhance stiffness and thermal performance. PA6 is extensively used in automotive, electrical, industrial, and consumer applications where cost-effectiveness, durability, and moderate-temperature performance are critical; engineers select it over competing polymers when a combination of impact resistance, wear resistance, and reasonable rigidity is needed at moderate cost.
PA6 printed by fused deposition modeling is a semi-crystalline polyamide extruded as filament and deposited layer by layer. Bonding between layers is weaker than within each deposited road, so strength and toughness are lower along the build direction, and parts show visible layer lines and small voids between roads. PA6 takes up moisture readily and shrinks and warps as it crystallizes, so printing usually calls for dried filament, a heated bed and a controlled chamber, with removable supports under overhangs. Printed parts are used for functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, wear parts and durable housings or brackets.
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.