Materials for manufacturing
There are many types of materials for manufacturing. Which materials are available for 3D printing, CNC machining, injection molding and sheet metal fabrication? How do you choose the right one for your design? Understanding what materials are made of and their unique cosmetic and mechanical qualities is essential. These articles cover key material characteristics, optimal use cases and more.
What materials do we offer for CNC machining?
What’s the best material for machining your parts? Check out this side-by-side comparison of the strength, price and application for CNC plastics and metals (in a handy, printable poster).
What’s the ideal filament for FDM 3D printing? 3D printing materials compared
What’s the ideal material to use when 3D printing parts with FDM? This article compares the most common FDM 3D printing filaments, including PLA, ABS, PET, Nylon, TPU (Flexible) and PC, by their material properties to help you find the best option for your application.
3D printing with PLA vs. ABS: What's the difference?
PLA and ABS are two essential materials for 3D printing with FDM. They are also two of the most popular materials on our platform. This comparison will help you choose which material to use for your 3D-printed custom parts.
What is Delrin (POM-H) and what are its material properties?
What is Delrin and why is it unique among the many manufacturing materials available? Delrin, or POM-H (homopolymer acetal), is used in CNC machining, 3D printing and injection molding to create durable, precise components. This article explores Delrin’s properties and how to get the most out of the material.
What’s the right resin for SLA? 3D printing materials compared
What are the different materials available for SLA 3D printing? This article compares the main printing resins, including standard, tough, durable, heat resistant, rubber-like, dental and castable, by material properties. Find the best material option for your application.
How do you select the right materials for CNC machining?
This comprehensive guide compares the 25 most common materials used in CNC machining and helps you choose the right one for your application.
3D printed injection molds: Materials compared
We compare critically two industrial 3D printing materials used for low-run injection mold manufacturing.
What is PLA (polylactic acid) filament?
Polylactic acid, also known as PLA, is a thermoplastic material commonly used in additive manufacturing. It is one of the most commonly used materials in 3D printing, and can be used to create a wide range of parts, packaging, and prototypes for the medical, food, cosmetics, and textile industries, among others.
What are the best materials for chemical-resistant parts?
Want to learn more about chemically resistant parts? Find out about common chemical-resistant materials, their advantages, disadvantages, and industrial applications.
3D printing with PLA vs. PETG: What's the difference?
Learn the benefits of PLA and PETG, when you should use one instead of the other, post-processing techniques that work for both materials, and more.
