ABS
Category: Plastic
Overview: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a strong, lightweight thermoplastic known for its toughness and ease of machining.
- Key Properties:
- • High impact resistance
- • Easy to mold
- • Good dimensional stability
- • Moderate heat resistance
- Applications:
- • Prototyping
- • Consumer products
- • Automotive parts
- • 3D printing filaments
- Limitations:
- • Poor UV resistance
- • Can warp under heat
- • Not suitable for food contact
Acrylic
Category: Plastic
Overview: Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic often used as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass.
- Key Properties:
- • High clarity
- • UV resistant
- • Good rigidity
- • Lightweight
- Applications:
- • Display cases
- • Signage
- • Windows and lenses
- • Light diffusers
- Limitations:
- • Brittle compared to polycarbonate
- • Scratches easily
- • Limited chemical resistance
Alloy Steel
Category: Metal
Overview: Alloy steel is a steel alloyed with various elements to improve properties like strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance.
- Key Properties:
- • High strength
- • Wear resistance
- • Toughness under stress
- • Heat treatable
- Applications:
- • Structural components
- • Gears and shafts
- • Tools and dies
- • Automotive parts
- Limitations:
- • Can corrode without coating
- • Heavier than aluminum
- • Requires heat treatment
Aluminum
Category: Metal
Overview: Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal with excellent machinability and conductivity.
- Key Properties:
- • Lightweight
- • Corrosion resistant
- • Good thermal and electrical conductivity
- • Recyclable
- Applications:
- • Aerospace and automotive
- • Consumer electronics
- • Fabricated frames
- • Heat sinks
- Limitations:
- • Lower strength than steel
- • Prone to deformation under load
ASA
Category: Plastic
Overview: Weather-resistant alternative to ABS with better UV stability.
- Key Properties:
- Strong, impact-resistant, UV and chemical resistant.
- Applications:
- Outdoor enclosures, automotive parts, 3D printed functional items.
- Limitations:
- Slightly more difficult to print than PLA; emits fumes.
Beryllium Copper
Category: Metal
Overview: Beryllium copper is a non-sparking, high-strength copper alloy with good electrical and thermal properties.
- Key Properties:
- • High conductivity
- • Non-magnetic
- • Corrosion resistant
- • Good fatigue strength
- Applications:
- • Electrical contacts
- • Springs
- • Tools in explosive environments
- Limitations:
- • Expensive
- • Requires care during machining due to toxicity
Brass
Category: Metal
Overview: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc valued for its corrosion resistance, workability, and appearance.
- Key Properties:
- • Excellent corrosion resistance
- • Easy to machine
- • Attractive golden color
- • Antimicrobial
- Applications:
- • Plumbing fittings
- • Musical instruments
- • Decorative hardware
- • Marine applications
- Limitations:
- • Softer than bronze
- • Can tarnish over time
Bronze
Category: Metal
Overview: Bronze is a copper-based alloy with tin, offering superior wear resistance and durability.
- Key Properties:
- • High strength and ductility
- • Corrosion resistant
- • Low friction
- • Good castability
- Applications:
- • Bearings
- • Bushings
- • Sculptures
- • Marine hardware
- Limitations:
- • More brittle than brass
- • Higher cost
Carbon Steel
Category: Metal
Overview: Carbon steel is steel with a higher carbon content, providing strength and hardness for industrial applications.
- Key Properties:
- • High strength
- • Cost-effective
- • Easy to machine and weld
- Applications:
- • Construction
- • Machinery
- • Cutting tools
- Limitations:
- • Rusts easily
- • Requires coatings or treatments
Ceramic
Category: Ceramic
Overview: Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials with excellent heat and wear resistance.
- Key Properties:
- • High hardness
- • Corrosion resistance
- • Thermal stability
- • Electrically insulating
- Applications:
- • Cutting tools
- • Bearings
- • Electronics
- • Insulators
- Limitations:
- • Brittle
- • Difficult to machine
Composite Resin
Category: Resin
Overview: Resin mixed with fillers like ceramic or fiber for added strength.
- Key Properties:
- Enhanced rigidity, stiffness, and dimensional stability.
- Applications:
- Engineering prototypes, dental applications, durable prints.
- Limitations:
- More expensive; brittle compared to pure polymers.
Copper
Category: Metal
Overview: Copper is a ductile metal known for its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity.
- Key Properties:
- • Excellent electrical conductivity
- • Corrosion resistance
- • Antimicrobial properties
- Applications:
- • Electrical wiring
- • Plumbing
- • Heat exchangers
- Limitations:
- • Expensive
- • Soft and easily deformed
Elastomer
Category: Polymer
Overview: Elastomers are polymers with elastic properties, allowing them to stretch and return to shape.
- Key Properties:
- • Flexible and resilient
- • Good shock absorption
- • Seals well
- Applications:
- • Gaskets
- • Seals
- • Vibration damping
- Limitations:
- • Limited temperature range
- • Aging over time
Foam
Category: Composite
Overview: Foams are lightweight materials made by trapping gas within a solid matrix, offering insulation and cushioning.
- Key Properties:
- • Lightweight
- • Insulative
- • Shock-absorbing
- Applications:
- • Packaging
- • Insulation
- • Cushioning
- Limitations:
- • Can degrade under UV
- • Low structural strength
Glass
Category: Ceramic
Overview: Glass is a hard, brittle material made from silica and other compounds, known for transparency and chemical resistance.
- Key Properties:
- • Transparent
- • Chemically stable
- • Non-conductive
- Applications:
- • Windows
- • Optics
- • Containers
- Limitations:
- • Brittle
- • Difficult to machine
HIPS
Category: Plastic
Overview: High-impact polystyrene used for supports or lightweight components.
- Key Properties:
- Lightweight, easy to print, dissolvable in limonene.
- Applications:
- Support material, packaging, prototyping.
- Limitations:
- Limited heat resistance; brittle under stress.
Inconel
Category: Metal
Overview: Inconel is a nickel-chromium superalloy resistant to oxidation and corrosion, even at high temperatures.
- Key Properties:
- • High temperature strength
- • Corrosion resistant
- • Creep resistant
- Applications:
- • Aerospace
- • Turbines
- • Chemical processing
- Limitations:
- • Difficult to machine
- • Very expensive
Iron
Category: Metal
Overview: Iron is a strong, magnetic metal widely used in structural and industrial applications.
- Key Properties:
- • High strength
- • Magnetic
- • Abundant and inexpensive
- Applications:
- • Construction
- • Machinery
- • Automotive
- Limitations:
Lacquer
Category: Coating
Overview: Lacquer is a fast-drying, solvent-based coating used for protective and decorative finishes.
- Key Properties:
- • Smooth finish
- • Quick drying
- • Glossy appearance
- Applications:
- • Furniture finishing
- • Automotive coatings
- Limitations:
- • Emits fumes
- • Limited durability
Nylon
Category: Plastic
Overview: Nylon is a durable, flexible thermoplastic with high abrasion resistance and low friction.
- Key Properties:
- • Strong and flexible
- • Wear resistant
- • Chemical resistant
- Applications:
- • Bearings
- • Gears
- • Textiles
- Limitations:
- • Absorbs moisture
- • Can deform with heat
PEEK
Category: Plastic
Overview: High-performance engineering thermoplastic for demanding environments.
- Key Properties:
- High strength, heat-resistant, chemical and wear-resistant.
- Applications:
- Aerospace, medical, and industrial components.
- Limitations:
- Very expensive; requires high processing temperatures.
PEI / Ultem
Category: Plastic
Overview: Advanced thermoplastic with high heat and flame resistance.
- Key Properties:
- Rigid, stable, flame-retardant, dimensionally precise.
- Applications:
- Aerospace, medical, and electronic components.
- Limitations:
- Costly and requires specialized processing.
PETG
Category: Plastic
Overview: Durable, slightly flexible plastic used for 3D printing and packaging.
- Key Properties:
- Tough, impact-resistant, low shrinkage, food-safe.
- Applications:
- 3D printed functional parts, bottles, mechanical prototypes.
- Limitations:
- Can string during printing; moderate heat resistance.
Photopolymer Resin
Category: Resin
Overview: UV-curable liquid resin used in stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing.
- Key Properties:
- High resolution, fine surface detail, rigid or flexible depending on formulation.
- Applications:
- Prototypes, dental models, molds, figurines.
- Limitations:
- Requires post-curing; limited mechanical strength.
PLA
Category: Plastic
Overview: Biodegradable 3D printing plastic derived from renewable sources.
- Key Properties:
- Easy to print, good surface finish, rigid.
- Applications:
- 3D printed prototypes, decorative parts, educational use.
- Limitations:
- Low heat resistance; brittle under stress.
Polycarbonate
Category: Plastic
Overview: Polycarbonate is a clear, impact-resistant thermoplastic used for safety and optical applications.
- Key Properties:
- • Extremely tough
- • Transparent
- • Heat resistant
- Applications:
- • Safety glass
- • Electronic housings
- • Machine guards
- Limitations:
- • Scratches easily
- • Expensive
Polyurethane
Category: Plastic
Overview: Polyurethane is a versatile polymer available in rigid or flexible forms for coatings, foams, and elastomers.
- Key Properties:
- • High flexibility
- • Abrasion resistant
- • Chemical resistant
- Applications:
- • Coatings
- • Foams
- • Seals
- Limitations:
- • Sensitive to UV
- • Limited high-temperature use
PVA
Category: Plastic
Overview: Water-soluble plastic often used as support material in 3D printing.
- Key Properties:
- Soluble, biodegradable, non-toxic.
- Applications:
- Support structures for dual-extrusion prints.
- Limitations:
- Sensitive to moisture; not for structural use.
Resin
Category: Resin
Overview: General category for liquid photopolymer used in SLA and DLP 3D printing.
- Key Properties:
- High detail, smooth finish, variety of mechanical properties.
- Applications:
- 3D printed models, prototypes, jewelry molds.
- Limitations:
- Can be brittle; sensitive to UV degradation.
Resin – Tough / Flexible / Castable
Category: Resin
Overview: Specialized resins optimized for flexibility, strength, or casting.
- Key Properties:
- Varied — from rubbery to rigid depending on type.
- Applications:
- Engineering prototypes, molds, investment casting, flexible prints.
- Limitations:
- Limited shelf life; requires controlled curing environment.
Silicone
Category: Polymer
Overview: Silicone is a flexible, heat-resistant elastomer used for sealing, molding, and medical applications.
- Key Properties:
- • Flexible
- • High temperature tolerance
- • Non-toxic
- Applications:
- • Medical devices
- • Seals
- • Bakeware
- Limitations:
- • Poor tear strength
- • Expensive
SLA Resin
Category: Resin
Overview: Resin designed for SLA printers with precision and fine layer detail.
- Key Properties:
- High resolution, smooth finish, customizable mechanical traits.
- Applications:
- Miniatures, molds, functional prototypes.
- Limitations:
- Needs post-processing; prone to cracking over time.
Stainless Steel
Category: Metal
Overview: Stainless steel is an iron alloy containing chromium for corrosion resistance and strength.
- Key Properties:
- • Corrosion resistant
- • High strength
- • Aesthetic appearance
- Applications:
- • Food equipment
- • Architecture
- • Medical instruments
- Limitations:
- • Hard to machine
- • Costlier than carbon steel
Thermoplastic
Category: Plastic
Overview: Thermoplastics soften when heated and harden when cooled, allowing for repeated molding.
- Key Properties:
- • Recyclable
- • Easy to form
- • Lightweight
- Applications:
- • Injection molding
- • 3D printing
- • Consumer products
- Limitations:
- • Limited temperature resistance
Thermoset
Category: Plastic
Overview: Thermosets are polymers that cure into a rigid structure and cannot be remelted.
- Key Properties:
- • High strength
- • Heat resistant
- • Rigid and durable
- Applications:
- • Electrical insulators
- • Structural parts
- • Adhesives
- Limitations:
- • Brittle
- • Non-recyclable
Tin
Category: Metal
Overview: Tin is a soft, malleable metal used for coating and soldering due to its corrosion resistance.
- Key Properties:
- • Corrosion resistant
- • Low melting point
- • Non-toxic
- Applications:
- • Soldering
- • Coatings
- • Alloys (bronze)
- Limitations:
Titanium
Category: Metal
Overview: Titanium is a lightweight, high-strength metal with excellent corrosion resistance.
- Key Properties:
- • High strength-to-weight ratio
- • Corrosion resistant
- • Biocompatible
- Applications:
- • Aerospace
- • Medical implants
- • Marine equipment
- Limitations:
- • Expensive
- • Difficult to machine
TPU
Category: Plastic
Overview: Flexible, rubber-like thermoplastic elastomer.
- Key Properties:
- Elastic, durable, impact-resistant, abrasion-resistant.
- Applications:
- Phone cases, seals, flexible 3D printed parts.
- Limitations:
- Challenging to print; slow printing speeds required.
Tungsten Carbide
Category: Composite
Overview: Tungsten carbide is a hard material used in cutting tools and wear-resistant components.
- Key Properties:
- • Extremely hard
- • High melting point
- • Wear resistant
- Applications:
- • Cutting tools
- • Drilling
- • Mining
- Limitations:
- • Brittle
- • Heavy
- • Costly
Wax
Category: Other
Overview: Wax is a malleable, low-melting organic material used for molds, coatings, and casting.
- Key Properties:
- • Easy to shape
- • Low melting point
- • Smooth finish
- Applications:
- • Investment casting
- • Coatings
- • Molds
- Limitations:
Wood
Category: Natural
Overview: Wood is a natural, renewable material used for construction, furniture, and tooling.
- Key Properties:
- • Renewable
- • Easy to work
- • Aesthetic
- Applications:
- • Furniture
- • Construction
- • Tool patterns
- Limitations:
- • Moisture sensitive
- • Combustible
Zinc
Category: Metal
Overview: Zinc is a corrosion-resistant metal often used for galvanizing and die casting.
- Key Properties:
- • Corrosion resistant
- • Good castability
- • Recyclable
- Applications:
- • Galvanizing steel
- • Die casting
- • Batteries
- Limitations:
- • Brittle at low temperatures
- • Not very strong