How to Choose the Best Material for 3D Prototype Printing?

The choice of your 3D printing material really depends on your project. Below is our selection of the most commonly used materials for prototyping projects! Plastic materials are obviously the cheapest solution at this stage of your product development; let's see what you can do with them.

With plastic materials, you can explore a multitude of cost-effective options for practical prototype solutions during various product development stages. The versatility of plastic materials enables affordable experimentation and iterative improvements, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome for your project.

1. 3D prototype printing: nylon PA12

This white plastic material is one of the most affordable and has many excellent mechanical properties. Made from fine polyamide powder, this material is ideal for prototyping and production. With selective laser sintering technology, it will create your part.

If you choose this material for a prototype project, you'll see that you can choose between various options and finishes, but you can also get original parts. Prototyping with nylon PA12 (plastic) is a great solution as this 3D printing material is one of the cheapest options so you will be able to do many iterations with a durable material that will work for you in terms of geometry Offers a lot of freedom.

2. 3D prototype printing: multi-jet fusion PA12

This material is great for prototyping and production, and its original version is clearly the cheapest option you'll get! It will allow you to do multiple iterations at a lower cost. Objects printed with this material are very resistant to scratches and abrasions, which may be great for testing. It is also light stable, UV stable and weather stable, which is perfect if you need to experiment in outdoor conditions.

When considering protomold cost for both prototyping and production, this material is an excellent choice. Its affordability allows for multiple iterations at a lower expense, while offering scratch and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for testing purposes. Moreover, its light stability, UV stability, and weather resistance make it a suitable option for outdoor prototyping experiments.

3. 3D prototype printing: prototype resin

This resin was developed specifically for prototypes and is ideal for non-functional prototypes. In fact, this material is perfect if you need to manufacture highly detailed parts. Prototype resins provide a smooth surface finish very similar to objects made using plastic injection molding. The resin was 3D printed using a stereolithography (SLA) process.

When it comes to protomold plastics, this resin is specifically designed for producing non-functional prototypes with intricate details. Its ability to deliver a smooth surface finish comparable to objects made through plastic injection molding makes it an excellent choice for creating high-quality prototypes. The utilization of the stereolithography (SLA) process to 3D print this resin ensures precise and accurate results for your prototyping needs.

4. 3D prototype printing: thermoplastic polyurethane

Need truly flexible plastic for your 3D printing project? This rubber-like material has high elasticity and high strength. If you need some really flexible features to make a fully functional prototype, this will be perfect for your project.

Since this material makes parts that are truly stress- and fatigue-resistant, it can even be used in your final product.