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> MATERIALS ... 3 POWDERS + 19 RESINS

Material data from manufacturer datasheets

Every number from the manufacturer's TDS card, with source. We also publish what the material cannot do.

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Bicycle pedals printed in SLS PA12 on light display stands
Sample PA12 pedalsFormlabs promotional material

Which powder for what

  • Bicycle pedals printed in SLS PA12 on light display stands
    Sample PA12 pedalsFormlabs promotional material

    01 / SLS · Usually this

    PA12

    A housing, fixture or bracket. For material selection, tell us the dimensions, loads and required fit.

    Material dataQuote a model in PA12
  • Three black PA11 samples with integrated moving parts on stone
    PA11 samplesFormlabs promotional material

    02 / SLS · Consider for impact exposure

    PA11

    A more ductile polyamide. A snap fit, hinge or cover exposed to impact; we review the design before printing.

    We primarily print in PA12. Switching to PA11 or TPU 90A requires separate, thorough cleaning of the chamber from residues of previous powder.

    Material dataQuote a model in PA11
  • TPU 90A samples, including insoles, a toothed belt and bellows, on a wooden table
    TPU 90A samplesFormlabs promotional material

    03 / SLS · When it must be soft

    TPU 90A

    Flexible contact with the part. A damping bushing, washer or seal selected for the working conditions.

    We primarily print in PA12. Switching to PA11 or TPU 90A requires separate, thorough cleaning of the chamber from residues of previous powder.

    Material dataQuote a model in TPU 90A

SLS / material and process

Printing parts in a powder bed

PA12, PA11 and TPU 90A are built layer by layer in a powder bed. The choice depends on loads and the flexibility you need; the surface also depends on geometry and finishing. Compare the material properties below.

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Fuse 1+ 30W · SLS process exampleFormlabs promotional film · process example

Three powders side by side

TDS Data

Scroll the table sideways to see the remaining columns.

Properties of PA12, PA11 and TPU 90A from TDS cards
PropertyPA12PA11TPU 90A
Tensile Strength50 MPaASTM D638 Type 149 MPaASTM D638-14 Type 18.7 · 7.2 MPaX/Y · ZASTM D412-16 Method A
Tensile modulus1 850 MPaASTM D638 Type 11.6 GPaASTM D638-14 Type 1—
Elongation at Break11% · 6%X/Y · ZASTM D638 Type 140%X/YASTM D638-14 Type 1310% · 110%X/Y · ZASTM D412-16 Method A
Izod Impact with Notch32 J/mASTM D256-1071 J/mASTM D256-10—
HDT at 1.8 MPa87 °CASTM D64846 °CASTM D648-16—
Water Absorption (part)0.66%ASTM D5700.07%ASTM D5700.89%ASTM D570
Quotation in calculatorindividual, 24 working hoursindividual, 24 working hoursindividual, 24 working hours

PA12 and PA11: samples conditioned for 7 days at 50% relative humidity and 23 °C, per manufacturer datasheets. The TPU 90A datasheet does not state the same conditioning protocol. Results depend on geometry, orientation, temperature and humidity; they describe test specimens, not guaranteed part properties.

HDT is the temperature at which a test specimen reaches a specified deflection, not a part's allowable continuous service temperature. 0.45 MPa and 1.8 MPa are two test stresses; the lower value does not mean no load. For material selection, tell us the temperature, exposure time, load and mounting method.

Water absorption in this comparison comes from ASTM D570. Results of 24-hour immersion in specific media are shown separately on the cards. Elongation at break is not an allowable elastic deformation or a fatigue-test result.

The second half of the answer is geometry: walls, holes, clearances and envelopes →

Material selection

Four questions help identify a material to consider. An engineer reviews the model, loads, working duration and finish before confirming the selection.

How the part works
Surface

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Second material: resin for Form 4L

19 resins

We consider SLA for transparency, fine detail or geometry requiring a different build chamber. Form 4L has a 353 × 196 × 350 mm build volume and layers from 25 µm. We select the process for the model, resin and finish.

We publish datasheets for 4 stocked resins, with test standards. The catalogue contains 19 resins in 7 groups; manufacturer PDFs for the others are available during quotation. What do we print in resin and when does powder win.

Don't know which powder? Describe the part.

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