Selecting the right material for 3D printing

Selecting the Right Material for 3D Printing White Paper

This industrial 3D printing white paper explores the properties of thermoplastic and metal materials available with direct metal laser sintering, selective laser sintering and stereolithography technologies. It also includes a quick-reference guide of material attributes that can steer you toward the proper grade.

Got a 3D CAD model ready to be quoted? Upload it now for an instant 3D printing quote using either stereolithography or selective laser sintering process.

Case Study-Connection to an Ancient Civilization

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located in New York, decided to reconstruct the pyramid complex of King Senwosret III in both a virtual and physical model for their exhibition “Ancient Egypt Transformed: The Middle Kingdom”. Read about how they used Proto Labs 3D printing technologies to create the physical 1:150-scaled model of the site. For perspective, the main pyramid of the original complex was 206 feet high and in the scaled model it is 1.5 feet. Learn More.

Video- An Inside Look at Industrial 3D Printing

Our industrial-grade 3D printing service uses additive manufacturing technologies to create parts ranging from highly complex prototypes to functional, end-use parts. Both plastic and metal materials are available through three distinct 3D printing processes: stereolithography (SL), selective laser sintering (SLS) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Get 1 to 50+ parts in as fast as one day with 3D printing at Proto Labs. Watch Video.

Editorial-Why 3D-Printed Molds Aren’t Everything They’re Cracked Up To Be

Commercial-grade 3D printing has made a tremendous impact on the manufacturing industry, and some companies have now begun using the technology to build injection molds. While implementing 3D printing for tooling can be beneficial in certain cases, there are caveats to be aware of such as surface finish, size, quantity and lifespan of the mold. See how 3D-printed molds stack up against low-volume aluminum tooling. Read Full Article.