A Guide to the Strength of Common 3D Printing Filaments

Polycarbonate leads as the strongest common 3D printing plastic, reaching up to 9,800 psi in tensile strength. Metals like aluminum surpass plastics for specialized applications. The strength of materials can refer to tensile strength, impact resistance, or overall durability. Polycarbonate offers high strength, while PLA and nylon also provide solid performance. The table below compares tensile strength for popular materials:

Project requirements will determine which strength matters most.

Key Takeaways

• Polycarbonate is the strongest common 3D printing material, making it ideal for functional parts that need to withstand stress.
• Choosing the right filament depends on project needs, including strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat or chemicals.
• Higher infill percentages and thinner layer heights improve the strength of 3D printed parts, making them more durable.
• Part orientation during printing affects strength; aligning parts to handle forces along the X-Y plane increases durability.
• Experimenting with different materials and print settings helps achieve the best results for your 3D printing projects.

Strength of Materials in 3D Printing

Defining Material Strength

The strength of materials in 3D printing describes how well a printed part can handle forces without breaking or deforming. Engineers and designers look at several properties to measure this strength. These properties help them choose the right filament for each project.

The strength of materials depends on more than just the type of filament. Several factors play a role in how strong a 3D printed part will be:

Standardized tests help measure the strength of materials in 3D printing. These tests give reliable data for comparing different filaments:

Strongest 3D Printing Materials

Some filaments stand out for their high strength. Polycarbonate, carbon fiber-infused filaments, and certain engineering plastics offer excellent performance. The strength of materials like PEEK, nylon, and carbon fiber-infused filaments makes them popular for demanding applications.

Polycarbonate and PEEK both show high strength, making them top choices for strong 3d printing materials. Nylon also provides a good balance of strength and flexibility. Carbon fiber-infused filaments combine the strength of materials like nylon or PLA with the added stiffness of carbon fibers. These strong 3d printing materials work well for parts that need to handle heavy loads or repeated use.

Metals, such as aluminum, offer even greater strength and durability. However, they require special printers and higher costs. Plastics provide more design flexibility and easier processing. The table below compares the mechanical properties of plastics and metals in 3D printing:

When choosing strong 3d printing materials, users should consider the specific strength needed for their project. The strength of materials can vary based on the printing process, part design, and post-processing steps. By understanding these factors, anyone can select the right filament for strong, reliable 3D printed parts.

Common 3D Printing Materials Overview

PLA

PLA stands as one of the most popular 3d printing materials. It offers good material strength and is easy to print. PLA works well for prototypes and decorative items. The following table shows key properties:

PLA provides moderate durability but can become brittle under stress. It does not handle high temperatures well.

ABS

ABS is another common choice among 3d printing materials. It offers higher impact resistance and toughness than PLA.

• ABS has a Charpy impact strength of 12.6 ± 1.1 kJ/m², much higher than PLA’s 2.7 ± 0.2 kJ/m².
• ABS withstands mechanical stress better and is less likely to fracture.

ABS suits functional parts that need more durability and strength.

PETG

PETG combines the ease of PLA with the toughness of ABS. This filament provides strong material strength and flexibility.

• PETG resists impacts and bends without breaking.
• It maintains structural integrity under force.
• PETG resists UV radiation and weathering, making it suitable for outdoor use.
• The filament shows impressive heat resistance and is easy to print.

PETG works well for both beginners and experts who need durable 3d printing materials.

Nylon

Nylon filaments deliver high strength and flexibility. This material allows parts to bend without breaking and offers long-lasting mechanical strength. R-Nylon AQ27000 filaments reach a tensile yield strength of 76.20 MPa, while commercial nylon filaments range from 32 MPa to 48 MPa. Nylon’s impact resistance makes it ideal for demanding projects and industrial applications.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate stands out among 3d printing materials for its exceptional strength. The tensile strength of polycarbonate filaments exceeds 5200 PSI, making it one of the strongest options for 3d printer filaments. PC offers high impact resistance and can handle elevated temperatures, which makes it suitable for engineering and mechanical parts.

Carbon Fiber Filaments

Carbon fiber filaments blend standard plastics with carbon fibers to boost material strength. These filaments can increase tensile strength by 30-50% and flexural strength by 25-40%. Stiffness may rise by 50-100%, allowing parts to handle higher loads. Carbon fiber filaments also improve dimensional stability and heat resistance, making them strong materials for functional and structural parts.

Photopolymer and Engineering Resins

Photopolymer and engineering resins provide a wide range of strength and durability. Tough and composite resins can surpass many standard 3d printing materials in performance.

These resins suit applications that require high material strength and durability.

Metal Filaments (Aluminum)

Metal filaments, such as aluminum-based options, offer much higher strength than most plastics. Aluminum-based filaments reach tensile strengths between 268 and 345 MPa. However, they cost much more than high-performance plastics. These filaments work best for specialized parts that need maximum strength and durability.

Tip: When selecting 3d printing materials, always match the filament’s strength and durability to the project’s needs.

Strength Comparison of 3D Printing Materials

Choosing the right 3D printing filament depends on understanding the strength comparison between materials. Each filament offers unique mechanical properties that affect how a printed part performs. This comprehensive comparison highlights the main factors: tensile strength, impact resistance, flexibility, temperature and chemical resistance, and layer adhesion.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength measures how much pulling force a material can handle before breaking. High tensile strength means the filament can withstand more stress. Many strong FDM filaments, such as polycarbonate and nylon, show high tensile strength. The table below compares the tensile strength values for common 3D printing materials:

Nylon stands out for its high tensile strength, reaching up to 80 MPa. Polycarbonate also performs well, making it a top choice for parts that require high tensile strength. PLA and PETG offer moderate tensile strength, suitable for prototypes and less demanding applications. ABS provides lower tensile strength but compensates with other strengths.

Note: High tensile strength is essential for parts that must resist stretching or pulling forces, such as brackets, gears, and mechanical linkages.

Impact Resistance

Impact resistance shows how well a material absorbs sudden shocks or forces without breaking. This property is important for parts that might drop or hit something during use. The following list compares the impact resistance of popular 3D printing materials:

• ABS: Stiff and impact-resistant, ideal for high mechanical stress applications.
• TPU: Flexible and highly durable, known for shock absorption and impact resistance.
• PETG: Strong and easy to print, impact-resistant and suitable for functional prototypes.
• PA (Nylon): High strength and excellent impact resistance, used for heavy-duty applications.
• PAHT CF15: The strongest material listed, with high impact resistance and heat resistance, suitable for extreme conditions.
• PP: Lightweight yet durable, with good impact resistance, used in repetitive applications.
• PP GF30: Enhanced strength and rigidity due to glass fiber, suitable for harsh environments.

ABS and PETG both offer good impact resistance, making them reliable for functional parts. Nylon provides high impact strength, which helps in demanding environments. TPU stands out for its flexibility and shock absorption, while PAHT CF15 excels in extreme conditions.

Flexibility and Toughness

Flexibility and toughness describe how well a material bends or absorbs energy without breaking. Tough materials resist cracking and can handle repeated stress. The table below summarizes the flexibility and toughness of key filaments:

Nylon is recognized for its toughness and flexibility. It works well for gears, hinges, and parts that move or snap together. PETG offers a balance of strength and slight bendability, making it a good choice for durable mechanical parts. These durable polymers help create parts that last longer and perform better under stress.

• Nylon: Tough, wear-resistant, semi-flexible; best for functional prototypes, gears, and parts under stress.
• PETG: Strong, impact-resistant, slightly bendable; ideal for mechanical parts that need durability with some flexibility.

Temperature and Chemical Resistance

Temperature and chemical resistance determine how well a material holds up under heat or exposure to chemicals. Some filaments can deform or weaken if exposed to high temperatures or harsh chemicals. The table below compares these properties:

ABS offers the highest heat deflection temperature among the listed materials, making it suitable for parts exposed to heat. PETG provides better chemical resistance than PLA, which helps in outdoor or industrial settings. PLA has lower resistance to both heat and chemicals, so it fits best in low-stress environments.

Layer Adhesion

Layer adhesion refers to how well each printed layer bonds to the next. Good layer adhesion is essential for the overall strength and durability of 3D printed parts. Thinner layers can enhance strength because the molten material bonds better between layers. The nozzle’s proximity to the previous layer helps warm the material, improving adhesion.

• Thinner layers may enhance strength due to better bonding between layers.
• The molten material is more effectively squished out from the nozzle, improving adhesion.
• The proximity of the nozzle to the previous layer helps in warming the material, further aiding in bonding.

Layer adhesion is essential for the structural integrity and durability of 3D printed objects. Weak layer adhesion can result in prints that are easily breakable or deformable. The quality of layer adhesion directly influences the overall strength of the printed part.

• Poor layer adhesion compromises the structural integrity of prints, similar to a building with weak foundations.
• This is particularly critical for functional parts that require higher durability.

Quick Reference Table: Strength Comparison

The table below provides a quick strength comparison of common 3D printing materials, including tensile strength, impact resistance, flexibility, and temperature resistance.

This comprehensive comparison helps users select the right material based on tensile strength, impact resistance, flexibility, temperature resistance, and layer adhesion. Strong polyjet materials and strong FDM filaments both offer unique advantages for different applications. By understanding these differences, users can choose the best filament for their needs and ensure the durability and performance of their 3D printed parts.

Print Settings and Part Orientation

Layer Height and Infill

Layer height and infill settings play a major role in the strength of 3D printed objects. Increasing the infill percentage can boost the strength of a part from 10MPa at 10% infill to 46MPa at 100% infill. This means a higher infill makes parts much stronger and more rigid. Lower infill creates lighter parts with some flexibility, which works well for prototypes. For functional parts, higher infill is necessary to achieve maximum strength.

Layer height also affects strength. A part printed at 0.1mm layer height reaches a maximum stress of 29MPa. When the layer height increases to 0.2mm, the maximum stress rises to 35MPa, which is a 21% improvement. At layer heights above 0.2mm, the strength remains steady, around 36MPa. Choosing the right combination of layer height and infill helps users balance weight, print time, and strength.

Tip: For parts that need high strength, use a higher infill percentage and a layer height of at least 0.2mm.

Print Temperature and Speed

Print temperature and speed settings also influence the strength of 3D printed materials. Each filament type has an ideal temperature and speed range for best results. The table below shows recommended settings for common materials:

Printing at the correct temperature ensures good layer bonding, which increases strength. Slower print speeds allow the material to cool and bond properly, making the part stronger. If the temperature is too low or the speed is too high, the layers may not stick well, reducing the strength of the finished part.

Orientation and Layer Bonding

Part orientation during printing has a big impact on strength. FDM prints show anisotropic properties, which means strength changes depending on direction. Bonds between layers (the Z-axis) are weaker than bonds within each layer (the X-Y plane). For maximum strength, users should orient parts so that the main forces act along the X-Y plane.

• Parts printed flat at a 45-degree angle from the x-axis can handle up to 90 lbs of force.
• Parts with printed lines parallel to the edges break with less than 1 lb of force.
• Aligning critical forces parallel to the X-Y plane increases strength.
• Printing a hook on its side avoids weak layer lines and improves performance.

Good layer bonding is essential for strong parts. The way a part is oriented and how the layers bond together will decide if the part can handle stress or if it will break easily.

Note: Always consider part orientation and layer bonding when designing for strength in 3D printing.

Choosing Materials for Strength

Selecting the right material for a 3D printing project depends on the specific application and the type of strength needed. Users should consider several criteria when making their choice. The table below outlines important factors for strength optimization and overall performance:

Functional Parts

Functional parts require high strength and durability. Polycarbonate, PETG, and nylon filaments deliver excellent performance for these uses. Polycarbonate offers outstanding impact resistance and tensile strength. PETG provides great strength and durability for everyday printing. Nylon combines good strength with flexibility, making it suitable for moving parts. For advanced production parts, PEI and PEEK filaments offer high mechanical and thermal resistance, which is important in industries like automotive and electronics.

Prototyping

Prototyping often focuses on speed and ease of use, but strength still matters for testing. PLA works well for quick prototypes due to its printability and moderate strength. PETG and ABS also serve as good choices when prototypes need better performance or durability. These materials allow designers to test form and function before moving to final production.

Outdoor and High-Temperature Use

Outdoor and high-temperature environments demand materials with special properties. ASA stands out for its excellent UV and heat resistance, making it a top choice for outdoor applications. PETG and ABS also perform well outside, but ASA provides the best combination of strength and weather resistance. The table below compares popular filaments for outdoor use:

Choosing the right material for outdoor use ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.

Balancing Strength and Printability

Balancing strength and printability helps users achieve the best performance for their projects. Higher infill density and thicker walls increase strength but also raise print time and material use. Lower layer heights improve interlayer adhesion, which boosts strength. Slower print speeds and careful cooling settings help maintain strong layer bonds. Post-processing methods, such as thermal annealing, can further enhance strength and impact resistance. Selecting the right material and optimizing print settings ensures that parts meet both strength and performance requirements.

Tip: Always match the material’s properties to the demands of the application for the best results.

Selecting the right 3D printing material requires understanding each option’s unique properties. Recent studies show that PLA works well for prototypes, ABS offers durability, and PETG provides lightweight, high strength parts. Nylon and carbon fiber filaments deliver long-term performance. Users should experiment with materials and settings to match their project needs. Exploring advanced combinations and printing techniques can help achieve the best results.

• For further learning, advanced users can research composite filaments and specialized resins.
• Understanding both material properties and print parameters leads to stronger, more reliable prints.

FAQ

What is the strongest 3d printing material for everyday use?

Polycarbonate ranks as the strongest among common 3d printing materials. It offers high impact resistance and durability. Many users choose it for functional parts that need to withstand stress. Polycarbonate works well for both home and industrial 3d printing projects.

Can 3d printing materials handle outdoor conditions?

Some 3d printing materials, like ASA and PETG, resist UV light and moisture. These materials perform well outdoors. PLA does not last long outside because it degrades in sunlight and rain. Users should select materials based on the environment.

Why does part orientation affect 3d printing strength?

Part orientation changes how layers bond during 3d printing. Layers stick together better in certain directions. This affects the final strength of the materials. Printing parts with the main force along the X-Y plane increases durability.

How does infill percentage change the strength of 3d printed materials?

A higher infill percentage makes 3d printed materials stronger and more rigid. Lower infill creates lighter parts but reduces strength. Users should adjust infill based on the part’s purpose. Functional parts need more infill for better performance.

Are metal filaments better than plastic materials for 3d printing?

Metal filaments, such as aluminum, provide higher strength than most plastic materials. They cost more and require special 3d printing equipment. For most projects, strong plastics like polycarbonate or nylon offer a good balance of strength and printability.