The engineering field is making great advancements thanks to 3D printing technology. It has made it possible to produce cheaper, stronger, and more resistant parts at a faster time frame, from months to mere days. Prototyping is also that much easier and more affordable, therefore giving engineers the confidence to keep experimenting and improving on their designs at minimal expense and time spent.

Benefits of 3D printing in engineering applications

• 3D printing greatly reduces development time to days
• Designs can easily be rapidly tested and revised
• Parts can be improved upon and adjusted according to preference at a shorter timeframe
• 3D printed parts can be produced faster and easier, regardless of the complexity of the design
• Design can be finalised first before casting it into an expensive mold

Types of Engineering 3D Printer Filaments

When producing 3D printed parts for engineering applications, tensile strength, toughness, and durability are essential. Here are the top engineering 3D printing filaments that show superior mechanical strength and resistance.

ASA Filaments

The ASA filament (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) is one of the most popular 3D printer filaments for engineering applications due to its exemplary mechanical strength, chemical, UV, and water resistance, and dimensional stability. They are best for use for exterior signage, sporting goods, automotive exterior parts, and car exterior parts, and outdoor components.

Features:

• High UV resistance
• High glass transition temperature
• Strong stress and impact resistance

Tradeoffs:

• High extruder temperature

"Learn more about ASA filaments through our Comprehensive ASA Guide here ":https://www.×3d.com.au/blog/complete-printing-guide-to-asa-3d-printer-filaments

Best ASA engineering filaments on the market

X3D Pro ASA

X3D Pro ASA has excellent zero-warp properties, mechanical properties and strength, and UV resistance. It is the easiest to print to with due to its strong interlayer and bed adhesion.

ApolloX

ApolloX is a high-strength and performance engineering filament made of industrial-grade modified ASA compound. It has improved thermal stability and flow behaviour. It is also claimed to display flawless first and interlayer adhesion and zero-warping properties.

Polypropylene Filaments

A diamond in the rough, the Polypropylene filament is the hardest filament to print with but if done right, it can produce unrivalled results. It is commonly used in consumer and engineering applications due to its flexibility and chemical resistance.

Features:

• Lightweight
• Relative flexibility
• Good chemical resistance
• Improved strength to weight ratio

Tradeoffs:

• Low heat resistance

"Learn more about PP filaments through our Comprehensive PP Guide here ":https://www.×3d.com.au/blog/comprehensive-3d-printing-guide-to-polypropylene

Best PP engineering filaments on the market

Pegasus PP Ultralight

Pegasus PP Ultralight is claimed to be one of the lightest filament in the world while still retaining the outstanding mechanical properties and interlayer adhesion that PP is known for.

Centaur Polypropylene

Centaur Polypropylene is an extremely diverse and multifunctional material that can be used for a wide variety of applications, from engineering components to food-safe household items.

Nylon Filaments

Another popular filament for engineering applications, the Nylon filament extremely tough yet partially flexible. It is also highly resistant against abrasions and impact.

Features:

• High strength
• Partial flexibility
• Good impact and abrasion resistance
• No unpleasant odor during printing

Tradeoffs:

• High risk of warping
• Hygroscopic

Learn more about Nylon filaments through our Comprehensive Nylon Guide here and here

Best Nylon engineering filaments on the market

PolyMide CoPA Nylon

Made from a copolymer of Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6, PolyMide CoPA Nylon is engineered to have outstanding toughness, strength, and heat resistance. It is also warp-free and easy to print with.

STYX-12 – Nylon

STYX-12 – Nylon is known for its excellent chemical, hygroscopic, and mechanical properties combined with its easy printability. It has a lower water absorption rate than other nylon filaments.

ABS Filaments
ABS is the most popular 3D printer filament for its increased toughness and high availability. It is also easy to process and machined.

Features:

• Great toughness
• Non-toxic

Tradeoffs:

• Unpleasant fumes during printing
• High melting point

Best ABS engineering filaments on the market

Titan X

TitanX is a high-performance ABS filament that is optimized for FDM printing. It has strongly improved mechanical properties and superb first-layer adhesion.

PETG Filaments

The PETG filament is characterised by its impact resistance and durability. This semi-rigid filament also boasts of good thermal characteristics, which means it has a reduced chance of warping.

Features:

• Glossy and smooth surface finish
• No odour during printing
• Great bed adhesion with minimal warping

Tradeoffs:

• Prone to stringing
• Low bridging capability

Learn more about PETG filaments through our Comprehensive PETG Guide here

Best PETG engineering filaments on the market

CarbonFil

CarbonFil is made of the unique PETG blend of FormFutura’s HDglass compound. It is reinforced with 20% ultralight and long-stringed carbon fibres.

Polycarbonate Filaments

Another 3D printing material that displays great strength and durability is the Polycarbonate filament. It also has high heat deflection and impact resistance, which makes it popular for engineering applications.

Features:

• High heat resistance
• Outstanding impact resistance
• Flexible
• Transparent

Tradeoffs:

• Needs high extruder temperature
• Prone to oozing during printing
• Hygroscopic
• Prone to warping

Learn more about Polycarbonate filaments through our Comprehensive Polycarbonate Guide here

Best Polycarbonate engineering filaments on the market

PC-Max Polycarbonate

PC-Max Polycarbonate gives a new twist to polycarbonate filaments with its extreme toughness, high heat resistance, and easy printability. It is also easily post-processed for a smooth surface.

Reinforced PLA Filaments

PLA is not usually known for its strength or durability. However, great advancements have been made to strengthen this classic 3D printer filament to become just as strong as its other engineering counterparts while still retaining the features that PLA is known for, such as its easy printability and biodegradability.

Features:

• Dimensionally accurate
• Extremely tough
• Biodegradable
• Pleasant sweet odour during printing

Learn more about PLA filaments through our Comprehensive PLA Guide here

Best PLA engineering filaments on the market

PolyMax PLA

PolyMax PLA has 9x improved impact strength and toughness than regular PLA. It has the same structural strength as ABS but with easier printing, less warping, and no noxious fumes.

Volcano PLA

Volcano PLA is an industrial-grade PLA filament that is known for the same mechanical and thermal properties (after annealing) as most ABS. It also has high heat and impact resistance.

Order Engineering Filaments From X3D

For industrial-grade filaments that display unbelievable mechanical strength, check out the engineering filaments from X3D. If you have any questions about these filaments, you can contact us through x3d@x3d.com.au. You can also outsource your 3D printing projects! Fill up the form to avail of our 3D printing services.