3D Printing Materials

PolyJet Materials

*Parts over 250mm in any dimension require quote review.

For additional flexible 3D printing options // TPU 92A for FDM, TPU 88A for SLS & Urethane Casting
Order Material Samples // Keychains & Kits

Stereolithography (SLA) Material

This technology is ideal for high-resolution finishes regarding medium- to large-sized parts—it is an extremely cost-effective solution for creating durable, aesthetically pleasing parts of considerable size on a tight deadline. SLA resins with extremely high heat deflection are available and are great candidates for molds or inserts.

How does the stereolithography technology work? SLA cures photopolymer resin with an ultraviolet laser. The laser traces a shape dictated by the original file across the surface of the resin bath. The resin touched by the laser hardens, then the build platform descends in the resin bath and the process is repeated until the entire part is complete.

SLA offers a combination of high-quality resolution and surface finish at large volume. SLA is also very effective at faithfully capturing the intricacies of even the most complex parts and clear SLA resins can achieve colorless clarity with additional post processing to mimic clear plastics. Consistently used for trade show models, aesthetic parts and snap fits/functional assemblies, SLA specializes in creating parts that are highly cost-intensive to produce using any other method of manufacturing.

SLA 3D Printed Parts and Images

FDM Materials

• 005 inch (0.127 mm) layer thickness not available for Stratasys F900.
• See individual material spec sheets for testing details.
• Annealed
• Actual surface resistance may range from 109 to 106 ohms, depending upon geometry, build style and finishing techniques.
• Available only on the Stratasys F370

For more material options, download FDM Material Specification PDF and consult a Fathom specialist for details.

For additional flexible 3D printing options // TPU 88A for SLS, PolyJet & Urethane Casting
Order Material Samples // Keychains & Kits

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Material

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a commonly used powder-based additive technology to create models, prototypes and end-use parts in durable, engineering-grade thermoplastics. Consider SLS technology for applications that involve high-complexity and organic geometries, as well as parts requiring durability. SLS nests in the z direction which allows for short-run production and efficient builds. The technology is also capable of producing parts with finer details than most processes that use high-strength plastics. The composition is one of the more isotropic available from additive manufacturing.

How does SLS technology work?

SLS uses a blade to spread a thin layer of powder over the build volume. A laser sinters the cross-section of the part, fusing the powder together. The z stage then drops one layer and the process begins again until the build is finished. Parts are then excavated from the build powder-cake and bead blasted. The un-used powder in the build envelope acts as the support structures, so no support removal is necessary.

SLS 3D Printed Parts and Images

SLS Material

Specifications

*Geometry Dependent
**Filled Nylons Can Have Inconsistent Color When Dyed

For additional flexible 3D printing options // TPU 92A for FDM, PolyJet & Urethane Casting
Order Material Samples // Keychains & Kits

MJF Material

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is quickly becoming a popular choice for 3D printing prototypes and production parts. Ideal uses for MJF are enclosures, electronics housings, complex ducts, lattice structures and functional assemblies. The technology is capable of 3D printing parts with high detail, as well as suitable for applications that require durability (e.g. snap fits). It is common for designers and engineers to choose this material for short production runs because the MJF process allows for nesting in the z direction. Offering this technology further expands Fathom’s already comprehensive 3D printing and additive manufacturing services. To learn more about MJF, read a featured FAQ blog post by a Fathom Applications Engineer.

How does it work? MJF technology builds parts by laying down a thin layer of powder on a print bed over and over. The inkjet array in the print carriage sweeps over the print bed, jetting two agents downward—a fusing agent, printed where the powder will fuse together and a detailing agent that is used to reduce fusing at the part boundary to achieve greater detail.

Nylon 12 is a commonly used thermoplastic that is strong enough for functional prototyping and production parts, small to medium in size—ideal for complex assemblies, housings, enclosures and watertight applications. Achieve smooth surfaces ansd fine details with this durable material. It provides excellent chemical resistance to oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons and alkalies. Parts produced are a non-uniform light gray and can be dyed a darker color for a uniform appearance.

MJF Material

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D Material

Streamline your manufacturing with precision metal prototypes and low-volume metal production parts that would be impractical or cost prohibitive to machine. We create metal parts using a fiber laser fired onto a metal plate, repeatedly adding layers of powdered metal and fusing them to previous layers. Although the resulting part is accurate with excellent surface quality and mechanical properties, additional post-processing is also available.

Metal 3D printing, also known as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and direct metal laser melting (DMLM) is an additive layer technology. A metal 3D printer utilizes a laser beam to melt 20-60 micron layers of metal powder on top of each other. Powdered metal is spread across the entire build platform and selectively melted to previous layers. This additive process allows metal parts to be grown out of a bed of powdered metal. The process is like other polymer based 3D printers that use powder bed fusion.

Benefits of Metal Prototypes

• Precision
• High-Quality
• Low-Volume
• Strength

In-House Post-Processing

• Support removal
• CNC secondary machining (critical dimension and re-qualification)
• Tapping, threading and helicoils
• Vibratory polishing and surface treatment
• Annealing and age hardening
• Painting and finishing

Fathom uses EOS and SLM build platforms.

• The build volume for the SLM is 11 x 11 x 13.8 inches
• The build volume for the EOS is 9.85 x 9.85 x 8.5 inches

Materials include / /

• Stainless steel
• Maraging steel
• Inconel
• Aluminum
• Titanium
• Other materials available on demand

Metal 3D Printing Materials & Specifications

3D Printing Material Finishes

A part made using additive manufacturing can have the same look, feel and finish as a product made using traditional manufacturing. Any finishing that may be required depends on the kind of additive manufacturing method used. Finishing may include:

• Support removal: This may include the use of a water jet, removing the support by hand, a chemical bath, or digging. Support removal varies by the technology used.
• Sanding: Once the support is removed, the part may be sanded by hand or using a machine. Sanding is necessary if there are any traces of the support structures.
• Mass finishing: The parts are placed inside a tub filled with sanding/polishing media. The parts are tumbled inside the tub and the movement works to remove imperfections from the surface of the part. This method is not suitable for objects with delicate features. Mass finishing may be used if sanding by hand is too time-consuming.
• Painting: Parts may be dyed or painted. Some parts may be sprayed with a specialty paint that gives the object a different texture. Painting is necessary when a designer would like to change the color or texture of a part.
• Electroplating: The part is immersed in a solution of water and metal salts. An electrical current is passed through it, which allows metalcations to form around the part. If a thicker layer is desired, several layers may be applied. Electroplating increases the strength of the part by adding an exoskeleton. The electroplating process may be used to give an object the look of higher quality material.
• Bonding: Bonding may include solvent bonding, super gluing, epoxies, hot air welding, or ultrasonic spot welding. Bonding is necessary when a part is printed in small pieces that must be assembled to form a larger product.
• Infiltration: Infiltration uses an epoxy resin which is brushed onto the part’s surface. The resin sinks into the pores within the material. The part is then cured inside an oven. Infiltration adds strength, water tightness and chemical resistance to an object and may be used if a 3D printed part is fragile.
• Bead blasting: Plastic or glass beads are sprayed over a part using a blaster gun, giving the part a uniform matte finish. This is particularly useful for parts made using SLS as it removes any unsintered powder that may be stuck to the surface. Bead blasting preps the part for painting.

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