Prototyping Materials

materials of prototyping

FROM STANDARD materials TO HIGH PERFORMANCE PLASTICS

RAPIDprototyping offers a unique portfolio of materials that can be used. For 3D prototyping we work not only with our 3D printers but also with other materials techniques, such as CNC milling or vacuum casting. All for a sleek and functional result. Then again, different materials are suitable for that. Each of these materials and techniques offers its own advantages, and the choice depends on the specific requirements of the project. We provide detailed data sheets for all materials to help our customers make the optimal choice for their specific needs. These data sheets include information on the mechanical properties, durability and recommended applications of the materials, helping you to make an informed decision for the fabrication of your 3D model. Our goal is not only to meet aesthetic expectations, but also to ensure the functionality and reliability of the prototype, making it a valuable part of the product development process.

prototyping materials

Materials for vacuum casting (Polyurethane)

ABS-like PU
A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of ABS. Cast in RAL color and with a legion of finishes such as: coatings, VDI structures, inserts and metallic layers

ABS-like PU Temp 120C
A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of ABS with higher temperature resistance

ABS-like PU Temp 200C
A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of ABS with even higher temperature resistance. Material is inherently black

ABS-like PU UL94_V0

A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of ABS that is flame retardant.

ABS-like PU Food grade

A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of ABS suitable for food applications.

PE/PP-like PU
A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of PP. By varying the mix ratio of the components, it is possible to obtain a tougher or more flexible material

POM/PA-like PU

A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of POM/PA.

Glass Filled Nylon-like PU (PA-GF)

A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of glass-filled PA (Nylon).

PC-like PU

A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of PC.

PMMA-like PU

A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of PMMA. Widely used to make transparent parts. Such as caps for taillights and viewing windows.

Rubber-like PU (color or transparent) Shore 40 to 90A
A Polyurethane that mimics the mechanical properties of rubber. The material can be mass colored to RAL, as well as transparent.

CNC (Full materials)

Plastics

ABS
ABS is a widely used plastic known for its impact resistance, rigidity, and good surface finish. ABS is commonly used in a variety of applications, including automotive, electronics, home appliances, toys and various consumer products.

HDPE

HDPE, short for high-density polyethylene, is a common type of plastic. HDPE is known for its high density and strength, making it resistant to tearing, breaking and chemical corrosion. This makes it a popular material for a wide range of applications, including water pipes, waste containers, toys and packaging materials. HDPE is also recyclable and is often used in recycling processes to make new products, adding to its durability and environmental friendliness.

PP

Polypropylene (PP) is a widely used plastic known for its excellent chemical resistance, low density and good thermal properties. PP is a versatile material used in a variety of industries, including packaging, textiles, automotive, medical devices and consumer products. PP is also recyclable and is often recycled into new products, contributing to the material's sustainability.

PA6/PA66

Polyamide 6 (PA6) and polyamide 66 (PA66) are two widely used plastics, also known as nylon 6 and nylon 66. Both materials have excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, toughness and wear resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including engineering components, machine parts, gears, bearings, electrical insulators and automotive parts. PA6 and PA66 are easily machined, contributing to their popularity in the manufacturing industry.

POM

Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal or polyacetal, is a plastic known for its excellent mechanical properties and dimensional stability. It is often used as a substitute for metals in applications where high stiffness, good sliding properties and resistance to wear and chemicals are required. Because of its properties, POM is widely used in the automotive, electronics and mechanical engineering industries.

PS/HIPS

Polystyrene (PS) and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) are both plastics derived from styrene monomers. PS is a clear, hard and brittle polymer used in a variety of applications, including food packaging, disposables, consumer products and insulation materials. HIPS is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene rubber, resulting in a material with improved impact resistance compared to pure PS. Because of this, HIPS is often used for applications where impact resistance is required, such as electronic enclosures, toys, and household items. Both materials are easy to process and are recyclable.

PMMA

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), better known by its brand name Plexiglass or Perspex, is a transparent plastic known for its crystal-clear appearance and excellent optical properties. PMMA has a high refractive index and excellent resistance to weathering, aging and UV radiation, making it a popular material for applications such as windows, displays, billboards, lighting fixtures and medical devices.

PC
Polycarbonate (PC) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its excellent combination of strength, impact resistance and transparency. PC has a high refractive index, similar to glass, but is much lighter and almost unbreakable. It resists high temperatures and has good resistance to fire, making it suitable for applications where safety and durability are important, such as safety glasses, car headlights, CDs, DVDs, and even protective housings for electronics.
NORYL

NORYL is a trade name for a plastic known as polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polyphenylene ether (PPE). It is a material characterized by a unique combination of properties, including high strength, stiffness, heat resistance and excellent electrical insulating properties. Because of its excellent properties, NORYL is often used in applications where thermal and mechanical properties are critical, such as electrical components, automotive parts, pumps, and enclosures for electronics. The material is also resistant to many chemicals and has good flame retardant properties, making it suitable for use in demanding environments.

PSU

Polysulfone (PSU) is a plastic belonging to the group of sulfon-containing polymers. It is known for its excellent thermal stability, high stiffness and good chemical resistance. PSU has a wide temperature range in which it retains its mechanical properties, making it suitable for applications exposed to both high temperatures and aggressive chemicals.
Thanks to its properties, PSU is often used in demanding industrial applications, such as in the chemical processing industry, electronics industry, and aerospace. It is also used in medical applications, such as sterilizable instruments and components for medical devices, because of its biocompatibility and resistance to sterilization methods such as autoclave and gamma radiation.

PES

Polyethersulfone (PES) is a plastic belonging to the family of sulfone polymers. It is known for its excellent thermal and chemical resistance, as well as its high strength and stiffness. PES has a wide temperature range in which it retains its mechanical properties, making it suitable for applications exposed to both high temperatures and aggressive chemicals.
Because of its properties, PES is often used in demanding industrial applications, such as in the chemical processing industry, electronics industry, and aerospace. It is also used in the medical industry for applications such as medical instruments and components for medical devices because of its biocompatibility and resistance to sterilization methods such as autoclave and gamma radiation.

PPS

Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer known for its excellent chemical resistance, thermal stability and mechanical properties. PPS has a high melting temperature and retains its strength and stiffness at high temperatures, making it suitable for applications in high-temperature environments.
Thanks to its properties, PPS is widely used in applications such as automotive, electronics, aerospace, and chemical processing industries. It is used for parts that must resist corrosion, chemicals and high temperatures, such as parts for motors, electrical components, valves, and housings for electronics. PPS is also used in the medical industry because of its sterilizability and resistance to aggressive chemicals

PVDF

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a high-performance plastic known for its excellent chemical resistance, thermal stability and mechanical properties. PVDF has exceptional resistance to chemicals, corrosion, UV radiation and aging, making it suitable for use in demanding environments.
PVDF is often used in applications where durability and resistance to aggressive conditions are required, such as in the chemical processing, oil and gas, semiconductor and aerospace industries.

PTFE (Telfon)

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), better known by the brand name Teflon, is a plastic characterized by its excellent chemical resistance, low friction, and high temperature resistance.
It is also used in industrial applications, such as seals, gaskets, bearings, and conductors because of its excellent abrasion resistance and chemical inertness. In addition, PTFE is used in electronics, aerospace, and medical fields because of its electrical insulation properties and biocompatibility.

PEEK

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance plastic with excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. It is known for its exceptional strength, stiffness and chemical resistance, as well as its resistance to high temperatures. Because of its properties, PEEK is often used in demanding applications where high performance is required, such as in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and oil and gas industries. It is used for parts that must withstand extreme conditions, such as engine components, bearings, gears, medical implants and chemical-resistant seals.
PEEK is also biocompatible and sterilizable, making it suitable for use in medical implants and instruments. The material is also resistant to sterilization methods such as autoclave, gamma radiation and ethylene oxide.

Metal materials

Aluminum (6061/7075)

Aluminum is a common metal with low density and excellent corrosion resistance. It is lightweight but at the same time strong and durable. Because of these properties, aluminum is widely used in a wide range of applications, including construction, transportation, packaging and electronics. In addition, aluminum is recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Brass (H65/CW617N)
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, usually with varying percentages of each metal, depending on desired properties. It is known for its golden color and is widely used for its excellent corrosion resistance, machineability and aesthetic appeal. Brass is often used in applications such as fittings, valves and decorative items.

Stainless steel (SS304/316)

Stainless steel (SS) is an alloy of iron, chromium and other elements such as nickel and molybdenum. It is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Stainless steel is widely used in construction, kitchen appliance manufacturing, medical instruments, automotive applications and more.

Steel (P20)
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, typically with a carbon content of less than 2%. It is known for its strength, durability and versatility. Steel is widely used in construction, automotive, mechanical engineering and numerous other industries because of its ability to be formed, welded and machined into various shapes and sizes.

Sheet metal

Aluminum (AL5052)

Aluminum is a common metal with low density and excellent corrosion resistance. It is lightweight but at the same time strong and durable. Because of these properties, aluminum is widely used in a wide range of applications, including construction, transportation, packaging and electronics. In addition, aluminum is recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Stainless steel (SS304)

Stainless steel (SS) is an alloy of iron, chromium and other elements such as nickel and molybdenum. It is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Stainless steel is widely used in construction, kitchen appliance manufacturing, medical instruments, automotive applications and more.

Zinc

Zinc is a lightweight, highly malleable sheet material with high corrosion resistance. It is ideal for cover caps, housings, and decorative applications indoors and outdoors.

Copper

Copper is a high-quality sheet material with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Due to its luxurious appearance and good formability, it is widely used in technical and aesthetic sheet metal components.

Iron

Iron plate is known for its strength and durability. It is ideal for structural applications and industrial components that are subject to heavy mechanical loads and may require further finishing.

Galvanized plate

Galvanized sheet metal is steel with a protective zinc coating to prevent rusting. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications, frames, enclosures, and industrial structures.

SLS materials

Nylon (PA12) (white)
PA12 stands for Polyamide 12, also known as Nylon 12. It is a thermoplastic polymer characterized by its excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, stiffness and toughness. PA12 has good chemical resistance and is resistant to wear and shock, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, electrical enclosures, medical devices and industrial components.
Nylon (PA12) (black)
PA12 stands for Polyamide 12, also known as Nylon 12. It is a thermoplastic polymer characterized by its excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, stiffness and toughness. PA12 has good chemical resistance and is resistant to wear and shock, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, electrical enclosures, medical devices and industrial components.
Glass filled nylon (PA12) (Beige)
Glass-filled PA12 is a variant of Polyamide 12 (PA12) that is reinforced with glass beads. This addition of glass beads enhances the mechanical properties of the polymer, making the material stiffer and stronger. This results in improved dimensional stability, higher stiffness and better resistance to thermal deformation.
PP
Polypropylene (PP) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer known for its excellent chemical resistance, low density and good thermal properties. This material is often chosen when the part needs to be chemically resistant or just more flexible than PA12 (nylon)

SLA materials

GPPlus (ABS-like) White
GPPlus is a white ABS-like resin. This material is widely used to assess geometries of parts such as bottles, crates and enclosures. In addition, it is a perfect material for show models and enclosures. The material finishes well in different coatings, colors and VDI structures. In addition, inserts are also possible.
Rigid Black (ABS-like) Black
Rigid black is almost the same as GPPlus, the difference is in the color. Rigid black is black, which usually looks dark gray after smooth finishing. For a truly black part, it is recommended to have it lightly coated with a black coating
G8228 (PBT-like) Light green
G8228 is a green PBT-like resin. This material is widely used to make molds for vacuum casting , but also when parts need to be just a bit stronger than GPPlus, G8228 is a good option.
Watershed (ABS-like) Transparent
Watershed is a semi-transparent ABS gelijked resin. After printing, the parts look like it has "frost" lines. By polishing the parts, it is possible to get the part almost completely transparent. This material is widely used for show models and demo models where transparency is crucial.

FDM materials

PC/ABS
Material which has the best of both worlds. The strength and heat resistance of PC and the flexibility of ABS. The material is widely used in automotive, electronics and telecommunications applications from conceptual models to functional prototypes, tools and products.
ABS-CF10
This material is standard ABS with 10% chopped carbon fiber by weight. This results in a low moisture sensitive ABS that is 50% stiffer and 15% sturdier than standard FDM printed ABS. The material is widely used for tooling, jigs and fixtures.
TPU Shore 92A
A thermoplastic polyurethane with a shore A value of 92. Material is used for applications where flexibility is needed, such as hoses, seals and vibration dampers.
Ultem 9085 (PEI)
Ultem 9085 is a PEI thermoplastic with excellent strength, stiffness, thermal properties and chemical resistance. It is widely used in the aerospace, automotive and medical industries.
Ultem 1010 (PEI)
Ultem 1010 is a PEI thermoplastic with high strength, chemical resistance and excellent thermal stability. This material is widely used where sterilization of parts is required or for making molds for composite parts.

What customers make with us

In Rapid Prototyping, we combine advanced techniques such as SLS, SLA, vacuum casting and CNC milling to create functional and aesthetically pleasing products. Think of everything from form studies and working prototypes to reusable packaging and finished series products.

Our customers leverage our wide material selection and finishing options to make complex ideas tangible. Whether it's high-gloss chrome surfaces, color coatings or integrating metal components, we make it possible.

Wondering what's possible for your project? Take a look at our case studies or get contact for advice.