3D Printing Material Comparison & Properties

Comparison of printing materials

This page provides comparative information about the key powder-based materials used in Makerly’s production: HP PA 12 polyamide, polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), PA 12 S polyamide, and HP PA 12 W. The data covers major physical and mechanical properties, detailing capabilities, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and other important parameters.

The information is intended for engineers, designers, technologists, and other professionals seeking to improve design and manufacturing efficiency. By comparing the properties of different materials, you can choose the optimal solution for your specific requirements. Data tables help assess the unique features of each material and identify the most suitable option for further use.

General properties
Parameter

HP PA 12

TPU

PA 12 S

HP PA 12 W

Powder melting point (DSC) 187 °С 192 °С ~185°C – 190°C ~188°C
Particle size 60 µm 100 µm 50-60 µm 57 µm
Part density 1,01 g/cm³ 1,16 g/cm³ 1,01 g/cm³ 1,01 g/cm³
Stiffness good not good good good
Impact strength not good awesome not good not good
Elongation not good awesome badly not good
Geometry reproduction awesome good awesome awesome
Detail level awesome good awesome awesome
Surface smoothness good not good awesome good
Flat surface quality good not good good good
Heat resistance not good not good not good not good
Chemical resistance good good good good
Low moisture absorption badly good badly badly
Low weight good not good good good
Surface roughness good not good awesome good
Download Download Download Download
awesome
Excelent
good
Good
not good
Satisfactory
badly
Not recommended
Mechanical characteristics
HP PA 12 TPU PA 12 S HP PA 12 W
Hardness 80 (по Shore D) 88 (по Shore A) D 75 – 80 D 75 – 80
Dielectric permittivity 3-4 3-7 3,5 – 4,0 3,5 – 4,0
Dielectric strength 20-30 kV/mm 15-30 kV/mm ~15 kV/mm ~15 kV/mm
Tensile strength, XY 65 MPa 10,5 MPa 65 MPa 70 MPa
Tensile strength, Z 70 MPa 6,5 MPa 65 MPa 70 MPa
Elongation at break, XY 20% 185% 12 % 17%
Elongation at break, Z 15% 55% 5 % 9 %
Resistance to various environments and radiations
Type of environment or radiation HP PA 12 TPU PA 12 S HP PA 12 W
Alkaline environment awesome awesome good good
Gasoline awesome awesome good good
Acetone awesome awesome good good
Methyl alcohol awesome awesome good good
Acetic acid awesome awesome good good
Carbon dioxide awesome awesome awesome awesome
Motor oil awesome awesome awesome awesome
UV radiation awesome awesome good good
IR radiation awesome awesome awesome awesome
Water awesome awesome good good
Bleach awesome awesome good good
Sulfuric acid awesome awesome badly badly
Hydrochloric acid, 20% solution awesome awesome badly badly
Phosphoric acid, 10% solution awesome awesome badly badly
awesome
Excelent
good
Good
not good
Satisfactory
badly
Not recommended

Partners — 20% Discount on All Orders

Official partners receive a permanent 20% discount. To qualify, fill out the form and tell us about your 3D printing studio. Once your application is processed, the discount will apply to all your orders.

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        *The assessment of the cost and feasibility of metal printing is based on several factors — not only the weight (volume) of the part, but also its geometry, the complexity of post-processing, and other technological parameters. Therefore, the preparation of the estimate may take longer than the usual 30–60 minutes, extending to several hours or even up to two working days. In addition, since the production facility is located outside Ukraine, it is important to consider all relevant logistics factors.

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