Compare 3D Printing Materials

Wax materials are a special type of material commonly used in 3D printing, primarily applied in rapid prototyping and precision casting. They offer excellent flowability and moldability, allowing for high-precision detail during the printing process. Red wax, in particular, has a vivid color, usually deep red, hence the name “red wax.” One of its key features is its ability to melt quickly when heated, facilitating subsequent casting processes, making it especially suitable for jewelry, art sculptures, and the manufacture of complex mechanical parts.

In addition, red wax materials have moderate hardness and a smooth surface, requiring minimal post-processing after printing, which helps maintain the accuracy and surface quality of the print. Because it can be melted at high temperatures, it is also commonly used in the “lost wax casting” process, playing a crucial role in precision casting.

PA+GF is a polyamide powder material reinforced with glass beads, which significantly improves stiffness and dimensional stability. Compared with unfilled polyamide, this material offers higher heat resistance and demonstrates excellent long-term wear performance. However, due to the addition of glass, its impact strength and tensile strength are relatively lower than those of other nylons.

17-4 PH stainless steel is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel known for its excellent hardness and corrosion resistance. Through vacuum solution heat treatment and H900 aging treatment, printed parts can achieve high strength, high hardness, and good wear resistance. 17-4 PH stainless steel is suitable for manufacturing industrial components that require high strength, corrosion resistance, and complex structures, such as aerospace parts, molds, and high-load machinery.
Disadvantages: Low elongation (≤16% after heat treatment); weak magnetism after heat treatment.

3D printed titanium alloys, represented by Ti6Al4V, feature extremely high specific strength and excellent corrosion resistance, while being lightweight and tough. They enable the creation of complex geometries and topology-optimized designs through additive manufacturing, and are widely used in aerospace, medical implants, automotive, and high-performance sports equipment. Titanium alloys also offer good high-temperature performance and biocompatibility, making them an ideal choice for manufacturing high-performance, lightweight components.
Disadvantages: Poor heat resistance (maximum 120°C); surface roughness around Ra10, with slight pits and visible layer texture.

3D printed aluminum alloys, represented by AlSi10Mg and other aluminum-silicon-magnesium alloys, combine lightweight characteristics with excellent mechanical properties. They offer an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity, and demonstrate excellent fatigue and fracture resistance after heat treatment. The material is easy to form, weld, and machine, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and tooling applications where lightweight design and structural complexity are critical. Finished parts are typically shot-peened for surface treatment. If you require any other post-processing, please inform our customer service clearly.
Disadvantages: Poor heat resistance (maximum 120°C); surface roughness around Ra10, with slight pits and visible layer texture.