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.

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance engineering plastic widely used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics industries. As a material that is resistant to high temperatures, chemical corrosion, and wear, PEEK offers exceptional strength and rigidity in 3D printing, making it suitable for demanding functional parts. It can withstand temperatures exceeding 250°C and maintain stable performance under high loads and extreme conditions. PEEK also has excellent electrical insulation properties and biocompatibility, making it an ideal choice for medical implants and high-end industrial components.

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.

Nylon is a high-performance engineering polymer with well-balanced properties. It offers high strength, excellent toughness, and outstanding wear resistance, along with superior chemical resistance and thermal stability, ensuring reliable performance even under demanding conditions. Thanks to its lightweight and high reliability, nylon materials are widely used in automotive, medical, aerospace, and consumer products, making them an ideal choice for applications requiring both functionality and durability.

TPU is a flexible and highly tough filament with excellent impact resistance and wear resistance. It is suitable for printing various production prototypes and functional parts that need to withstand impact, drops, and collisions.