# agentsite-static-version=57661d6b-3324-41d6-81d6-89413a26254f # craftcloud3d.com > AI-optimized mirror of craftcloud3d.com containing 249 pages totalling 192,236 words of clean markdown content, structured data, and semantic HTML. Original source: https://craftcloud3d.com. Last updated: 2026-10-27T07:50:15.439Z. Each page is available as HTML (with JSON-LD structured data) and Markdown (text-only, ideal for LLMs and RAG). ## Homepage - [Craftcloud® | Streamlined Service for 3D Printing & CNC Machining](/content/site-root.html): Get quality parts at the best price with Craftcloud 3D printing & CNC service ✓ 200 materials ✓ FDM, SLS, MJF, SLA ✓ Instant quotes ✓ No minimum order ✓ (969 words) ## Articles & Blog Posts - [Carbon Steel 1018 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-carbon-steel-1018/index.html): Carbon Steel 1018 is a mild low-carbon, general-purpose steel known for its versatility and machinability. It offers good balance between strength, ductility, and toughness, which makes it ideal for precision CNC machining. With a carbon content of around 0.18%, it exhibits excellent welding, bending, and forming capabilities. It has a smooth surface finish, good wear resistance, and is easy to machine or cut. This steel can be case-hardened for added durability, making it suitable for shafts, axles, gears, pins, and structural components. It is commonly used in both commercial and industrial applications. (194 words) - [Flame Retardant SLS Nylon PA12 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/flame-retardant-sls-nylon-pa12/index.html): Flame retardant SLS nylon PA12 is PA12 with a flame-retardant additive. Fire ratings such as UL 94 V-0 and aircraft flammability tests (FAR 25.853) depend on the powder and wall thickness (V-0 needs about 3 mm for one common powder), so thin sections may not qualify. The additive makes it stiffer than standard PA12 but less ductile, and it softens under load at about 85-95 °C. Flame retardant SLS nylon PA12 is commonly used for electrical housings, ventilation ducts, and aircraft or railway interior parts. (229 words) - [Brass H59 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-brass-h59/index.html): Brass H59 is a copper-zinc alloy composed of approximately 59% copper and 40% zinc, offering a good balance of strength, ductility, and machinability. It is a free-cutting brass variant commonly used for CNC machining, particularly when precise tolerances and fine detail are required. H59 exhibits good corrosion resistance in dry environments and moderate resistance to moisture, making it suitable for decorative components, fittings, hardware, and low-load mechanical parts. Its excellent formability and thermal conductivity also make it a common choice in electrical and plumbing applications. While not as strong as bronze or stainless steel, H59 remains a cost-effective and versatile material for functional and aesthetic components. (228 words) - [Aluminum 7075 (EN AW-7075) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-aluminum-7075-en-aw-7075/index.html): Aluminum 7075 is a high-strength, heat-treatable alloy from the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu series, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and superior fatigue resistance. With typical tensile strengths exceeding 500 MPa (T6 temper), it offers mechanical performance comparable to some steels, making it ideal for critical structural applications. Despite its lower corrosion resistance compared to 5xxx and 6xxx alloys, it maintains dimensional stability and excellent machinability in tempered conditions, especially T6 and T73. 7075 is commonly used in aerospace, motorsports, defense, and high-performance mechanical components where strength, stiffness, and weight savings are paramount. Due to its reduced weldability and corrosion resistance, it is often reserved for parts with high static or cyclic loading where surface treatments can be applied as needed. (238 words) - [Stainless Steel 316L (1.4404) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-stainless-steel-316l-14404/index.html): CNC-milled stainless steel 316L is a corrosion-resistant alloy known for its excellent performance in harsh or high-moisture environments. Compared to 304, it contains added molybdenum, which improves resistance to chlorides, acids, and saltwater exposure. Stainless steel 316L has low carbon content, reducing the risk of corrosion at weld points and making it suitable for medical, marine, chemical, and food-grade applications. It machines cleanly and maintains good strength and dimensional stability. Common use cases include brackets, housings, fluid-handling components, and precision parts that demand long-term resistance to corrosion and wear. (204 words) - [Stainless Steel 420J2 (1.4028) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-stainless-steel-420j2-14028/index.html): 420J2 is a martensitic stainless steel that's soft and machinable in the annealed condition, but can be quenched and tempered afterward to reach 50-55 HRC hardness with tensile strength up to about 1,500–1,600 MPa. Its corrosion resistance is moderate, and it's good in mild atmospheres and many chemicals, but is not suited to marine or heavily chloride-exposed environments. It's magnetic in all conditions. Stainless steel 420J2 is suitable for cutlery, surgical instruments, and moderate-wear mechanical components where post-machining hardening is planned. (170 words) - [Brass C37700 (CW617N) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-brass-c37700-cw617n/index.html): Brass C37700 (CW617N) is a copper-zinc-lead alloy specifically developed for hot working. Its alpha-beta structure flows well at forging temperature, making it the standard grade for hot-forged valve bodies and fitting bodies that are then finish-machined. Corrosion resistance is adequate for general use but requires coatings for marine environments. The material is well suited to valve and fitting bodies, hydraulic connectors, bearings, bushings, and gears. (162 words) - [Copper C10100 (OFE, CW009A) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-copper-c10100-ofe-cw009a/index.html): CNC copper 101, also known as Oxygen-Free Electronic (OFE) copper, is a high-purity alloy with 99.99% copper content, providing excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Its low oxygen content prevents hydrogen embrittlement, making it suitable for precision electronics and telecommunications where conductivity is critical. The material offers good machinability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength, ensuring stability in demanding environments. Its formability supports the production of complex shapes while maintaining its properties, making it useful for electrical contacts, connectors, and heat sinks in advanced technology applications. (198 words) - [Stainless Steel 303 (1.4305) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-stainless-steel-303-14305/index.html): Stainless steel 303 is a machinable austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and superior machinability due to added sulfur and phosphorus. It offers good wear resistance and maintains structural integrity in moderate corrosive environments, making it ideal for precision components that require complex shapes or tight tolerances. Commonly used in fasteners, gears, bushings, shafts, and small mechanical parts, 303 SS is favored in automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and instrumentation applications. Its combination of corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, and ease of machining makes it a reliable choice for both functional prototypes and small-batch production parts. (216 words) - [Carbon Steel A36 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-carbon-steel-a36/index.html): Carbon steel A36 is a low-carbon structural steel widely used in general-purpose fabrication and construction. It offers good strength, toughness, and weldability at a low cost, making it a popular choice for structural components, brackets, frames, and base plates. A36 machines reasonably well but is softer than alloy steels, so it’s better suited for parts where high wear resistance or tight tolerances are not critical. It has low corrosion resistance and is typically coated, painted, or otherwise protected when used in exposed environments. Carbon steel A36 is ideal for functional parts where strength and affordability matter more than finish or precision. (218 words) - [Steel S355J2 (1.0577) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-steel-s355j2-10577/index.html): S355J2 (1.0577) is a non-alloy structural steel under EN 10025-2, the European equivalent to ASTM A572 Grade 50. Compared to S235JR, it offers roughly 51% higher yield strength, allowing smaller cross-sections for the same load, and its "J2" designation guarantees impact toughness of 27J at -20 °C. It retains good weldability, though slightly reduced versus lower-carbon S235JR. This steel is suitable for bridges, cranes, heavy machinery frames, and structural components exposed to low temperatures or higher loads. (165 words) - [Aluminum 6026 (AW-6026) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-aluminum-6026-aw-6026/index.html): AW-6026 is a 6xxx-series (Al-Mg-Si) aluminum alloy developed as a free-machining alternative to grades like 6082 and 6081. It matches the minimum tensile strength of Aluminum 2011 while offering superior corrosion resistance, an advantage over 2011 for parts that need both easy machining and better environmental durability. Aluminum 6026 contains no tin, avoiding the cracking and weakness that tin can cause in machined parts under heat and stress. Aluminum 6026 is suitable for automotive components, electronic connector parts, and precision parts needing extensive machining on high-speed lathes. (163 words) - [Steel S235JR (1.0038) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-steel-s235jr-10038/index.html): S235JR (1.0038) is a non-alloy structural steel under EN 10025-2, the European equivalent to ASTM A36. Its low carbon content (under 0.19%) gives it excellent weldability and formability, and its impact toughness is guaranteed at 27J at room temperature (+20 °C). It offers only moderate strength compared to higher grades like S355J2, so it isn't the right choice for structural applications needing higher load capacity or cold-weather toughness. It's a good material choice for general fabrication, brackets, frames, and welded structural components at standard temperatures. (162 words) - [iglidur® I190-PF - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/iglidur-i190-pf/index.html): iglidur® I190-PF is a high-performance filament developed by igus® specifically for 3D printing functional parts with high wear resistance. Based on tribologically optimized thermoplastics, it is ideal for producing durable, low-friction components such as bushings, thrust washers, and sliding elements. It requires no lubrication and performs reliably in dry-running applications. The material excels in motion applications thanks to its exceptionally low coefficient of friction and good dimensional stability, making it a preferred choice for industrial automation, robotics, and custom machinery components. (174 words) - [Markforged® ADAM Copper - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/markforged-adam-copper/index.html): Copper was one of the first metals mankind ever worked with. It is a precious metal with high electrical and thermal conductivity and has a coloring somewhere between pink and orange. It is also a natural antibacterial agent. (143 words) - [Aluminum 6061 (EN AW-6061) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-aluminum-6061-en-aw-6061/index.html): Aluminum 6061 is a widely used, heat-treatable alloy known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and versatility. It offers good machinability and can be anodized for improved surface hardness and appearance. 6061 performs well in both structural and precision parts, which makes it a popular choice in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and general engineering applications. Its balance of mechanical strength, light weight, and workability makes it one of the most commonly selected aluminum alloys for CNC machining. (198 words) - [Food Safe Titanium - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/food-safe-titanium/index.html): Food Safe Titanium (TiAl6V4) is food contact safe, providing excellent hygiene, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties. It maintains strength up to 400°C (752°F) and offers robust mechanical integrity, non-magnetic properties, and ease of cleaning. Suitable for high-temperature environments where performance, safety, and durability are critical. Certifications are available upon request. (179 words) - [Food Safe 316L Stainless Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/food-safe-316l-stainless-steel/index.html): Food Safe 316L Stainless Steel is food contact safe, ideal for high hygiene standards, corrosion resistance, and robust strength. It performs well at temperatures up to 800 °C (1472 °F), maintaining structural integrity and oxidation resistance. Highly versatile and easy to clean, it’s suitable for applications requiring reliability, safety, and durability. Certifications are available upon request. (167 words) - [PMMA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pmma/index.html): PMMA powder (also known as polymethyl methacrylate or acrylic) is bound together using a liquid binder, which hardens after a few seconds. After printing, the parts are hardened in a heat chamber, where the powder is fused together and sandblasted to reduce surface porosity. The resulting part offers a light coarse texture, high level of stiffness, and a low density of 1 g/m^3. Due to the high reusability of the remaining powder, parts can be manufactured more cost-efficiently. (177 words) - [Food Safe Aluminum - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/food-safe-aluminum/index.html): Food Safe Aluminum is coated to ensure safety in food contact. AlSi10Mg offers lightweight properties, good thermal conductivity, and decent strength. Valued for its castability, corrosion resistance, and suitability for complex geometries, it performs well up to 200°C (392°F). Ideal for applications where weight savings and high performance are crucial. Certifications are available upon request. (182 words) - [Nickel-Iron Alloy 4J29 (FeNi29Co17, 1.3981) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-nickel-iron-alloy-4j29-feni29co17-13981/index.html): Kovar (4J29) is the classic hermetic-sealing alloy: Its thermal expansion closely matches borosilicate glass and 98% alumina ceramics from 20-450 °C, preventing the cracking that occurs when mismatched metals and glass cool after sealing. It has a dense, glass-wettable oxide layer and doesn't react with mercury, making it suitable for mercury-containing vacuum devices. It isn't chosen for general structural strength – its value is dimensional and thermal matching. This material is a good choice for IC and transistor packages, vacuum tube seals, and X-ray tube components. (174 words) - [Multicolor PETG - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/multicolor-petg/index.html): Multicolor FDM PETG prints combine vivid color separation with PETG's core strengths in toughness, layer adhesion, and chemical resistance. Multi-extrusion or filament-switching techniques enable sharp color boundaries or smooth transitions, adding visual definition to functional geometries. PETG bridges the gap between PLA and ABS, offering better impact resistance than PLA and easier, lower-warp printing than ABS, making multicolor parts both reliable to produce and durable in use. This process is ideal for enclosures, mechanical fixtures, retail displays, and functional prototypes that benefit from clear color-coded design alongside everyday durability. (205 words) - [Titanium Grade 23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/titanium-grade-23-ti-6al-4v-eli/index.html): Titanium Grade 23 (also known as Ti-6Al-4V ELI) is a high-purity alpha-beta alloy characterized by extra-low interstitial elements like oxygen and iron. This composition provides superior fracture toughness and ductility compared to standard Grade 5 titanium, alongside outstanding corrosion resistance and low density. Its primary use cases include orthopedic or dental implants, lightweight structural aerospace assemblies, and demanding automotive racing parts, as highly intricate, lightweight components can be 3D printed. (151 words) - [LithaLox HP 500 Al2O3 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/lithalox-hp-500-al2o3/index.html): Alumina (AL2O3) contains one of the most important oxide ceramic materials and is characterized by its desirable properties, including high hardness, corrosion, and temperature resistance. Components made of alumina are electrically insulating and puncture-proof, making them suitable for a wide range of applications such as substrates and resistor cores in the electronics industry, tiles for wear protection and ballistics, and thread guides in textile engineering, among many others. Alumina is also used in medical engineering for manufacturing permanent implants or devices due to being biocompatible. Certifications available upon request. (187 words) - [Nickel 200 (Pure Nickel N6) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-nickel-200-pure-nickel-n6/index.html): Nickel 200 (Pure Nickel N6) is standard-carbon commercially pure nickel. It offers outstanding resistance to caustic alkalis – a property nickel is uniquely suited for – along with high electrical and thermal conductivity and good corrosion resistance in neutral, freshwater, and seawater conditions. It is a material that is well suited to chemical processing equipment (especially caustic soda production), battery components, and electronic/vacuum device parts. (155 words) - [PP-Like Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pp-like-resin/index.html): PP-like resin is an engineering-grade photopolymer formulated to replicate the mechanical behavior of polypropylene, with high elongation, strong impact resistance, and good flexibility. This combination lets parts bend, flex, or absorb sudden impact without cracking, unlike more rigid resin formulations that resist force but fracture rather than deform. It trades away some stiffness and precision to achieve this flexibility, so it isn't the best choice for parts that need tight tolerances or a perfectly rigid fit. PP-like resin suits clips, living hinges, latches, protective housings, and ergonomic or wear-prone components that need to flex repeatedly without breaking. (220 words) - [Platinum - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/platinum/index.html): Lost wax cast platinum parts exhibit a brilliant silvery-white appearance with a smooth, refined surface that highlights the precision achievable through investment casting. This noble metal offers exceptional strength, density, and resistance to tarnish, oxidation, and chemical wear, making it ideal for applications demanding durability and lasting visual appeal. Platinum’s excellent malleability and biocompatibility also make it well-suited for jewelry, high-end watchmaking, medical instruments, and specialized industrial components. The lost wax casting process enables the creation of highly detailed geometries with fine surface definition, followed by polishing to achieve a mirror-like or satin finish as desired. The result is a component that combines premium aesthetics, precision craftsmanship, and outstanding long-term stability. (220 words) - [BASF® Glass Fiber Polypropylene - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/basf-glass-fiber-polypropylene/index.html): PP (Polypropylene) is one of the most widely used materials in conventional manufacturing. Merged with glass fibers, it offers high toughness, excellent chemical (acid and alkali) resistance, structural tightness, and low moisture absorption. BASF® PP-GF is an economic alternative to PA12 and has greater rigidity, dimensional stability, and abrasion resistance, which makes it suitable to manufacture robust jigs and fixtures, housings, and all parts subject to abrasion and wear. (189 words) - [Figure 4® RUBBER-BLK 10 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/figure-4-rubber-blk-10/index.html): Figure 4® RUBBER-BLK 10 is an elastomeric photopolymer resin engineered for applications that require flexibility, toughness, and resilience. Printed parts have a smooth matte black surface and exhibit rubber-like behavior, maintaining flexibility under repeated bending or compression. The material combines high tear resistance, low compression set, and reliable rebound performance, making it suitable for seals, gaskets, grips, damping elements, and flexible housings. Its precise feature reproduction and durability make it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use components that must withstand dynamic or mechanical stress. Figure 4® RUBBER-BLK 10 bridges the gap between soft rubber and engineering-grade polymers, delivering consistent performance in industrial and consumer applications. (216 words) - [Acetal (Glass-Filled) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-acetal-glass-filled/index.html): Acetal (glass-filled) – typically containing 20% to 30% glass fibers – is engineered for applications that require high mechanical strength and rigidity. The glass reinforcement reduces the material's thermal expansion rate and significantly improves its performance under long-term mechanical stress (creep resistance). While it retains the excellent chemical resistance and low moisture absorption of standard acetal, the fibers make it much stiffer and more resistant to impact-induced deformation. It is an ideal choice for high-load structural parts, industrial pump components, and automotive housings where maintaining precise tolerances under heat and pressure is vital. (202 words) - [HP® MJF Multicolor - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/hp-mjf-multicolor/index.html): HP MJF technology uses special fusing and detailing agents in combination with heat lamps to fuse particles in a bed of powder. The resulting Nylon models have excellent mechanical properties, with a strength and density exceeding that of parts produced using other powder-based technologies. The strength and heat resistance makes it an excellent choice for functional parts, such as components for drones, mounts, gears, etc. The resulting parts are not only aesthetically impressive with their vivid colors but also durable and functional, making MJF ideal for diverse applications, from prototypes to final products. Its efficiency and versatility in creating detailed, colorful, and robust objects make it a preferred choice in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and healthcare (226 words) - [HP® 3D HR PA 12 FR, enabled by Evonik - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/hp-3d-hr-pa-12-fr-enabled-by-evonik/index.html): HP® 3D High Reusability PA 12 FR is a flame-retardant polyamide 12 designed for Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing. It combines the mechanical durability, chemical resistance, and process reliability of standard HP PA 12 with enhanced fire-retardant properties, making it suitable for parts that must meet safety regulations in automotive, electronics, and industrial applications. This material is ideal for functional prototypes, housings, and enclosures where compliance with flammability standards is required, without compromising the excellent dimensional stability and reusability typical of HP’s High Reusability PA 12 family. (268 words) - [SLS Glass-Filled Nylon PA6 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-glass-filled-nylon-pa6/index.html): SLS glass-filled nylon PA6 (PA6 GF40) is PA6 nylon with about 40% glass fiber. Compared with unfilled PA6 it is roughly twice as stiff and holds its shape under load to about 200 °C (versus about 93-103 °C), with only modest strength gains. The trade-off is ductility: Elongation is under 2%, so parts are rigid but not flexible. The PA6 base still absorbs moisture, which lowers strength and stiffness in humid conditions, and strength can vary with direction. SLS glass-filled nylon PA6 works well for rigid housings and brackets that face load or heat. (228 words) - [Surgical Guide Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/surgical-guide-resin/index.html): Surgical guide resin is a biocompatible photopolymer resin made of a mixture of methacrylic esters and photo-initiators. It is non-cytotoxic, not a sensitizer, non-irritating, and it complies with ISO 10993-1:2018. It is commonly used for prototyping surgical guides, pilot drill guides, and drilling templates. (180 words) - [Nickel-Iron Alloy 4J42 (Alloy 42, 1.3917) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-nickel-iron-alloy-4j42-alloy-42-13917/index.html): Alloy 42 (4J42) or Nilo 42 (Fe-42Ni) offers good formability, solderability, and weldability, plus reasonable oxidation resistance in standard service. Unlike the cobalt-containing Kovar (4J29), Alloy 42 contains no cobalt, giving it a cost advantage where its slightly different expansion match is acceptable. It is a good choice for IC lead frames, transistor housings, and electron tube seals. (144 words) - [Magnesium AZ31B (Wrought, 3.5312) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-magnesium-az31b-wrought-35312/index.html): AZ31B is a wrought magnesium-aluminum-zinc alloy (about 3% Al, 1% Zn), widely regarded as the most machinable magnesium grade – it produces clean, manageable chips at high cutting speeds with good ductility that helps parts withstand fixturing stress without cracking. While corrosion resistance is decent in dry conditions, it needs a protective coating for humid, saltwater, or acidic exposure. Magnesium chips are flammable and require fire-safe machining practices. It is well suited to aerospace brackets, camera/laptop housings, and lightweight structural components. (174 words) - [Conductive PLA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/conductive-pla/index.html): Conductive PLA is designed for users interested in combining 3D Printing and electronics. It allows you to print conductive assemblies that integrate switches, potentiometers, LED’s, capacitive touch sensors, and more! It's technical properties are similar to standard PLA except for the volume resistivity. Volume resistivity perpendicular to layers is 30 ohm-cm while through layers (along Z axis) is 115 ohm-cm. (175 words) - [LithaBone TCP 300 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/lithabone-tcp-300/index.html): Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) exhibits excellent biocompatibility, bioresorbability, and osteoconductivity, and is therefore a well-established material for bone replacement in regenerative medicine. ASTM F1088-04a certified (suitable for human implants) TCP powder is used in LithaBone TCP 300, which helps in validating medical products in the best way possible. The material is best used as biological scaffolds, bone substitute implants, and similar applications. The material is non-cytotoxic according to ISO 10993-5 and not irritating to skin as per ISO 10993-10. Certifications available upon request. (165 words) - [Markforged® Inconel 625 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/markforged-inconel-625/index.html): Printing with Inconel 625 allows the fabrication of functional prototypes and end-use parts that are designed for harsh environments. The material meets chemical requirements of ASTM B443 and maintains a UTS of 500 MPa at 600 ºC. Inconel 625 showcases extraordinary resistance to sodium chloride at a variety of temperatures. The material is perfect for wire rope and propeller blades that are used in underwater applications. Along with this, the material can be used for crucibles, high temperature fixtures, and more. (180 words) - [Markforged® H13 Tool Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/markforged-h13-tool-steel/index.html): H13 tool steel by Markforged is capable of maintaining material properties at high temperatures. It can be heat treated to 45 HRC with a UTS of 1500 MPa. It is used for wear-resistant tools, brazing fixtures, and high-strength parts that require heat resistance, which makes it a great multi-purpose steel. (138 words) - [LithaBone HA 400 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/lithabone-ha-400/index.html): LithaBone HA 400 is based on hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that forms the main component of bones. Due to its similarities to the inorganic components of bone, HA possesses excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity and has a number of potential applications as a bone substitute. Sintered parts made of LithaBone HA 400 are not cytotoxic according to ISO 10993-5:2009 standard. Certifications available upon request. (154 words) - [Nickel-Iron Alloy 4J50 (FeNi50) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-nickel-iron-alloy-4j50-feni50/index.html): 4J50 (FeNi50, also called Vacovit 500 or Nilo 51) is a nickel-iron alloy whose thermal expansion coefficient and Curie point run higher than lower-nickel grades like 4J42, which makes it suited to soft glass and ceramic sealing rather than hard borosilicate glass. It also shows soft-magnetic behavior, with low coercivity and useful permeability. This is a material that's suitable for precision impedance diaphragms, reed relays, and soft-glass-sealed vacuum components. (144 words) - [Aluminum 2011 (AW-2011) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-aluminum-2011-aw-2011/index.html): AW-2011 (AlCu6BiPb) is a copper-based aluminum alloy with bismuth and lead additions that act as built-in chip breakers, giving it the highest machinability rating of any common aluminum. The Aluminum Association uses 2011 as the 100% reference point that every other aluminum alloy is rated against. This machinability comes at a cost: Corrosion resistance is poor, weldability is arguably nonexistent, and its leaded composition rules out food, medical, or potable-water applications. Aluminum 2011 is a good option for fittings, fasteners, connector bodies, and precision screw-machine parts like small gears and clock or camera components. (164 words) - [Aluminum 6082 (EN AW-6082) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-aluminum-6082-en-aw-6082/index.html): Aluminum 6082 is a medium-strength, heat-treatable alloy from the Al-Mg-Si series, offering excellent corrosion resistance and good weldability. It is commonly used for structural applications, machinery parts, transportation, and aerospace components. The material’s good fatigue strength and high strength-to-weight ratio make it ideal for parts that require good mechanical properties without adding weight. Aluminum 6082 is also used in applications such as frames, brackets, tubes, and supports in environments where strength, lightweight, and dimensional stability are important. This alloy can be anodized for additional surface protection or appearance enhancement, offering versatility in various engineering sectors. (221 words) - [Nickel-Iron Alloy 4J36 (Alloy 36, 1.3912) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-nickel-iron-alloy-4j36-alloy-36-13912/index.html): Invar 36 (Fe-36Ni) is a low-expansion alloy that has mechanical properties that are broadly similar to low-carbon steel. It is corrosion resistant in dry air but can rust in humid conditions. This material is suitable for precision instruments, optical benches, seismic gauges, and cryogenic gas storage and piping. (132 words) - [HP® 3D HR TPA, enabled by Evonik - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/hp-3d-hr-tpa-enabled-by-evonik/index.html): HP 3D High Reusability TPA (Thermoplastic Polyamide Elastomer), enabled by Evonik, is a flexible, durable, and high-performance material designed for Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing. It combines excellent elasticity with consistent mechanical properties across multiple print cycles, making it suitable for applications that require repeated bending, compression, or impact resistance. Its high tear strength, elongation at break, and recovery characteristics make it ideal for functional prototypes, wearable devices, gaskets, seals, and automotive or consumer-grade flexible parts. The material maintains stable performance under a wide range of temperatures and can be processed with minimal post-treatment to achieve smooth, functional surfaces. (213 words) - [SLS Nylon PA66 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-nylon-pa66/index.html): Nylon PA66 is a stiff, strong engineering nylon with good oil and fuel resistance and a heat deflection of about 180-200 °C under light load. Under heavier loads it softens at much lower temperatures. It absorbs moisture (about 2.5-3.5% at normal humidity, far more than PA12), so parts swell slightly and lose some strength and stiffness when humid. Nylon PA66 is a strong choice for stiff, heat-tolerant parts such as brackets and housings. (199 words) - [420/BR Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/420-br-steel/index.html): 420/BR Steel is a composite of 420 Stainless Steel and bronze (about 60% and 40%), in which the bronze fills the pores of the steel framework. Because it is a mixture, it lacks the corrosion resistance of solid stainless steel, so it is less suited to wet or corrosive environments. 420/BR Steel is a good option for decorative parts and ornaments, and for industrial components such as pump and wear parts. (170 words) - [Accura® 25 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/accura-25/index.html): Accura® 25 is a hard (Shore 80D) resin formulated to simulate polypropylene. For a rigid resin it is relatively ductile, which suits snap-fits and functional assemblies. Compared with real polypropylene, its notched impact strength is at the low end of the range and heat deflection is only about 51–63 °C, so it suits prototypes and low-volume parts rather than high-impact or hot environments. Accura® 25 is a good option for snap-fit prototypes, functional assemblies, and master patterns for vacuum casting. (216 words) - [PETG-HT - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/petg-ht/index.html): PETG-HT is engineered to have an increased glass transition temperature (Tg), which is the temperature at which the material transitions from a rigid to a soft and pliable state. This enhanced formulation allows it to withstand higher heat environments compared to standard PETG filament. The higher Tg of PETG-HT makes it suitable for applications where exposure to elevated temperatures is expected, such as functional prototypes, automotive components, mechanical parts, and industrial tooling. It offers improved dimensional stability, reduced warping, and enhanced resistance to heat deformation compared to regular PETG filament. PETG-HT retains many of the desirable properties of PETG, including good layer adhesion, low shrinkage, and resistance to chemicals, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of 3D printing applications. (231 words) - [Carbon Fiber PET - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-pet/index.html): PET CF filament is a carbon fiber-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material designed for producing stiff, lightweight, and dimensionally stable FDM parts. By combining PET's chemical resistance and durability with chopped carbon fibers, the material delivers improved rigidity, reduced warping, and enhanced structural performance compared to standard PET or PETG. PET CF offers good layer adhesion, strong mechanical performance, and resistance to moisture and many chemicals. It is well suited for structural parts, jigs, fixtures, brackets, and lightweight mechanical components where stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio are priorities. Overall, PET CF filament is ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts requiring increased stiffness, reduced warping, and improved dimensional stability compared to standard PET-based materials. (231 words) - [SLS Nylon PA6 Carbon Fiber - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-nylon-pa6-carbon-fiber/index.html): SLS PA6 carbon fiber is PA6 nylon reinforced with carbon fiber. The fibers raise stiffness (tensile modulus 4,000-7,000 MPa vs. about 3,500 MPa for unfilled PA6), improve heat resistance, and reduce warping, while density rises only slightly. Strength gains are modest (65-95 MPa vs. 66-74 MPa) and elongation stays low (2-5%), so parts are rigid but brittle. The PA6 base also still absorbs moisture, and properties can vary with part orientation. SLS PA6 carbon fiber is a strong choice for rigid brackets, jigs and fixtures, and UAV or robotics components. (213 words) - [VisiJet® Armor M2G-CL - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/visijet-armor-m2g-cl/index.html): VisiJet® Armor M2G-CL, when printed using Multi Jet Printing (MJP), provides robust, functional parts with excellent strength, impact resistance, and dimensional stability. Printed parts have a light gray color with a matte finish, showcasing fine detail retention and precision. The material’s durable nature makes it ideal for snap-fits, jigs, fixtures, and production tooling, where parts are exposed to mechanical stress or need long-lasting performance. MJP printing ensures high fidelity and reliable physical properties, making VisiJet® Armor M2G-CL perfect for producing functional prototypes and end-use components that demand both mechanical integrity and high visual quality. (219 words) - [Carbon Fiber ABS - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-abs/index.html): CF-ABS is a high-performance ABS filament that is reinforced with carbon fiber, which makes it suitable for anyone who desires a structural component with high modulus, excellent surface quality, dimensional stability, and light weight. It is ideal for applications that can be found in the aerospace, civil engineering, and motor sports industries, which require light weight and rigidity. (147 words) - [Figure 4™ HI TEMP 300-AMB - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/figure-4-hi-temp-300-amb/index.html): Figure 4™ HI TEMP 300-AMB is an advanced photopolymer resin engineered for high-temperature applications. With a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of up to 300 °C, it provides exceptional thermal resistance, making it ideal for testing and production of components exposed to extreme heat. The material also delivers high stiffness, dimensional stability, and excellent detail reproduction. Its natural amber translucency allows visual inspection of internal features, adding versatility for functional prototyping, automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. (219 words) - [Glass Fiber ASA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/glass-fiber-asa/index.html): Glass Fiber ASA (GF-ASA) is a high-performance composite that enhances the durability and weather resistance of standard ASA with the added strength of glass fiber reinforcement. This modification significantly improves stiffness, dimensional stability, and heat resistance while reducing warping and shrinkage during printing. Unlike standard ASA, which offers greater impact resistance and flexibility, Glass Fiber ASA provides superior structural integrity and load-bearing capacity, making it ideal for demanding applications. Its excellent UV resistance and durability make it well-suited for outdoor applications, including automotive components, protective housings, and industrial enclosures. (222 words) - [Somos® GP Plus 14122 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/somos-gp-plus-14122/index.html): Somos GP Plus 14122 is ideal for prototyping all kinds of plastic parts which do not have the highest of toughness requirements. It is also capable of delivering fine details and a smooth surface. Just be aware that thin prints can be slightly fragile, as the used photopolymers are quite brittle. (175 words) - [MBJ 316L Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/mbj-316l-steel/index.html): Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ) printed 316L stainless steel combines the inherent strengths of 316L stainless steel with the unique capabilities of MBJ technology. 316L is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for harsh environments. The MBJ technology can create complex geometries with more design freedom than traditional manufacturing methods. The MBJ printed parts have good mechanical properties, yet they do not match the density and strength of parts made through methods like DMLS/SLM. The surface finish of MBJ printed parts is not as smooth as with other methods. Still, MBJ-printed 316L steel is a robust choice for applications needing a balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and complex geometries. (216 words) - [FDM Polypropylene - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/fdm-polypropylene/index.html): Polypropylene (PP) is the second most widely used plastic in the world. It is a rigid and lightweight material good for packaging and storage purposes. Being tough, fatigue-resistant, and durable, this material is suited for semi-rigid, functional prototypes in a large range of applications with snap-fit assemblies or living hinges. (192 words) - [SLS Nylon PA6 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-nylon-pa6/index.html): Nylon PA6 is a stiff, strong engineering nylon. Its stiffness roughly double PA12's, with heat deflection of about 95-100 °C under load. The trade-off is flexibility, as it is more brittle than PA12 and is not suited to flexing parts like snap-fits. It absorbs far more moisture than PA12 (about 3% at normal humidity), so parts swell slightly and lose strength and stiffness as they take up water. Large or thin, long parts can warp. Nylon PA6 works well for rigid functional parts such as housings, brackets, and wear-prone components. (236 words) - [Durable Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/durable-resin/index.html): Durable resin is formulated to simulate polypropylene (PP), combining low stiffness with high elongation and impact strength. It is generally the toughest and most flexible of the common resin tiers, capable of significant deformation before breaking rather than cracking under stress. It produces parts with a smooth, glossy surface finish and notably low friction, comparable to engineering plastics like acetal (POM), which makes it well suited to moving or sliding components. Compared to tough resin, which simulates ABS and holds more rigidity, durable resin trades additional stiffness for even greater flexibility and impact resistance. Durable resin suits living hinges, snap-fit assemblies, ball joints, and low-friction, low-wear moving parts. (298 words) - [PEKK - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pekk/index.html): PEKK (Polyetherketoneketone) filament is a high-performance thermoplastic in the PAEK family, renowned for its exceptional thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. It excels in environments demanding resistance to high temperatures, maintaining integrity and performance under extreme conditions. This makes PEKK a preferred choice in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. One key advantage of PEKK is its remarkable chemical resistance. It withstands a wide range of chemicals, including acids and solvents, making it ideal for chemical processing industries. Additionally, its high thermal stability enhances its suitability for high-temperature applications. Mechanically, PEKK offers significant strength and rigidity, essential in high load-bearing and durability-required environments. Its low emission of smoke and toxic gases under flame conditions aligns with strict fire and safety standards in aerospace and transportation. (243 words) - [Plated Brass - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/plated-brass/index.html): Plated brass is made from solid casted brass treated with a tin-rhodium alloy before being finished with your choice of plating. Plated brass has a beautiful finish and due to the tin-rhodium plating, great durability. (125 words) - [Glass Fiber FDM Nylon - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/glass-fiber-fdm-nylon/index.html): Glass fiber nylon (PA-GF) reinforces nylon with chopped glass fiber, increasing stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability well beyond unfilled nylon. Compared to carbon fiber nylon, glass fiber offers roughly a third to half the stiffness improvement, but consistently retains significantly better impact resistance and toughness. Glass fiber composites tend to deform somewhat before failing rather than cracking suddenly, and handle repeated stress or vibration better over time. PA-GF is also notably cheaper than carbon fiber nylon, doesn't conduct electricity, and can be dyed in a range of colors, unlike carbon fiber's characteristic black. Glass fiber nylon suits automotive prototypes, structural brackets, industrial jigs and fixtures, and housings near heat sources where cost-effective rigidity matters more than minimizing weight. (230 words) - [Accura® Xtreme - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/accura-xtreme/index.html): Accura® Xtreme is a hard resin formulated to replace CNC-machined polypropylene and ABS in functional prototypes. It is relatively ductile for a rigid resin, and its notched impact strength sits within the range of polypropylene. Heat deflection is about 62 °C at light load and 54 °C at 1.8 MPa, so it suits modest temperatures only. Accura® Xtreme is a good option for snap-fit assemblies, tough enclosures, and master patterns for silicone molding. (209 words) - [Silicone Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/silicone-resin/index.html): Silicone resin for SLA 3D printing is an advanced, flexible photopolymer engineered to replicate the softness, elasticity, and resilience of molded silicone. When cured, it forms parts with a smooth, matte surface and a distinctly rubber-like feel, capable of bending, stretching, and compressing without cracking or tearing. SLA technology enables high detail accuracy, allowing the material to produce thin features, intricate channels, and complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to manufacture through traditional molding. This material is ideal for applications requiring flexibility, repeated deformation, and comfort, such as seals, gaskets, damping elements, wearable components, grips, and functional elastomer prototypes. It maintains consistent mechanical performance over many cycles, offering strong rebound and durability under load. Silicone resin provides a practical, rapid alternative to molded silicone by enabling the fabrication of soft, elastomeric parts directly from the printer, offering greater design freedom and faster iteration. (257 words) - [SLS Nylon PA11 Carbon Fiber - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-nylon-pa11-carbon-fiber/index.html): SLS PA11 carbon fiber is PA11 nylon reinforced with carbon fiber. The fibers make it roughly three to four times stiffer than unfilled PA11 and raise tensile strength to about 65-85 MPa, while density stays low. Heat deflection under load rises to roughly 150-170 °C (47-70 °C for unfilled PA11). The trade-off is ductility: Elongation falls from about 30-45% to roughly 3-17%, depending on powder and direction, and strength is lower across the layers. SLS PA11 carbon fiber is a good option for rigid, lightweight parts exposed to oils, detergents, or heat. (231 words) - [Flame Retardant PETG - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/flame-retardant-petg/index.html): Flame retardant PETG is a modified Polyetylentefeftalat designed to resist burning and minimize the spread of flames. It maintains the mechanical strength and chemical resistance of regular PETG while offering improved safety in high-temperature environments. Flame Retardant PETG is commonly used in applications requiring compliance with stringent fire safety standards, including electrical enclosures, automotive parts, and building materials. (167 words) - [PVA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pva/index.html): PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) is a water-soluble thermoplastic widely used in FDM 3D printing as a dissolvable support material. Its key advantage is the ability to fully dissolve in water, allowing intricate part features such as internal channels, undercuts, thin structures, and complex overhangs to be produced with ease. PVA adheres well to common build materials such as PLA (and in some cases PETG or nylon blends, depending on formulation), making it effective for systems that rely on soluble support strategies. Once printing is complete, the support structure is removed by submerging the part in water, leaving a clean surface finish and preserving fine details without mechanical removal. PVA itself is not typically used as a structural material due to its low mechanical strength and sensitivity to moisture, but as a soluble support it significantly expands the geometric freedom of FDM printing, making it valuable for engineering prototypes, functional assemblies, and complex hobbyist models alike. (243 words) - [SLS PK - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-pk/index.html): SLS PK (polyketone) is a tough engineering thermoplastic with excellent chemical resistance, high barrier properties against fuel and water, and very low moisture absorption, so humidity barely affects its properties or dimensions. It also has low friction and better wear behavior than polyamides, but it is somewhat less stiff, denser, and less ductile across the layers than PA12. SLS PK is well suited to under-the-hood automotive parts, fluid-handling components, and wear-prone sliding parts. (196 words) - [ABS Kevlar - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/abs-kevlar/index.html): ABS Kevlar is ABS reinforced with aramid (Kevlar) fibers, which makers cite for better abrasion resistance, improved dimensional stability, and a slightly lower density than standard ABS. Its measured strength and stiffness are close to standard ABS, so it is not markedly stiffer or stronger. ABS Kevlar is well suited to jigs, fixtures, and wear-prone functional parts. (191 words) - [PPSU/PPSF - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/ppsu-ppsf/index.html): Polyphenylsulfone (PPSF or PPSU) is a high-temperature aromatic sulfone polymer. Long considered to be one of the highest performance polymers in the plastics world, PPSF has excellent thermal and chemical resistance, making it well suited for demanding applications in automotive, aerospace, electronics, defense, industrial, medical, and semi-con applications. (159 words) - [iglidur® I150-PF - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/iglidur-i150-pf/index.html): iglidur I150-PF is characterized by high wear resistance as the material is enriched with solid lubricants. Due to its high wear resistance and good mechanical properties (strength, toughness, layer adhesion), it is an all-round material that is suitable for most applications. Furthermore, it is suitable for food contact due to its conformity to EU 10/2011. (152 words) - [iglidur® I180-PF - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/iglidur-i180-pf/index.html): iglidur I180-PF has been specifically developed for moving applications and is very well suited for abrasion-resistant parts, such as plain bearings, gears, and drive nuts. The higher wear resistance as well as a higher temperature resistance (100 °C long-term) extend the field of application, especially for more dynamic and wear-resistant applications. (180 words) - [Lightweight PLA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/lightweight-pla/index.html): Lightweight PLA (LW-PLA) is specifically designed for applications where minimizing weight is crucial, such as 3D RC plane printing. LW-PLA can expand up to three times its initial volume when extruded at higher temperatures. This unique feature allows for the creation of lighter 3D printed objects without compromising the material's inherent strength, making it similar in durability to standard PLA. The surface texture of objects printed with LW-PLA is typically more foamy and slightly rougher compared to those printed with regular PLA. (211 words) - [Carbon Fiber PEEK - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-peek/index.html): Carbon-reinforced PEEK contains short carbon fibers, which make the material even stiffer and stronger than normal PEEK. Thermal properties remain similar to normal PEEK. (151 words) - [FDM TPE - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/fdm-tpe/index.html): TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is technically the broader family that TPU belongs to, but as a distinct commercial filament, it typically refers to softer formulations – generally in the 60A–85A Shore hardness range, compared to TPU's firmer 85A and up. It offers excellent elasticity and a comfortable, rubber-like feel, which makes it well suited to parts that prioritize softness and stretch over durability. Compared to TPU, standard TPE generally offers less resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. This makes TPU the better choice for parts that need to hold up to repeated wear or harsher conditions. FDM TPE suits soft grips, phone cases, comfort-focused wearable parts, and cushioning or gasket applications where softness matters more than long-term durability. (305 words) - [HIPS - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/hips/index.html): High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a material blend of polystyrene plastic and polybutadiene rubber. The mixture of these polymers results in a material that is both tough and impact resistant. HIPS is very similar to ABS, but as the name implies, it’s capable of withstanding much higher impact forces. It’s easily painted, machinable, and works with a large number of adhesives. (174 words) - [HP® 3D HR PA 12 S, enabled by Arkema - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/hp-3d-hr-pa-12-s-enabled-by-arkema/index.html): HP® 3D High Reusability PA 12 S is a nylon material designed for producing parts with exceptional surface smoothness and dimensional accuracy, making it ideal for applications where aesthetics and performance go hand in hand. Its balanced mechanical properties and fine detail resolution suit a wide range of uses, from high-end consumer goods and lighting components to industrial jigs, fixtures, merchandising displays, and volume prototypes. (289 words) - [GreenTec Pro - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/greentec-pro/index.html): GreenTEC Pro is a high-performance biopolymer, with optimized characteristics for technical and mechanical applications. Made from 100% renewable and natural raw materials, it has important properties such as high rigidity, heat resistance, and good absorption of loads. This makes it an ideal replacement for other standard plastics like ABS and PETG. (156 words) - [FDM Nylon - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/fdm-nylon/index.html): FDM nylon – most commonly PA12 for 3D printing – is valued for excellent impact resistance, low friction, and outstanding wear resistance, which makes it a strong choice for parts that experience repeated motion or friction. It can flex and bend significantly before breaking, therefore suiting snap-fits, living hinges, and other parts that need some give under stress. It also resists many oils, fuels, and solvents, though strong acids can degrade it over time. Like other nylons, it absorbs some moisture from the air, which can gradually affect dimensional stability and mechanical properties, though PA12 specifically absorbs much less moisture than other nylon types like PA6. FDM nylon suits gears, bearings, bushings, hinges, and functional parts that need to withstand friction, motion, and repeated stress. (263 words) - [Nickel-Iron Alloy 4J32 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-nickel-iron-alloy-4j32/index.html): Super-Invar (4J32) is a Fe-Ni-Co alloy with an even lower coefficient of thermal expansion than standard Invar 36, though this ultra-low expansion only holds within a limited range (roughly -60 °C to +80 °C). It has good plasticity and machinability similar to austenitic alloys, but poor thermal conductivity, and its composition must be tightly controlled or expansion performance degrades. Super-Invar is suitable for precision instruments, resonant cavities, standard length scales, and astronomical instrument frames. (147 words) - [Inconel 718 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/inconel-718/index.html): Inconel 718 is typically used for parts that need to perform in high-temperature applications. Commonly used within aviation, automotive and other industries that require parts of high performance and detail. (133 words) - [Magnesium AZ91D (Cast, EN-MC21120) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-magnesium-az91d-cast-en-mc21120/index.html): AZ91D is a high-purity cast magnesium-aluminum-zinc alloy (about 9% Al, 1% Zn) with tightly controlled iron, nickel, and copper content, which gives it the best corrosion resistance among common die-cast magnesium alloys, although long-term saltwater or acidic exposure still calls for a protective coating. Both strength and creep resistance drop at elevated temperature, so it isn't suited for sustained high-heat structural loads; magnesium chips are flammable and require fire-safe machining. The material is suitable for automotive housings, electronics enclosures, and power tool bodies. (178 words) - [VisiJet® M2R-TN - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/visijet-m2r-tn/index.html): VisiJet® M2R-TN is a versatile and durable material designed for 3D printing functional parts that require both strength and precision. Parts printed in VisiJet® M2R-TN feature a tan-colored finish, offering a professional industrial appearance with a matte surface. The material excels in impact resistance and dimensional accuracy, making it suitable for functional prototypes, mechanical components, and low-volume end-use parts. The color adds an aesthetic value while maintaining the high mechanical properties required for real-world applications, particularly in dental mockups, consumer products, and electronics. These parts perform reliably under mechanical stress, ensuring long-lasting durability and precision without the need for post-processing. (223 words) - [Kohlefaserverstärktes Polycarbonat - Material-Leitfaden | Craftcloud®](/content/de/material-guide/carbon-fiber-polycarbonate/index.html): Kohlefaser-Polycarbonat (PC-CF) ist mit geschnittenen Kohlefasern verstärkt, wodurch sich die Steifigkeit, die Hitzebeständigkeit und die Formstabilität im Vergleich zu Standard-PC deutlich erhöhen. PC-CF eignet sich für Vorrichtungen, Halterungen, Konstruktionshalterungen, Drohnenrahmen und Automobilkomponenten, bei denen Steifigkeit und Hitzebeständigkeit von entscheidender Bedeutung sind. (158 words) - [Recycled rPLA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/recycled-rpla/index.html): Recycled rPLA is made by reprocessing post-consumer or post-industrial PLA waste, reducing the need for new raw material and decreasing waste. Its mechanical properties are generally close to virgin PLA, though tensile strength and especially impact resistance can be somewhat lower depending on the source material and how many times it's been reprocessed. As with other recycled filaments, batch-to-batch color can vary since different sources are often mixed together. Recycled rPLA suits prototypes, decorative models, and general-purpose parts where standard PLA would normally be used, with the same brittleness and low heat resistance as virgin PLA. (272 words) - [Castable Wax Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/castable-wax-resin/index.html): Castable wax resin is a hybrid material that blends a significant proportion of actual wax – commonly ranging from around 20% up to 60–80% by weight – into a photopolymer resin base. This gives it burnout behavior notably closer to pure castable wax than standard plastic-based castable resin can achieve, while still printing on standard SLA or DLP resin printers rather than requiring specialized wax-jetting equipment. Higher wax content generally produces cleaner burnout and less ash, though it can also reduce the model's strength and rigidity before casting. Castable wax resin suits fine jewelry, delicate filigree, and detailed lattice structures where clean burnout matters but specialized wax-printing equipment isn't required. (219 words) - [Gold - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/gold/index.html): This precious material is used in high-end jewelry like earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Gold is 3D printed in multiple steps. First, it is 3D printed in a high-resolution wax. A mold of liquid plaster is then made using the wax model, and afterwards, that is injection-molded. (160 words) - [Tool Steel A2 (Annealed, 1.2363) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-tool-steel-a2-annealed-12363/index.html): Tool steel A2 (annealed) is a versatile air-hardening steel known for its excellent dimensional stability, toughness, and moderate wear resistance. In the annealed state, it is softened, making it easier to machine, mill, or drill while retaining the ability to be heat-treated later for high hardness and strength. This makes it ideal for CNC machining of precision components, jigs, fixtures, dies, and molds. Its predictable behavior under machining and its capacity for subsequent hardening make it a preferred choice for applications requiring both manufacturing flexibility and high-performance end-use properties. (216 words) - [Stainless Steel 17-4 PH (1.4542) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-stainless-steel-17-4-ph-14542/index.html): Stainless steel 17-4 PH is a high-strength, precipitation-hardened alloy that combines excellent mechanical properties with good corrosion resistance. It is significantly stronger than standard stainless steels like 304, making it ideal for applications where high strength, wear resistance, and dimensional stability are critical. This material performs well in demanding environments, including those with moderate heat, moisture, and stress. Stainless steel 17-4 PH is commonly used in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial tooling applications for components such as shafts, fixtures, housings, and structural parts. It machines well in its solution-annealed state and can be heat-treated to achieve higher hardness levels. (226 words) - [FDM TPU-ESD - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/fdm-tpu-esd/index.html): TPU-ESD a flexible material which has an electrical resistance of approximately 3.9 Ω-cm. The material is suitable for low current applications such as wearable devices and other flexible electronics applications that require protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD). The flexibility varies based on the infill amount. (149 words) - [Acetal (POM-C) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-acetal-pom-c/index.html): CNC machined acetal (POM-C) is a versatile engineering thermoplastic favored for its superior balance of strength, stiffness, and tribological properties. As a copolymer, it provides better thermal stability and chemical resistance than its homopolymer (Delrin) counterparts, specifically resisting centerline porosity. Its naturally low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance make it excellent for moving mechanical assemblies. With near-zero moisture absorption, it maintains tight tolerances in humid environments. Common use cases include gears, valves, and food-processing components. (205 words) - [Food Safe Metal Detectable SLS Nylon PA12 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/food-safe-metal-detectable-sls-nylon-pa12/index.html): SLS food safe metal detectable nylon PA12 is PA12 blended with metal particles and a blue colorant: The metal lets food-industry metal detectors and X-ray inspection find broken fragments, and the blue color makes them visible by eye. Powders of this type are certified for food contact (for example under EC 1935/2004 and FDA 21 CFR), but certification covers the material, not automatically every finished part, and detection should be confirmed independently. SLS food safe metal detectable nylon PA12 is a good option for parts and tooling used on food production lines. (257 words) - [SLS PEKK-CF - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-pekk-cf/index.html): SLS PEKK-CF is PEKK (polyetherketoneketone) reinforced with carbon fiber. The fiber makes it roughly 60% stiffer than unfilled laser-sintered PEKK, with modest strength gains, and heat deflection reaches about 200 °C under load and 275 °C under light load. It has good chemical resistance. Elongation is only about 1%, so parts are rigid and brittle, and strength is lower across the layers. SLS PEKK-CF is well suited to rigid, heat-exposed components for aerospace and mobility applications. (222 words) - [Spectroplast® TrueSil - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/spectroplast-truesil/index.html): Spectroplast TrueSil is an industrial-grade, 3D-printable LSR (liquid silicone rubber) known for its exceptional flexibility, biocompatibility, and long-term durability. Unlike thermoplastic elastomers (TPE or TPU), TrueSil elastomers are made of 100% pure silicone and fulfill market standards in terms of performance and surface quality. They maintain stable mechanical properties across a wide temperature range from -50 °C to +200 °C. The material provides excellent elongation at break, rebound elasticity, and resistance to UV, ozone, and aging. TrueSil is certified for skin and food contact applications (ISO 10993 and USP Class VI), making it suitable for both medical and consumer-grade products. It's frequently used for seals, gaskets, cushioning components, wearable devices, prosthetics, and other parts requiring soft-touch functionality and repeated deformation. (263 words) - [Multicolor ASA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/multicolor-asa/index.html): Multicolor FDM ASA prints deliver visually dynamic parts without sacrificing ASA’s high UV resistance, weatherability, and mechanical strength. Multi-extrusion allows precise color boundaries and layered accents, making models both aesthetically striking and highly durable. While ASA requires careful thermal control to print, it produces tough, rigid parts that withstand long-term outdoor exposure. This process is ideal for outdoor signage, automotive prototypes, drone components, and weather-resistant functional parts. (198 words) - [Anti-Static Resin-ESD - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/anti-static-resin-esd/index.html): Anti-static resin (ESD) is a specialized photopolymer formulated to provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for components used around sensitive electronics. The material produces rigid, high-precision parts with a uniform matte surface and excellent feature resolution. Its formulation incorporates conductive additives that create a controlled surface resistivity range, allowing the finished parts to safely dissipate electrical charges without generating sparks or damaging electronic assemblies. Despite its conductive properties, the resin maintains strong dimensional stability, low shrinkage, and clean edge definition, making it suitable for housings, jigs, brackets, grippers, trays, sensor mounts, and production tooling used in electronics manufacturing environments. The material is engineered for mechanical strength, thermal stability, and consistent electrical performance, though it is generally less flexible and slightly more brittle than standard engineering resins due to filler content. Overall, ESD anti-static resin provides a reliable combination of precision, rigidity, and electrostatic protection, making it ideal for functional components in ESD-safe workspaces, automation systems, and electronic assembly workflows. (279 words) - [Glass Fiber PEEK - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/glass-fiber-peek/index.html): Glass fiber PEEK provides improved creep strength and dimensional stability along with a high level of mechanical strength and rigidity. It offers outstanding resistance to a broad range of chemicals, including automotive fluids, is insoluble in all common solvents, and is Inherently flame resistant. These properties make this material suitable for use in parts which are exposed to high static loads over long periods in high temperature conditions. It is less suitable for bearing or wear applications. (212 words) - [Recycled rASA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/recycled-rasa/index.html): Recycled rASA is made by reprocessing post-consumer or post-industrial ASA waste, reducing the need for new raw material and reducing waste. ASA is less commonly recycled than PLA, ABS, or PETG. It generally retains ASA's core strength: UV and weather resistance, holding up in outdoor conditions that would degrade standard ABS. As with other recycled filaments, batch-to-batch color can vary since different sources are often mixed together. Recycled rASA suits outdoor enclosures, automotive exterior parts, and garden or furniture components where standard ASA would normally be used. (213 words) - [Ceramic Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/ceramic-resin/index.html): Ceramic resin is a specialized photopolymer formulated with glass- or ceramic-filled particles, designed to deliver exceptional rigidity, thermal stability, and precision. The material cures into a dense, stiff, low-shrink polymer matrix, providing mechanical behavior closer to technical ceramics or fiber-reinforced composites than standard resins. Thanks to its high stiffness, low thermal expansion, and resistance to deformation under heat, ceramic resin is well suited for heat-resistant fixtures, molds, tooling, jigs, precision housings, and dimensional test components. Its content enhances both surface hardness and compressive strength, making it ideal for structural applications that require stability and rigidity. Although the material is more brittle than engineering resins, it offers superior accuracy and detail, especially for finely featured or load-bearing shapes. Ceramic resin parts may be further post-baked or kiln-fired (depending on the manufacturer) to increase density and ceramic-like performance, though many users rely solely on standard UV post-curing. Overall, ceramic resin combines engineering-grade stiffness, high detail resolution, and heat performance, making it a strong choice for industrial and precision applications requiring ceramic-like behavior from an LCD-printed part. (292 words) - [Material Guide for Black color | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/color/black/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (641 words) - [Elastomeric Polyurethane - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/elastomeric-polyurethane/index.html): Elastomeric Polyurethane is a rubbery, stretchable material with a shore hardness of 68A and exhibits elastic behavior through a wide range of temperatures. EPU is useful for demanding applications where high elasticity, impact, and tear resistance are needed. This material is perfect for the use in gaskets, grommets, and flexible watertight seals. (151 words) - [SLS PEEK - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-peek/index.html): SLS PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic in the PEEK family, with tensile strength of 80–100 MPa, a density of about 1.2-1.3 g/cm³, and heat deflection of up to about 165 °C under load. As printed, SLS PEEK parts exhibit a light tan to beige matte finish with the fine micro-granular texture characteristic of high-temperature sintering. The material's inherent stability ensures excellent dimensional accuracy, low creep, and reliable performance under continuous loads. It resists most solvents, fuels, and oils but not concentrated sulfuric or nitric acid or halogens, and it has poor UV resistance. SLS PEEK is well suited to brackets, housings, and bushings that face heat, solvents, or fuels. (220 words) - [PET - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pet/index.html): PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a durable thermoplastic widely used in FDM 3D printing for functional and semi-structural parts. It combines good mechanical strength with chemical resistance and low moisture absorption compared to many other common filaments. PET prints typically show strong layer bonding, reducing the risk of delamination under load. The material offers good impact resistance and maintains dimensional stability across moderate temperature ranges. Its surface finish is usually smooth with a slight sheen, depending on print settings. PET is less brittle than PLA and generally easier to print than more advanced engineering polymers, making it a practical option for brackets, housings, mechanical fixtures, and general-purpose functional components. (218 words) - [PHA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pha/index.html): PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) filament is a biodegradable type of plastic used in 3D printing, made through the fermentation of plant sugars by bacteria. It's known for being environmentally friendly, making it a great choice for applications that require biodegradability, such as disposable items and medical implants. PHA is more flexible and has better UV resistance compared to PLA, making it suitable for outdoor use. It also degrades more easily in natural environments than ABS, offering a greener alternative without the need for special conditions or toxic chemicals for breakdown. (225 words) - [Castable Wax - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/castable-wax/index.html): Castable wax is composed almost entirely of wax, closely matching the burnout behavior jewelers and casters have relied on with traditional hand-carved wax patterns. It typically requires specialized wax-jetting printers rather than standard resin printers, which makes it more expensive than resin-based alternatives. In exchange, it offers the cleanest possible burnout with essentially no ash residue, along with excellent surface finish and fine detail reproduction. Castable wax suits high-end jewelry, intricate filigree, and precision castings where the truest possible wax-like results justify the added cost and specialized equipment. (207 words) - [ULTEM 9085 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/ultem-9085/index.html): ULTEM 9085 is a flame-retardant high-performance thermoplastic for digital manufacturing and rapid prototyping. It is ideal for the transportation industry due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and its FST (flame, smoke, and toxicity) rating. ULTEM 9085 allows design and manufacturing engineers to produce fully functional parts that are ideal for advanced functional prototypes or end-use parts without the cost or lead time of traditional tooling. It has a lower resistance to chemicals but is highly retardant to flames (UL94 V-0 compliant). (214 words) - [Material Guide for SLA manufacturing process | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/printing-method/sla/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (524 words) - [Metal-Filled PLA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/metal-filled-pla/index.html): The composition of metal-filled PLA can differ a lot so that it can be split up in various finishes. Higher metal content means more brittle, higher density, and better polishing capabilities. (160 words) - [FDM TPU - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/fdm-tpu/index.html): TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) spans a wide hardness range, from soft, highly stretchable formulations around Shore A50 to firmer, semi-rigid grades up to Shore D70 that behave more like tough plastics than classic rubber. Across this range, TPU generally offers good abrasion resistance, resists oils, greases, and many common solvents, and retains flexibility in low temperatures where more brittle plastics can fail. Softer grades suit gaskets, seals, and wearable parts that need to stretch and flex repeatedly, while firmer grades suit protective cases, hinges, and components that need only slight give under load. (258 words) - [Tough Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/tough-resin/index.html): Tough resin is a photopolymer engineered to resist impact and mechanical stress better than standard general-purpose resin. Standard resin is stiff and detailed but brittle, prone to cracking under sudden force. Tough resin trades away some of that stiffness and tensile strength in exchange for noticeably higher elongation at break, which allows parts to flex somewhat before failing rather than shattering. The exact balance varies meaningfully between manufacturers, as some formulations prioritize a more moderate toughness gain while retaining more rigidity, and others push elongation and impact resistance much further at a greater cost to stiffness. Tough resin suits functional prototypes, snap-fit enclosures, brackets, clips, and mechanical assemblies that need to survive handling, impact, or repeated use without breaking. (318 words) - [Material Guide for Steels category | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/material-group/steels/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (1,207 words) - [PLA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pla/index.html): PLA (polylactic acid) is a thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch, which sets it apart from most other common 3D printing plastics, which are petroleum-based. It is notably rigid, with tensile strength that holds up well under static loads and excellent dimensional accuracy, but it's also brittle. It tends to crack or snap rather than bend under sudden stress or impact, and it softens once temperatures climb past roughly 50-60 °C. PLA is a good choice for prototypes, display models, and low-stress mechanical parts like jigs or fixtures. (480 words) - [Material Guide for Composites category | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/material-group/composites/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (995 words) - [HP® MJF Nylon PA12 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/hp-mjf-nylon-pa12/index.html): HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology is a new printing process that uses special fusing and detailing agents in combination with heat lamps to fuse particles in a bed of powder. Each new layer is fused to the last in order to produce parts with a tensile strength in the Z-axis that is comparable to that in the XY-plane. Resulting models have excellent mechanical properties, with a strength and density exceeding that of parts produced using other powder-based technologies. The strength and heat resistance makes it an excellent choice for functional parts, such as components for drones, mounts, and gears. Thin walls are flexible, which makes nylon great for living hinges and compliant mechanisms. The surface can be post-processed to be smooth and semi-glossy, which makes this material great for visual prototypes and home decor. (280 words) - [Material Guide for filters.technology.3d_printing technology | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/technology/3d-printing/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (7,599 words) - [Somos® Evolve - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/somos-evolve/index.html): Somos Evolve is a superb choice of material for tough and detailed prototypes. The material strikes a balance between strength, print accuracy, and fine detail. This liquid polymer is 3D printed on industrial grade 3D printers using a process called Stereolithography, resulting in remarkable print quality. It is generally used for fixtures, jigs and durable prototypes. (208 words) - [Aluminum Alloy 6061 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/aluminum-alloy-6061/index.html): Aluminum Alloy 6061 used in Selective Laser Melting (SLM) combines lightweight performance with high strength and good corrosion resistance, making it a versatile material for industrial and engineering applications. In its additively manufactured form, 6061 delivers excellent dimensional accuracy, fine feature detail, and consistent mechanical properties after heat treatment. The alloy maintains strong fatigue resistance, good thermal conductivity, and stable behavior under load, allowing it to be used for functional prototypes, structural components, housings, brackets, and aerospace-grade parts. Compared to cast or wrought 6061, SLM-produced parts achieve high density and improved geometrical freedom, enabling the creation of lightweight designs that cannot be produced through traditional methods. Post-processing operations such as machining, anodizing, or shot peening are commonly applied to achieve final performance and surface quality. Overall, 6061 for SLM provides an excellent balance of strength, machinability, corrosion resistance, and weight reduction, making it a popular choice for advanced engineering applications. (268 words) - [Somos® Taurus - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/somos-taurus/index.html): Somos Taurus is a new addition to the Somos family which can be printed via SLA. This new material has applications for parts used in high-performance activities such as aerospace and the automotive industry. It is a great material for customized end use parts and demanding functional prototypes. (187 words) - [PETG - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/petg/index.html): PETG is made by modifying polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with glycol, which makes it notably more impact-resistant while avoiding the brittleness that can affect standard PET. Compared to PLA, PETG offers greater durability and flexibility, which makes it the better choice for parts that need to withstand everyday handling, stress, or impact. It also holds up well against moisture and many common chemicals. PETG suits moderate outdoor or shaded use, but prolonged direct sun exposure can cause gradual yellowing; for parts that need long-term UV durability, ASA would be the better fit. PETG is a good choice for protective enclosures, storage containers, and mounting brackets. (256 words) - [SLS Nylon PA12 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-nylon-pa12/index.html): Nylon PA12 (polyamide 12) is a tough, well-balanced engineering plastic. It is strong enough for functional parts when thick, yet flexible in thin sections for snap-fits and living hinges. It absorbs very little moisture (among the lowest of any nylon), has good chemical resistance, and begins to soften under load at around 85 °C. Parts are slightly porous and not watertight by default, so it isn't a reliable choice for holding liquids or gases under pressure. Nylon PA12 is well suited to functional prototypes, snap-fit enclosures, living hinges, and end-use parts like clips, ducts, and brackets. (305 words) - [Glass Fiber ULTEM 1010 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/glass-fiber-ultem-1010/index.html): Glass-fiber reinforced ULTEM 1010 PEI (Polyetherimide) is a high-performance thermoplastic composite known for its outstanding strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. The addition of glass fibers to ULTEM 1010 enhances its mechanical properties, including increased stiffness, dimensional stability, and improved strength-to-weight ratio. This material retains its properties over a wide temperature range and exhibits excellent flame retardancy and low smoke emission, making it suitable for aerospace, automotive, and electrical/electronic applications. Its superior strength and rigidity, combined with inherent PEI characteristics, make it ideal for advanced engineering applications where durability and performance in harsh environments are essential. (243 words) - [HP® MJF Nylon PA11 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/hp-mjf-nylon-pa11/index.html): PA11 is a bio-derived material with exceptionally high toughness. This material has the particularity of offering high ductility and impact strength for all applications. It is also a sustainable material, making it appropriate for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. (241 words) - [MoldJet® 316L Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/moldjet-316l-steel/index.html): The MoldJet® technology involves a mold from a liquid photopolymer, which is then filled with 316L steel powder. After the powder is deposited, the mold is cured and the metal is sintered, resulting in a solid metal part. This method allows for high-resolution, complex geometries with good surface finishes. 316L stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and strength, is well-suited for this technology, making it ideal for applications in harsh environments or where intricate designs are required. MoldJet's innovative approach combines the precision of mold-based manufacturing with the flexibility of 3D printing, offering an efficient and high-quality option for producing 316L steel parts. (180 words) - [Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-stainless-steel-304-14301/index.html): Stainless steel 304 is a strong, corrosion-resistant metal commonly used for high-precision mechanical and structural parts. It offers excellent durability, weldability, and dimensional stability, making it ideal for demanding environments. This material is widely used in automotive, aerospace, industrial, and consumer applications due to its reliable performance and resistance to oxidation, chemicals, and moisture. Stainless steel 304 is a versatile choice for functional components such as brackets, enclosures, fasteners, and machine parts. (192 words) - [Brass C360 (CW603N) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-brass-c360-cw603n/index.html): Brass C360, also known as free-cutting brass, is a highly machinable copper-zinc alloy, ideal for precision machining. It is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in water and mild chemical environments. C360 offers good strength and conductivity, making it suitable for parts that require high wear resistance, excellent machinability, and smooth surfaces. It is commonly used in automotive components, electrical connectors, fittings, valves, and gears. Its ease of machining makes it a preferred choice for mass production and complex parts where fast machining and high precision are required. (198 words) - [Aluminum 5052 (EN AW-5052) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-aluminum-5052-en-aw-5052/index.html): Aluminum 5052 is a versatile, durable alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance and high fatigue strength. As a non-heat-treatable aluminum, it performs well in applications where strength and environmental resistance are critical. Its good workability makes it well-suited for CNC machining and precision manufacturing of complex parts. 5052’s resistance to saltwater corrosion makes it ideal for marine use, while its high strength-to-weight ratio is valued in aerospace and automotive industries. It’s also used in consumer electronics and architectural applications due to its clean finish and anodization capability. Its reliability and adaptability make it a go-to material for both demanding and everyday uses. (233 words) - [Recycled rABS - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/recycled-rabs/index.html): Recycled rABS is made by reprocessing post-consumer or post-industrial ABS waste, therefore reducing the need for new raw material and reducing waste. Unlike some recycled plastics, ABS tends to retain its mechanical properties well through the recycling process, with most research showing only minimal changes compared to virgin ABS, particularly for material that hasn't been through many recycling cycles. It generally shares standard ABS's impact resistance and heat tolerance, along with the same UV sensitivity and yellowing risk in prolonged sunlight. As with other recycled filaments, batch-to-batch color can vary since different sources are often mixed together. Recycled rABS suits functional prototypes, enclosures, and general-purpose parts where standard ABS would normally be used. (258 words) - [Nylon PA12 CCF - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/nylon-pa12-ccf/index.html): Printed with a new co-extrusion technology, PA CCF results in a strong, lightweight print. The print can be used in high demanding applications and can replace metals in many cases. Smoothed nylon PA12 is used to print the surface perimeter of the part to give it a smooth texture while nylon PA12 reinforced with continuous carbon fiber is printed inside the part as another layer of perimeter and infill. The perimeter layers, infill pattern, and density, can be customized as per the requirements of the end part. A standard print will consist of four plastic perimeter layers followed by two composite perimeter layers and the infill percentage of your choosing (in the next step) with an Isogrid pattern. To customize these settings, feel free to add your requirements in the production note and we'll get back to you. (272 words) - [Elastic Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/elastic-resin/index.html): Elastic resin is formulated to be soft and stretchy like silicone rubber, typically ranging from Shore 50A to 65A; it's notably softer than flexible resin's firmer ~80A range. It combines high elongation at break, often well over 100%, with good tear resistance and quick rebound, letting parts compress, stretch, and flex repeatedly without tearing or losing their shape. This sets it apart from flexible resin, which holds some rigidity and a firmer, soft-touch feel rather than true rubber-like softness. Elastic resin suits ergonomic grips and handles, wearable components like straps and bands, compressible buttons, gaskets and seals, and soft-touch prototypes that need to mimic molded silicone or rubber parts. (248 words) - [Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-polycarbonate/index.html): Carbon fiber polycarbonate (PC-CF) reinforces polycarbonate with chopped carbon fiber, meaningfully increasing stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability over standard PC. PC-CF suits jigs, fixtures, structural brackets, drone frames, and automotive components where rigidity and heat resistance matter most. (177 words) - [en/material-guide/color/orange/index.html](/content/en/material-guide/color/orange/index.html) (1,541 words) - [Zinc Alloy - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-zinc-alloy/index.html): CNC machined zinc alloy is a versatile metal material known for its excellent machinability, good strength, and reliable corrosion resistance. Zinc alloys are widely used in precision manufacturing due to their ability to produce accurate geometries, smooth surfaces, and consistent dimensional performance. Zinc alloys provide good resistance to corrosion in atmospheric environments and maintain stable performance over time. They also offer good wear resistance and are well suited for components requiring tight tolerances and repeatable production. In addition, zinc alloys can be easily plated, coated, or polished to improve surface appearance or enhance corrosion protection. (184 words) - [FDM PEBA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/fdm-peba/index.html): PEBA (Polyether Block Amide) is a high-performance flexible material often called "Super TPU" because it combines the tough, chemical-resistant properties of nylon with the elastic bounce of rubber. Unlike standard flexible filaments that simply dampen impact, PEBA acts like a spring, storing energy and returning it with an instant "snap-back" effect. This energy return – often reaching up to 78-85% – makes it the go-to choice for dynamic parts like drone bumpers, robotic grippers, and high-performance athletic gear. Beyond its springy nature, PEBA is exceptionally lightweight, often weighing 15-20% less than standard TPU, which is critical for aerospace or wearable technology. It is also remarkably resilient in extreme conditions, maintaining its flexibility in freezing temperatures as low as -60 °C where other plastics would become brittle and snap. While it requires a bit more care to print than basic filaments, PEBA offers a professional-grade solution for functional parts that need to survive repeated stress, harsh chemicals, and intense impacts without losing their shape. (296 words) - [Material Guide for Yellow color | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/color/yellow/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (2,072 words) - [Multicolor ABS - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/multicolor-abs/index.html): Multicolor FDM ABS prints deliver well-defined color combinations without sacrificing ABS's impact resistance, heat tolerance, and post-processing versatility. Multi-extrusion allows precise color boundaries and layered accents, making models both visually distinct and mechanically robust. ABS is prone to warping and needs a heated, enclosed print environment to produce multicolor parts reliably, but it rewards that extra care with tough, heat-resistant parts that can be sanded, glued, or acetone-vapor smoothed after printing. This multicolor option is ideal for enclosures, mechanical housings, automotive interior components, and functional prototypes that need color-coded clarity alongside long-term durability. (225 words) - [Pure Iron DT4 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-pure-iron-dt4/index.html): Pure Iron DT4 is the base grade of China's GB/T 6983 electromagnetic pure iron series (DT4, DT4A, DT4E, DT4C, in ascending magnetic quality), with carbon content below 0.04% and iron purity above 99.85%. Its defining trait is soft-magnetic behavior – low coercivity, high permeability, no magnetic aging – rather than mechanical strength, so it isn't a general structural material. Full magnetic performance requires a post-machining magnetic annealing step. It is well suited to DC electromagnetic relays, solenoids, magnetic clutches, and magnetic shielding components. (159 words) - [PLA-ESD - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pla-esd/index.html): PLA-ESD (electrostatic discharge) as a 3D printing material is used around all electrostatically sensitive components. This includes almost all electrical, electronic and optoelectronic as well as numerous electromechanical components. The PLA-ESD filament guarantees the safe and controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges due to its dissipative (energy-absorbing) properties. Mechanical properties remain similar to those of standard PLA. (157 words) - [Accura® ClearVue - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/accura-clearvue/index.html): Accura® ClearVue is a clear, colorless resin with low water absorption. As produced, parts are clear but show fine layer lines, and near-glass transparency requires finishing. It is hard and fairly strong but brittle, and softens at only about 41–51 °C, so it isn't suited to hot environments or structural loads. Accura® ClearVue is a good option for headlamp and lens models, fluid-flow visualization, and transparent assemblies. (203 words) - [Inkbit® TEPU 50A - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/inkbit-tepu-50a/index.html): TEPU 50A by Inkbit® is a soft, flexible polyurethane material engineered for applications requiring high elasticity and durability. With a Shore hardness of 50A, it offers a rubber-like feel and is ideal for soft-touch parts and components that undergo repeated stress. Printed using Inkbit’s Vision-Controlled Jetting (VCJ) technology, TEPU 50A delivers smooth surfaces and precise detail, even on complex geometries. It combines high elongation, tear resistance, and low compression set, ensuring parts maintain performance under dynamic loads. Suitable for seals, cushioning, wearable devices, and soft robotics, it provides reliable, repeatable results for both prototyping and end-use applications. (196 words) - [Rigid Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/rigid-resin/index.html): Rigid resin is reinforced with glass to offer very high stiffness and a polished finish, with mechanical properties often compared to PEEK and other glass-filled engineering thermoplastics. It's highly resistant to deformation over time under sustained load, and its stiffness allows for thinner walls and finer features than most other resins support. This comes with a trade-off: Due to its high stiffness, rigid resin is more brittle than tough or durable resin, so it isn't the right choice for parts that need to absorb sudden impact. Rigid resin suits housings, fixtures, jigs, and structural components that need to hold a precise shape under load without bending. (251 words) - [Carbon Fiber PEKK - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-pekk/index.html): Carbon-reinforced PEKK contains short carbon fibers, which make the material even stiffer and stronger than normal PEKK. Thermal properties remain similar to normal PEKK. (131 words) - [HP® 3D HR PA 12 W - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/hp-3d-hr-pa-12-w/index.html): HP® 3D HR PA 12 W is a versatile, high-performance nylon material optimized for Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) printing. It delivers strong, dimensionally stable parts with excellent impact, fatigue, and chemical resistance, suitable for functional prototypes, end-use components, and assemblies. Its high reusability reduces waste while maintaining consistent part quality, and its natural white color allows for easy post-processing or dyeing. Applications include housings, jigs and fixtures, industrial components, and functional prototypes. (212 words) - [SLS Nylon PA11 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-nylon-pa11/index.html): Nylon PA11 is a bio-based polyamide made from castor oil, valued for its ductility and impact resistance. It stretches roughly 30–45% before breaking and stays tough across a wide temperature range, including in the cold. Under load it softens at lower temperatures than PA12 (roughly 50–70 °C). Nylon PA11 is a good option for snap-fits, living hinges, impact-absorbing parts, and wearable or orthotic components. (261 words) - [ABS-ESD - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/abs-esd/index.html): ABS-ESD is ABS with a conductive additive, so static charge drains away gradually instead of building up. Stiffness and tensile strength are broadly similar to standard ABS, but ductility and impact strength drop, and ESD performance can vary with part geometry. ABS-ESD is commonly used for electronics enclosures, jigs and fixtures, and handling tools around static-sensitive components. (195 words) - [Castable Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/castable-resin/index.html): Castable resin is composed of synthetic acrylate or epoxy-based polymers formulated to burn out completely at controlled rates, leaving minimal ash residue so molten metal can fill the void a pattern leaves behind. Unlike standard general-purpose resin, which leaves significant ash and expands aggressively when heated – often cracking the investment mold – castable resin is specifically engineered for low thermal expansion and clean combustion. It is generally more affordable than wax-based casting materials, though it doesn't replicate true wax's burnout behavior quite as closely. Castable resin suits jewelry, small metal parts, and precision components produced through investment casting. (219 words) - [Inkbit® Titan Tough Epoxy 85 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/inkbit-titan-tough-epoxy-85/index.html): Inkbit® Titan Tough Epoxy is a high-performance, industrial-grade material formulated to deliver superior strength, durability, and versatility across a wide range of applications. Renowned for its exceptional bonding capabilities, Titan Tough Epoxy has a smooth and glossy finish, giving the epoxy a shiny and polished appearance. This makes it ideal for applications where a clean, professional look is desired. (191 words) - [Carbon Fiber ULTEM 9085 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-ultem-9085/index.html): Carbon-reinforced ULTEM 9085 contains short carbon fibers, which make the material even stiffer and stronger than normal ULTEM 9085. Thermal properties remain similar to normal ULTEM 9085. (150 words) - [PC/PTFE - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pcptfe/index.html): PC/PTFE is a high-performance polycarbonate-based composite designed to bridge the gap between structural strength and surface functionality. By integrating PTFE, this material achieves significantly reduced wear and friction while maintaining the high mechanical resistance of PC. It features low linear processing shrinkage (0.6%) and very strong interlayer lamination. This makes it a premier choice for manufacturing functional mechanical components, such as bearings, gears, and sliding elements that require high heat resistance and durability. (164 words) - [PVC - Material-Leitfaden | Craftcloud®](/content/de/material-guide/pvc/index.html): PVC-Filament, bekannt für seine Langlebigkeit und Feuchtigkeitsbeständigkeit, ist ein vielseitiges Material im 3D-Druck. Es wird bevorzugt für die Herstellung robuster Prototypen, Außenbeschilderungen und wasserfester Komponenten verwendet. Anwender sollten jedoch auf giftige Dämpfe beim Erhitzen und die begrenzte Hitzebeständigkeit achten. PVC ist elektrisch isolierend und chemikalienbeständig, aber nicht biologisch abbaubar. Seine vielfältigen Einsatzmöglichkeiten und sein günstiger Preis machen es zu einer beliebten Wahl, doch verantwortungsvoller Umgang und eine verantwortungsvolle Abfallentsorgung sind unerlässlich. (188 words) - [Carbon Fiber PPS - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-pps/index.html): Carbon fiber PPS combines a semi-crystalline PPS base with carbon fiber reinforcement, significantly increasing tensile strength and stiffness while improving dimensional stability. It maintains mechanical integrity at elevated temperatures – up to a 220-260 °C range depending on formulation – and offers exceptional resistance to fuels, solvents, and acids under normal operating conditions, a level of chemical resistance rivaled among plastics only by PTFE. Unfilled PPS is inherently flame retardant and reliably achieves a UL94 V-0 rating without additives; however, whether the carbon-fiber-reinforced grade retains this exact rating can vary by manufacturer. Its low moisture absorption and strong stiffness-to-weight ratio make it a compelling lightweight option for tooling, though its moderate impact toughness makes it more brittle than materials like nylon or polycarbonate, especially in thin-walled or stress-concentrated designs. Carbon fiber PPS suits industrial jigs and fixtures, high-temperature tooling, and rigid structural components in electronics or automotive applications. (275 words) - [PEEK - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/peek/index.html): PEEK (polyether ether ketone) is one of the highest-performing thermoplastics available for FDM printing, with a glass transition temperature around 143 °C and a melting point above 334 °C – well beyond ABS, PC, or nylon composites. Unlike many reinforced composites, PEEK combines high strength and stiffness with genuinely good impact resistance and wear resistance, rather than trading one for the other. It offers outstanding resistance to acids, bases, and organic solvents, is inherently flame retardant with very low smoke generation, and is biocompatible enough for use in medical implants and surgical instruments. These properties come at a significant cost premium over standard engineering plastics. PEEK suits aerospace components, medical devices, and industrial parts like bearings, seals, and gears that need to perform reliably in extreme conditions. (270 words) - [Flame Retardant Polycarbonate - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/flame-retardant-polycarbonate/index.html): Flame retardant polycarbonate (PC-FR) is standard polycarbonate formulated with flame-retardant additives to reliably achieve a UL94 V-0 rating – self-extinguishing within 10 seconds without flaming drips. This formulation can retain PC's core strength, impact resistance, and heat tolerance, although flame-retardant additives can generally reduce toughness in some polymer systems. PC-FR is well suited to electrical housings, connectors, and components near heat-generating equipment where both fire safety and mechanical performance matter. (197 words) - [Material Guide for Engineering Plastics category | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/material-group/engineering-plastics/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (1,634 words) - [Material Guide for Functional Resins category | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/material-group/functional-resins/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (918 words) - [Multicolor PLA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/multicolor-pla/index.html): Multicolor FDM prints produced with two or more PLA filaments create visually dynamic parts that combine color variety with the strength and reliability of standard PLA. By using multi-extrusion or filament-switching techniques, these prints achieve smooth transitions or sharply defined color boundaries, depending on the design. The result is a part that maintains PLA's excellent dimensional accuracy, stiffness, and ease of printing, while adding enhanced aesthetic appeal. This method is well-suited for decorative models, brand prototypes, and educational or artistic applications that benefit from vivid, layered color effects. Multicolor PLA parts retain the same eco-friendly, low-warping properties as single-color prints, making them both durable and visually distinctive. (238 words) - [Material Guide for Flexible Plastics category | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/material-group/flexible-plastics/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (643 words) - [Material Guide for filters.technology.cnc_machining technology | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/technology/cnc-machining/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (6,328 words) - [Material Guide for White color | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/color/white/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (5,823 words) - [Material Guide for LCD manufacturing process | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/printing-method/lcd/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (844 words) - [Material Guide for Gray color | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/color/grey/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (10,767 words) - [Polycarbonate - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/polycarbonate/index.html): Polycarbonate (PC) is an engineering-grade thermoplastic that outperforms standard FDM materials on both heat resistance and impact strength. It holds its shape up to around 150 °C, well above ABS's roughly 105 °C, PETG's roughly 80 °C, and PLA's roughly 60 °C, while also resisting impact and fracture better than ABS. It's naturally transparent and resists many oils, acids, and alkalis. Without UV stabilization, PC can gradually yellow under prolonged direct sunlight, similar to ABS, so for long-term outdoor use, ASA remains the better fit. It's also not ideal for parts under continuous repeated flexing, where fatigue can lead to stress cracking over time. PC suits functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, protective covers, and parts that need to withstand both heat and impact. (257 words) - [MJF Glass-Filled Nylon PA12 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/mjf-glass-filled-nylon-pa12/index.html): MJF glass-filled nylon PA12 is standard PA12 with 40% glass beads. The glass makes it about 1.6 times stiffer than unfilled PA12 and raises heat deflection under load to about 121 °C (from roughly 95–106 °C), with properties nearly identical in every direction. The stiffness comes at a cost of reduced strength, elongation, and impact strength, so thin walls and fine features are more fragile. MJF glass-filled nylon PA12 is a good option for rigid enclosures, housings, fixtures, and tooling. (271 words) - [High-Detail Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/high-detail-resin/index.html): High-detail resin is optimized specifically for dimensional accuracy and fine feature reproduction rather than mechanical strength. Its formulation is tuned to minimize shrinkage during curing and hold crisp edges. This lets the material capture very fine surface detail, such as facial features, thin filigree, engraved text, and fabric-level texture, which coarser materials and other manufacturing processes struggle to reproduce. Like standard resin, it tends to be brittle and isn't intended for parts that need to withstand mechanical stress or impact; the priority here is visual and dimensional fidelity, not durability. High-detail resin suits miniatures, jewelry patterns, dental and anatomical models, and prototypes where capturing exact surface detail matters more than mechanical performance. (377 words) - [ASA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/asa/index.html): ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) was developed as an alternative to ABS with substantially better weather resistance. It resists the UV-driven yellowing and embrittlement that affects standard ABS over time, while offering comparable strength and impact resistance, plus somewhat better heat tolerance, holding its shape up to roughly 90 °C. ASA also resists many common chemicals, including weak acids, alkalis, and oils. For parts that are meant to be decorative or for indoor use without high exposure to UV rays, PLA or PETG might be more budget-friendly alternatives. ASA is a strong choice for automotive exterior parts, outdoor enclosures and housings, and garden or furniture components exposed to long-term sun and weather. (329 words) - [Titanium - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/titanium/index.html): Titanium (TiAl6V4) is an exceptionally strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material that has very low toxicity. It is printed by sintering titanium powder together with a laser to produce metal parts that are equally as good as machined models. (159 words) - [PVC - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pvc/index.html): PVC filament, renowned for its durability and moisture resistance, is a versatile material in 3D printing. It's favored for crafting robust prototypes, outdoor signage, and water-resistant components. However, users should be cautious of toxic fumes when heated and its limited heat tolerance. PVC is electrically insulating and resistant to chemicals, but it's not biodegradable. Its broad utility and affordability make it a popular choice, but responsible handling and waste management are essential. (203 words) - [Material Guide for Alloys category | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/material-group/alloys/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (4,341 words) - [Carbon Steel C45 (1.0503) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-carbon-steel-c45-10503/index.html): Carbon steel C45 is a medium-carbon (0.42–0.50%), non-alloy steel. It offers moderate tensile strength, higher than lower-carbon grades, for parts that need more strength than mild steel but not an alloy steel. It is most commonly supplied untreated or normalized and can be hardened by quenching and tempering or by flame or induction hardening, though through-hardening is limited to smaller sections. Its weldability is lower than that of mild steel. Typical parts include shafts, axles, spindles, studs and automotive and general engineering components. (204 words) - [High-Detail 17-4 PH Stainless Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/high-detail-17-4-ph-stainless-steel/index.html): High-Detail 17-4 PH Stainless Steel is a premium 3D printing material known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. The material was created for applications that demand intricate precision, allowing for the creation of exceptionally detailed designs and features. High-detail 17-4 PH Stainless Steel is ideal for high-performance parts and detailed designs that demand aesthetic precision and durability. (184 words) - [SLS Flexible TPE - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-flexible-tpe/index.html): SLS flexible TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a rubber-like material, usually urethane-based, available in a wide range of softness (roughly 45-90 Shore A depending on the powder). It bends and stretches to several times its length and resists repeated bending, vibration, and oils and fats, but isn't strong like rigid plastics and softens at modest temperatures (about 45-95 °C depending on the powder). SLS flexible TPE is commonly used for gaskets, vibration dampers, shoe soles and insoles, and protective covers. (234 words) - [Alumide - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/alumide/index.html): Alumide is nylon 12 filled with aluminum powder (about 50% by weight), giving parts a metallic gray appearance. Compared with standard nylon 12, it is more than twice as stiff with similar tensile strength, but much less flexible and heavier. It deflects under load at about 144 °C, well above standard nylon 12, and the aluminum makes it easier to machine, with low tool wear. Alumide is well suited to jigs and fixtures, metallic-look models, and small-run mold inserts. (229 words) - [High-Detail Bronze - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/high-detail-bronze/index.html): Bronze (90% copper, 10% tin) is great for antique looking objects, vintage jewelry, and functional parts. It has a rustic matte look, but when polished it is smooth and shiny, and it is good for less detailed miniatures and jewelry. It is an affordable metal 3D printing material and has a hard surface. (145 words) - [LithaCon 3Y 210 ZrO2 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/lithacon-3y-210-zro2/index.html): Zirconia is ideal for applications with extreme demands on the material. LithaCon has outstanding bending strength and fracture toughness while also being biocompatible. These properties, in combination with its chemical resistance even at elevated temperatures, make zirconia the perfect material for structural elements. High-end metal forming, valves, bearings, and cutting tools are some parts that can be produced with this material. The biocompatibility of zirconia also facilitates its use in medical applications, such as dental applications and as part of permanent implants. Certifications available upon request. (189 words) - [Carbon Steel 1215 (1.0736) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/cnc-carbon-steel-1215-10736/index.html): CNC machined carbon steel 1215 is a free-machining low-carbon steel specifically designed for high-speed machining and precision manufacturing. Known for its exceptional machinability, the material allows for efficient production, excellent surface finish quality, and reliable dimensional accuracy, making it well suited for high-volume and complex CNC-machined components. The material’s high sulfur content improves chip breaking and reduces tool wear, enabling faster machining speeds and consistent results. Parts produced in carbon steel 1215 typically exhibit a clean, uniform metallic appearance with fine machining marks and sharp, well-defined features that support tight tolerances and repeatable performance. Carbon steel 1215 provides moderate strength and hardness but lower ductility and weldability compared to other carbon steels. It offers limited corrosion resistance and is commonly treated with protective coatings such as plating, painting, or black oxide finishing when used in exposed environments. Typical applications include fasteners, fittings, bushings, shafts, pins, and precision mechanical components where machinability, cost efficiency, and dimensional accuracy are more important than high structural strength or corrosion resistance. (264 words) - [Inkbit® TEPU 30 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/inkbitr-tepu-30/index.html): Inkbit® TEPU 30 is a tough, elastomeric polyurethane material designed for VCJ (Vision-Controlled Jetting) 3D printing. It combines high elasticity with excellent durability, enabling the production of flexible parts with smooth surfaces and fine detail. With a Shore A hardness of 30, it offers soft, rubber-like behavior while maintaining dimensional stability and long-term resilience. TEPU 30 is ideal for applications requiring repeated flexing, compression, or cushioning, such as gaskets, seals, soft-touch grips, wearable components, and impact-absorbing parts. Its precise jetting process ensures excellent surface quality and isotropic mechanical properties without the need for extensive post-processing. (198 words) - [Color-Changing PLA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/color-changing-pla/index.html): Also known as tri-color PLA, this material changes color once the temperature exceeds 33 °C. Originally printed in black, the color transforms into orange when the temperature is between 33 °C and 45 °C. Once the temperature exceeds 45 °C, the color changes to yellow. (138 words) - [BASF® Ultrafuse 316L Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/basf-ultrafuse-316l-steel/index.html): Ultrafuse 316L is a sintered 316L stainless steel, non-magnetic. Its strength is close to annealed wrought 316L with high ductility, but its yield strength is about half that of laser-melted 316L. Ultrafuse 316L is a good option for corrosion-resistant functional parts, tooling, jigs, and fixtures. (153 words) - [SLS PEBA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-peba/index.html): SLS PEBA (polyether block amide) is a soft, flexible elastomer (about Shore D 35) that is roughly 15% lighter than SLS TPU. It combines high elasticity, good chemical resistance, and rubber-like fatigue behavior, and stays flexible and durable from about -40 °C to 90 °C. SLS PEBA is commonly used for handles, seals and gaskets, air ducts, and sports equipment. (176 words) - [PVB - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pvb/index.html): PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) is known for its excellent adhesion, transparency, and flexibility. It offers superior layer bonding, reducing the likelihood of warping or deformation during printing. It offers a smooth finish and can be post-processed with alcohol for a glossy appearance. Its flexibility and strength make it ideal for creating durable, impact-resistant objects. Common use-cases include protective gear, eyewear, and automotive parts. It can be used for applications requiring both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. (196 words) - [BioMed Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/biomed-resin/index.html): BioMed resin refers to a family of biocompatible photopolymers formulated and certified under ISO 10993 for use in medical devices, surgical guides, and healthcare components. Certification specifics – including contact type (skin, mucosal membrane, bone, or tissue), permitted contact duration (ranging from short-term to long-term depending on the formulation), and validated sterilization or disinfection methods – vary between specific products. Mechanical properties also range from rigid, high-stiffness formulations to flexible, elastomeric ones. BioMed resin suits surgical guides, medical device components, and healthcare or dental applications requiring documented biocompatibility. (209 words) - [Somos® PerFORM - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/somos-perform/index.html): This material is ideal for a variety of applications including tooling, wind tunnel testing, high temperature testing, electrical casings, and automotive housings. With the lowest viscosity of any composite stereolithography material, parts made from Somos PerFORM are faster to build, easier to post-process clean, possess superior sidewall quality, and provide unmatched detail resolution. (185 words) - [SLS Nylon PA 2200 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-nylon-pa-2200/index.html): PA 2200 is a widely used nylon 12 grade. It offers a balanced profile of strength, stiffness, and chemical resistance. Under load it softens at roughly 60-95 °C depending on the powder, far below its light-load deflection temperature (about 140-180 °C). PA 2200 works well for functional prototypes, housings, and parts with movable connections. (310 words) - [PC-Like Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pc-like-resin/index.html): PC-like resin is engineered to replicate polycarbonate's high stiffness and elevated heat deflection temperature, delivering excellent dimensional accuracy and resistance to deflection under load. Despite simulating a thermoplastic known for exceptional impact resistance, PC-like resin is actually notably more brittle than ABS-like or tough resin. The stiffness that makes it excel at holding precise geometry comes at the cost of the impact toughness real polycarbonate is known for. Heat resistance varies by specific formulation. PC-like resin suits wind-tunnel testing models, high-temperature fluid manifolds, precision jigs, and fixtures where dimensional stability under load matters more than impact resistance. (216 words) - [Material Guide for FDM manufacturing process | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/printing-method/fdm/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (2,065 words) - [FDM PMMA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/fdm-pmma/index.html): Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), commonly known as acrylic or plexiglass, is valued for its optical clarity, which makes it a strong choice for display cases, signage, or architectural models. FDM-printed PMMA doesn't fully match the clarity of cast acrylic sheet, since layer lines scatter some light, but it's among the clearest results achievable in FDM printing. PMMA is rigid and dimensionally stable, but it's also notably brittle. This is a well-known limitation, and the reason polycarbonate is often chosen instead when impact resistance is the priority. It offers reasonable resistance to many everyday chemicals, though it's soluble in certain solvents. One of PMMA's most genuine strengths is UV resistance: it holds its clarity and color well under prolonged sun exposure without yellowing; it is therefore well suited to outdoor-facing display or signage applications. (266 words) - [Carbon Fiber PLA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-pla/index.html): Carbon Fiber PLA blends standard PLA with chopped carbon fiber, substantially increasing stiffness and dimensional stability. Parts hold their shape and resist bending under load far better than standard PLA, with minimal warping during cooling. This comes at a real cost to toughness: Standard PLA is already relatively brittle, and carbon fiber reinforcement makes it more so, since the rigid fibers don't stretch or absorb impact energy the way the polymer alone can, making cracks more likely under sudden impact. Heat resistance sees only a modest improvement, and it is still well below true heat-resistant options like ABS, ASA, or nylon composites. Carbon Fiber PLA suits drone frames, mounting brackets, tooling, and structural housings that need to hold a precise shape under load without significant flexing or impact. (245 words) - [GreenTec Pro Carbon - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/greentec-pro-carbon/index.html): GreenTEC Pro Carbon is a fiber reinforced organic material and offers exceptional mechanical properties and creates very hard and stiff models that can withstand high loads while being light-weight. The fiber content also improves the heat resistance (VICAT) and the HDT value of the material under load. The material is also resistant to UV rays making it a good option for parts that need to be used outdoors. (185 words) - [High Definition Full Color - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/high-definition-full-color/index.html): The material used in this process is a curable UV resin, a full-color plaster that comes with a glossy or a sandstone surface. It is the perfect material for colorful figurines, life-like models, avatars, and other products that lend themselves to colorful, high-quality printing. When printing in this material, some variation in color shade is unavoidable, especially with difficult-to-produce colors such as browns and skin tones. You may see differences in color when looking at multiple prints of the same model side by side. (180 words) - [ULTEM 1010 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/ultem-1010/index.html): ULTEM 1010 is one of the strongest FDM thermoplastics. Possessing high heat resistance and thermal stability, it's able to withstand autoclave operations associated with sterilization and composite fabrication tooling. ULTEM 1010 offers the highest tensile strength and the highest chemical and thermal resistance of any FDM thermoplastic. (185 words) - [Standard Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/standard-resin/index.html): Standard resin is the general-purpose photopolymer most commonly used for visual models, prototypes, and detailed miniatures. It's rigid and holds fine surface detail well, but it's also quite brittle; it has relatively low elongation at break and impact resistance, so it tends to crack or shatter under sudden stress rather than flexing. This makes it a strong choice for static, detail-focused work, but a poor choice for parts that need to survive drops, snap-fits, or repeated mechanical stress. Tough resin would be the better fit there. Standard resin suits display models, miniatures, design prototypes, and visual mockups where surface finish and accuracy matter more than mechanical durability. (335 words) - [Copper - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/copper/index.html): Copper was one of the first metals mankind ever worked with. It is a precious metal with high electrical and thermal conductivity and has a coloring somewhere between pink and orange. It is also a natural antibacterial agent. (138 words) - [ABS - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/abs/index.html): ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is valued for its impact resistance and heat tolerance. It holds its shape at temperatures up to roughly 80 °C, well above PLA's limit of around 50-60 °C, which makes it the better choice when parts need to handle both mechanical stress and moderate heat. It resists many everyday chemicals, though certain solvents like acetone will dissolve it. Its UV resistance is limited, and prolonged sun exposure can cause yellowing and embrittlement, so for long-term outdoor use, ASA is the better fit. ABS is a good choice for enclosures, mechanical prototypes, and parts that need to withstand everyday handling and moderate heat. (258 words) - [17-4 PH Stainless Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/17-4-ph-stainless-steel/index.html): 17-4 PH Stainless Steel is a martensitic precipitation-hardening steel. After solution annealing and aging (H900) it reaches roughly 1,340 MPa tensile strength and about 42 HRC, while as-built parts are weaker (about 900–1,050 MPa). Corrosion resistance is comparable to 304 but below 316 in chlorides, and the strongest condition is more prone to stress corrosion cracking. It is magnetic and suited to service up to about 300 °C. 17-4 PH Stainless Steel is commonly used for pump components, surgical tools, and aerospace and chemical-processing parts. (218 words) - [Brass - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/brass/index.html): Brass is a tin brass (80% copper, 15% zinc, 5% tin) that reproduces fine detail and is a lower-cost alternative to gold and silver. When polished, brass is smooth and shiny and when unpolished, it is matte, rough, and antique in appearance. Cast brass is fairly ductile and dense, but it tarnishes and develops a patina over time and is not rated as biocompatible. Brass is a good option for jewelry, miniatures, and test pieces before committing to gold or silver. (235 words) - [Food Safe SLS Nylon PA12 - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/food-safe-sls-nylon-pa12/index.html): SLS food safe nylon PA12 is PA12 made from a powder grade certified for food contact, for example under EU 10/2011 or FDA 21 CFR rules. It keeps PA12’s balance of strength and flexibility, low water absorption, and resistance to oils, fats, and cleaning agents, but softens under load at roughly 60–90 °C depending on the powder. The certification covers the material, not automatically every finished part: surface, colorants, temperature, fat content, and contact time all matter. SLS food safe nylon PA12 is commonly used for grippers, production-line tooling, and kitchen tools. (259 words) - [Silicone Rubber - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/silicone-rubber/index.html): This material is characterized by its excellent elasticity and weather resistance, which opens up new possibilities in design evaluation. It is also resistant to temperatures up to 150 °C. (133 words) - [Material Guide for DLP manufacturing process | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/printing-method/dlp/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (872 words) - [316L Stainless Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/316l-stainless-steel/index.html): 316L Stainless Steel is a robust alloy known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and mechanical durability. It is a low-carbon austenitic stainless steel, with molybdenum for pitting and crevice resistance in chlorides and low carbon to avoid weld-related sensitization. 316L Stainless Steel is a strong choice for marine hardware, medical and surgical components, and food- and chemical-processing parts. (181 words) - [Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/aluminum-alsi10mg/index.html): AlSi10Mg is an aluminum-silicon-magnesium alloy with good thermal and electrical conductivity, used for lightweight functional parts. As built it is strong but only moderately ductile. Stress relief or heat treatment trades strength for ductility, and properties differ between horizontal and vertical orientations. AlSi10Mg is a good option for lightweight functional parts and prototypes that would otherwise be cast aluminum. (193 words) - [Bronze - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/bronze/index.html): Bronze (90% copper, 10% tin) is great for antique looking objects, vintage jewelry, and functional parts. It has a rustic matte look, but when polished it is smooth and shiny, and it is good for less detailed miniatures and jewelry. It is an affordable metal 3D printing material and has a hard surface. (183 words) - [Nylon-Like Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/nylon-like-resin/index.html): Nylon-like resin is a tough, flexible photopolymer engineered to resemble nylon's characteristic ductility, bending under stress rather than cracking, with noticeably higher elongation and impact resistance than standard resin. It occupies similar territory to tough resin, and is generally aimed at functional prototypes and mechanical parts that need to survive handling and moderate stress. It should be noted that resin is a fundamentally different chemistry from true nylon, and even nylon-like formulations tend to be more brittle and less impact-resistant than actual nylon printed via FDM or SLS. Real nylon remains the better choice for parts facing high loads, frequent impacts, or long-term wear. Nylon-like resin suits functional prototypes, snap-fit parts, and mechanical components where added flexibility and toughness matter more than fine surface detail. (291 words) - [Sterling Silver - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sterling-silver/index.html): Sterling silver is malleable when thin and can be polished for more shine, but with fewer details. It is 3D printed in multiple steps. First, it is 3D printed in a high resolution wax. A mold of liquid plaster is then made using the wax model, and afterwards, that is injection molded. (200 words) - [High-Detail 316L Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/high-detail-316l-steel/index.html): High-Detail 316L Stainless Steel is a premium 3D printing alloy characterized by its superior detail resolution. Coupled with its inherent corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity, this material is optimally suited for precision-driven, high-performance applications. (151 words) - [Wood-Filled PLA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/wood-filled-pla/index.html): Wood-filled PLA combines standard PLA with wood fiber, typically around 30% by weight, producing a natural wood-like color, texture, and grain that can be sanded, stained, and finished using traditional woodworking techniques. This unique appearance comes at a real cost to mechanical performance, since wood fibers don't bond with PLA as well as PLA bonds with itself. This makes the material more brittle and noticeably weaker than standard PLA, with lower tensile and flexural strength and less give before breaking. Unlike carbon fiber composites, wood fiber can also catch fire and burn under high heat exposure. Wood-filled PLA suits decorative models, display pieces, architectural mockups, and artistic or props work where the appearance and feel of real wood matter more than mechanical strength. (252 words) - [SLS Flexible TPU - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-flexible-tpu/index.html): SLS flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a firm, rubber-like material (Shore hardness about 86–90A) that bends and can stretch to several times its length. It is tear-resistant, resists abrasion, and absorbs shock well, but isn't strong like rigid plastics and is weaker across the layers than within them. Parts soften at around 95 °C and are best kept below ~70 °C, and sustained compression can leave a permanent set that rises sharply when warm. SLS flexible TPU is a good option for grips, handles, footwear cushioning, and protective components. (270 words) - [Carbon Fiber PPA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-ppa/index.html): Carbon fiber PPA reinforces polyphthalamide – a high-temperature nylon variant – with carbon fiber. This extends heat resistance meaningfully beyond standard carbon fiber nylon while absorbing even less moisture than PA12, therefore helping parts maintain their stiffness and dimensional stability in hot or humid environments. It offers high strength and stiffness, along with strong resistance to wear, creep, and long-term chemical exposure. As with other carbon-fiber composites, reinforcement generally comes with some reduced toughness compared to unreinforced nylon, though toughness and abrasion resistance are generally retained even at elevated temperatures. Carbon fiber PPA is a fitting choice for structural components, automotive and aerospace parts, and electronics housings operating in demanding thermal or chemical environments. (269 words) - [Carbon Fiber FDM Nylon - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-fdm-nylon/index.html): Carbon fiber nylon blends standard nylon (polyamide) with chopped carbon fiber, substantially increasing stiffness and tensile strength while raising heat resistance well above standard nylon – often into the 150-170 °C range compared to roughly 120 °C for unreinforced nylon. This comes at a real cost to toughness: Standard nylon is known for high impact resistance and the ability to bend significantly before failing, while carbon fiber nylon is notably more brittle and prone to cracking under impact, even though it's stiffer under normal loading. Like other nylons, it gradually absorbs moisture from the air, which can shift its mechanical properties somewhat over time in humid environments. It also resists many oils, alcohols, and bases. Carbon fiber nylon is a good choice for drone frames, dimensional jigs, and stiff structural brackets where rigidity and heat resistance matter more than impact resistance. (287 words) - [Transparent Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/transparent-resin/index.html): Transparent resin is formulated to be optically clear, but achieving true glass-like transparency typically requires sanding, polishing, or a clear coating beyond the as-printed state. Without this finishing work, layer lines scatter light and give parts a frosted appearance similar to translucent resin. Some clear resins are also prone to yellowing with prolonged UV or sunlight exposure. This makes transparent resin the right choice when a part needs to be seen through clearly, while translucent resin is the better fit when soft light diffusion is the actual goal, or when the extra finishing work isn't worth it for the application. Transparent resin suits optical components, internal mechanisms and fluid channels that need visual inspection, and prototypes simulating glass or clear plastic parts. (262 words) - [Carbon Fiber ASA - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-asa/index.html): Carbon fiber ASA blends standard ASA with chopped carbon fiber, roughly doubling stiffness and lowering thermal expansion, which helps parts hold their shape under temperature swings. Unlike many carbon-fiber composites where reinforcement typically trades away some impact resistance for rigidity, carbon fiber ASA generally retains impact resistance alongside the stiffness gain. This composite inherits ASA's core strength, excellent UV and weather resistance, therefore holding up in conditions that would yellow and degrade standard ABS. Carbon fiber ASA is suitable for drone and UAV frames, structural outdoor hardware, and automotive exterior components that need both rigidity and long-term outdoor durability. (243 words) - [Material Guide for CNC manufacturing process | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/printing-method/cnc/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. (6,038 words) - [Recycled rPETG - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/recycled-rpetg/index.html): Recycled rPETG is made by reprocessing post-consumer or post-industrial PETG waste. PETG is among the most widely recycled plastics globally, since it's closely related to the PET used in beverage bottles. It generally retains strength, impact resistance, and chemical resistance comparable to virgin PETG, along with the same moderate outdoor and UV limitations; ASA remains the better fit for long-term sun exposure. As with other recycled filaments, batch-to-batch color can vary since different sources are often mixed together, and availability can be less consistent than virgin material depending on recycled feedstock supply. Recycled rPETG suits protective enclosures, storage containers, and mounting brackets where standard PETG would normally be used. (256 words) - [High-Temperature Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/high-temperature-resin/index.html): High-temperature resin is formulated to withstand significantly more heat than standard resin. Heat deflection temperature varies meaningfully by formulation and post-curing. Some formulations reach roughly 140 °C with standard post-curing, while more extensively post-cured or higher-performance formulations can exceed 200 °C, with some going well beyond that. This makes high-temperature resin well suited to parts exposed to hot air, gas, or fluid flow, as well as molds, inserts, and fixtures that need to hold their shape under sustained heat. (251 words) - [SLS Polypropylene - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/sls-polypropylene/index.html): SLS polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight, semi-rigid plastic with excellent chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and good fatigue resistance. It is comparable to injection-molded PP in strength (about 29 MPa) and density (about 0.9 g/cm³), but stretches far less before breaking (roughly 15–35% depending on powder and direction, lower across the layers, versus 100% or more for molded PP). Parts soften under load at around 60 °C, degrade in prolonged sunlight, and are difficult to paint. SLS polypropylene works well for clips, hinges, and other parts that bend repeatedly, as well as orthotic insoles. (231 words) - [PETG-ESD - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/petg-esd/index.html): PETG-ESD (electrostatic discharge) as a 3D printing material is used around all electrostatically sensitive components. This includes almost all electrical, electronic and optoelectronic as well as numerous electromechanical components. The PETG-ESD filament guarantees the safe and controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges due to its dissipative (energy-absorbing) properties. Mechanical properties remain similar to those of standard PETG. (169 words) - [Maraging Steel - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/maraging-steel/index.html): Maraging steels form a class of iron alloys. This group of materials has a martensitic crystal structure and is strengthened via aging at approximately 500 °C (900 °F), hence the portmanteau "maraging". These ultra-low carbon alloys have very high strength and hardness properties derived from precipitation of intermetallic compounds rather than carbon content. It is a material best used for tooling inserts and molds. This alloy is also called X3NiCoMoTi 18-9-5 or 1.2709. (184 words) - [Carbon Fiber PETG - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/carbon-fiber-petg/index.html): Carbon fiber PETG is a composite made by blending standard PETG with chopped carbon fiber, typically 10-20% by weight. The fibers substantially increase stiffness – tensile modulus can run several times higher than standard PETG – along with better dimensional stability under load. This comes with a real trade-off, though: Despite being stiffer, carbon fiber PETG is generally more brittle and has lower impact resistance than standard PETG, which makes it a weaker choice for parts that need to absorb sudden shocks or drops. It does retain PETG's resistance to moisture and many common chemicals. Carbon fiber PETG is well suited to jigs, fixtures, drone frames, and mounting brackets that need to resist bending or flexing under load. (259 words) - [Translucent Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/translucent-resin/index.html): Translucent resin lets light pass through while scattering it, producing a soft, frosted look rather than sharp, see-through clarity; it's closer to frosted glass than a clear window. This is often the natural, less-processed state of clear resin, since achieving true transparency typically requires additional sanding, polishing, or coating that translucent parts skip. Translucent resin is the better choice when soft light diffusion or a frosted aesthetic is the actual goal, or when full optical clarity isn't necessary for the part to do its job; transparent resin is the better fit when you need to see clearly through the material instead. Translucent resin suits lampshades and light diffusers, decorative pieces where a soft glow is wanted, and parts where only partial visibility through the material is needed. (293 words) - [PLA+ (Tough PLA) - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pla-tough-pla/index.html): PLA+ and Tough PLA are umbrella terms for PLA blended with additives that target regular PLA's main weakness: brittleness. Compared to standard PLA, they generally offer noticeably better impact resistance and can flex and absorb energy before breaking, rather than snapping suddenly on impact. This toughness gain usually comes with a slight trade-off in rigidity, and raw tensile strength is often similar to standard PLA rather than genuinely higher. Because "PLA+" and "Tough PLA" aren't standardized specifications, exact performance can vary between manufacturers. Some formulations approach ABS-level impact resistance, but they don't gain ABS or PETG's heat resistance. For parts that need to withstand both impact and elevated temperatures, ABS or PETG remain the better choice. PLA+ and Tough PLA suit functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and tooling that need to withstand occasional impact without shattering. (265 words) - [Affordable Metal 3D Printing Service | Craftcloud®](/content/en/lp/metal-3d-printing-services/index.html): Affordable metal 3D printing service ✓ Over 25 steels, alloys & precious metals ✓ SLM, DLMS ✓ No minimum order ✓ Instant quotes ✓ Try it out now! (688 words) - [Guide des matériaux | Craftcloud®](/content/fr/material-guide/index.html): Consultez le guide des matériaux Craftcloud où vous trouverez tout sur tout, du PLA à la résine et de l’argent sterling au filament multicolore. (18,231 words) - [Craftcloud® | Servicio para impresión 3D y mecanizado CNC](/content/es/home/index/index.html): Craftcloud ofrece piezas de alta calidad al mejor precio ✓ Servicios de impresión 3D y CNC ✓ Más de 150 materiales ✓ FDM, SLS, MJF, SLA (1,085 words) - [documents/craftcloud_-_terms_of_use-pdf.html](/content/documents/craftcloud_-_terms_of_use-pdf.html) (928 words) - [documents/craftcloud_-_confidentiality_notice-pdf.html](/content/documents/craftcloud_-_confidentiality_notice-pdf.html) (261 words) - [Modern Slavery Statement - Craftcloud.docx](/content/documents/modern_slavery_statement_craftcloud_all3dp_gmbh-pdf.html) (818 words) - [Become a Partner | Craftcloud®](/content/en/become-a-partner/index.html): Craftcloud is always looking to expand our network of professional 3D Printing manufacturers to our Price Comparison Service. (744 words) - [Craftcloud® | Automatisierter Service für 3D-Druck & CNC-Bearbeitung](/content/de/home/index/index.html): Craftcloud liefert hochwertige Teile zum besten Preis ✓ 3D-Druck- und CNC-Service ✓ 150+ Materialien ✓ FDM, SLS, MJF, SLA (888 words) - [Craftcloud® | O serviço de impressão 3D e usinagem CNC](/content/pt/home/index/index.html): A Craftcloud entrega peças de alta qualidade ao melhor preço ✓ Serviços de impressão 3D e CNC ✓ Mais de 150 materiais ✓ FDM, SLS, MJF, SLA (1,075 words) - [Craftcloud® | Le service pour l'impression 3D et l'usinage CNC](/content/fr/home/index/index.html): Craftcloud fournit des pièces de haute qualité au meilleur prix ✓ Services d'impression 3D et d'usinage CNC ✓ Plus de 150 matériaux ✓ FDM, SLS, MJF, SLA (1,132 words) - [Flexible Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/flexible-resin/index.html): Flexible resin is a soft-touch photopolymer with a Shore 80A hardness rating, comparable to a rubber shoe heel. It offers flexibility while holding more rigidity and shape than elastic resin's softer, more rubber-like feel. It bends and compresses without losing much sturdiness, which makes it well suited to detailed parts that also need to flex. Compared to elastic resin, flexible resin holds fine detail more reliably and suits parts that need only moderate give rather than true silicone-like stretch. Flexible resin suits ergonomic grips and handles, wearable components as part of larger assemblies, and prototypes needing a soft-touch feel without sacrificing too much shape retention. (273 words) - [PCTG - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pctg/index.html): PCTG (Poly Cyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate Glycol) belongs to the same copolyester family as PETG, but it uses a higher concentration of the same glycol modifier, which gives it meaningfully better impact resistance. This is why parts are less likely to shatter under sudden stress compared to standard PETG. The raw tensile and flexural strength are similar to PETG; the real improvement is in toughness, not baseline strength. PCTG also absorbs less moisture, which helps it retain its clarity and mechanical properties for longer in humid conditions, and it offers good chemical resistance along with excellent optical clarity. Like PETG, it isn't optimized for long-term outdoor UV exposure – ASA remains the better option in that case scenario. PCTG suits protective enclosures, snap-fit parts, clear housings, and functional components that need to withstand repeated impact. (271 words) - [PC-ABS - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/pc-abs/index.html): PC-ABS blends polycarbonate and ABS to offset each material's main weakness: pure PC's high shrinkage makes precise geometries difficult, while standard ABS falls short on heat resistance and impact strength. The result sits between the two, as the blend offers better heat resistance and impact toughness than ABS alone, with better dimensional stability and easier processing than pure PC. That said, it doesn't match PC's absolute heat resistance. Because PC-ABS is a blend rather than a single standardized formulation, the ratio of PC to ABS varies between manufacturers, so performance can differ from one supplier's material to another. PC-ABS suits functional prototypes, electrical enclosures, and automotive or industrial components that need a balance of heat resistance, impact strength, and dimensional accuracy. (237 words) - [Craftcloud® - Sheet Metal Fabrication Services](/content/en/p/sheet-metal-fabrication-services/index.html): Craftcloud excels in sheet metal fabrication, offering cutting, forming, and joining services with precision and efficiency, trusted by top companies. (1,746 words) - [Flame Retardant Resin - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/flame-retardant-resin/index.html): Flame retardant resin is formulated to self-extinguish rather than sustain a flame, typically achieving a UL94 V-0 rating – the highest standard flammability classification – though certification depends on wall thickness. Heat resistance varies notably between specific formulations, with heat deflection temperatures ranging from ~80 °C up to over 250 °C depending on the product, so flame retardancy alone doesn't guarantee high-temperature performance. Flame retardant resin suits electrical connectors, housings, and industrial components operating near heat-generating equipment or ignition sources. (200 words) - [Markforged® Onyx - Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/markforged-onyx/index.html): Markforged onyx is a micro carbon fiber filled nylon that yields accurate parts with impeccable surface finish. It offers high strength, toughness, and chemical resistance, and due to the continuous fiber reinforcement, can yield aluminum-strength parts. (127 words) - [Craftcloud® - Casting & Molding Services](/content/en/p/casting-and-molding-services/index.html): Craftcloud offers expert casting and molding services, perfect for prototypes to large-scale production, with precision and quality assurance. (1,802 words) - [Craftcloud® - CNC Machining Services](/content/en/p/cnc-machining-services/index.html): Craftcloud: Your top choice for CNC Machining services, providing precision, efficiency, and affordability. Trusted by major companies worldwide. (1,644 words) - [My Models | Craftcloud®](/content/en/account/models/index.html): Get the best price with a real-time price comparison of 3D printing services worldwide. Place your order with us, and we’ll handle the rest! (22 words) - [Craftcloud® - Our Help Center is here to answer all your questions](/content/en/p/help/index.html): Explore Craftcloud's Help Center for comprehensive support - find helpful articles, check your order status, contact sales, submit claims, or provide feedback. Everything you need, all in one place. (198 words) - [Upload your 3D models to get instant quotes | Craftcloud®](/content/en/upload/index.html): Upload your files and get instant quotes from over 180 manufacturing partners. (99 words) - [Material Guide | Craftcloud®](/content/en/material-guide/index.html): Check out the Craftcloud Material Guide, Where You Will Find Information About Everything From PLA and Resin to Sterling Silver and Multicolor. 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