Thermal behavior is a critical selection criterion for 3D printing materials, particularly in functional parts exposed to heat, mechanical load, or prolonged service conditions. This guide outlines the heat performance of key materials used in additive manufacturing, categorized by print technology. Each material is described independently, and a comparative data chart is included at the end for quick reference.
Understanding Print Technologies & Material Classes
Plastics
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics soften upon heating and harden when cooled, enabling reprocessing. These materials possess defined melting or glass transition points and are used in FDM, MJF, and Metal 3DP technologies. They typically deform under long-term heat unless reinforced or specially formulated.
Thermosets
Thermoset resins cure irreversibly. Once polymerized, they cannot melt but may degrade at high temperatures. Used in SLA technologies, they offer excellent dimensional stability and surface finish but tend to be more brittle and less tolerant to mechanical stress post-cure.
Metals
Metal 3D printing uses powdered alloys processed through sintering or melting, depending on the method (e.g., DMLS, Binder Jetting + Sintering). Unlike polymers, metals do not have a glass transition but melt at high temperatures, typically above 1300°C for stainless steels. They offer exceptional thermal stability, strength retention, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications where high-performance materials are required under extreme thermal and mechanical loads.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) – Thermoplastic Powder Bed Fusion
Nylon 12
A semi-crystalline nylon with high strength and chemical resistance, suitable for production parts with moderate thermal demands.
- Type: Thermoplastic
- Melting Point: 187°C
- HDT @ 0.45 MPa: 175°C
- HDT @ 1.82 MPa: 95°C
- Notes: Durable, dimensionally stable, used in jigs, enclosures, and functional parts.
Estane TPU (M95A)
A flexible thermoplastic polyurethane offering excellent elasticity and chemical resistance, suitable for dynamic components.
- Type: Thermoplastic
- Glass Transition Temperature: -24°C
- HDT @ 0.45 MPa: 74°C
- HDT @ 1.82 MPa: 49°C
- Short-Term Max Temp: 200°C
- Sustained Use Temp: 120°C
- Notes: Ideal for seals, vibration dampers, and impact-resistant parts.
Stereolithography (SLA) – Thermoset Vat Photopolymerization
General Purpose Acrylic
Designed for cosmetic models, this resin offers a glassy finish with basic heat resistance.
- Type: Thermoset
- Glass Transition Temperature: 100–115°C
- HDT @ 0.45 MPa: 73°C
- Notes: Smooth, translucent, best for visual prototypes and light-duty parts.
Digital ABS
A toughened SLA resin that mimics ABS plastic, suitable for functional testing under modest heat and load.
- Type: Thermoset
- Glass Transition Temperature: 80°C
- HDT @ 0.45 MPa: 88–90°C
- Notes: High toughness and impact resistance. Ideal for tooling and mechanical parts.
X Pro 9400 B FR
A flame-retardant resin certified to UL-94 V0, intended for thermal protection in electronics and interiors.
- Type: Thermoset
- Glass Transition Temperature: 175°C
- Notes: Excellent for fire-safe applications, though full HDT data is limited.
High Rebound Elastomer
A soft, flexible resin with excellent elastic recovery. Best suited for low-load mechanical systems.
- Type: Thermoset
- Hardness: Shore A 45–57
- Notes: Used in cushioning and shock-absorbing parts. Thermal specs are currently under-characterized.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) – Thermoplastic Extrusion
ABS
A general-purpose polymer known for impact resistance and printability, suitable for low-heat structural applications.
- Type: Thermoplastic
- Glass Transition Temperature: 105°C
- HDT @ 0.45 MPa: 96°C
- HDT @ 1.82 MPa: 82°C
- Notes: Used in enclosures, casings, and rapid prototypes.
Ultem 9085
A high-performance PEI thermoplastic designed for high heat and flame-critical applications.
- Type: Thermoplastic
- Glass Transition Temperature: 177.3°C
- HDT @ 0.45 MPa: 176.9°C
- HDT @ 1.82 MPa: 172.9°C
- Notes: Aerospace-grade material offering strength, flame retardance, and durability.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Known for toughness and optical clarity, PC withstands higher heat than standard polymers.
- Type: Thermoplastic
- Glass Transition Temperature: 161°C
- HDT @ 0.45 MPa: 138°C
- HDT @ 1.82 MPa: 127°C
- Notes: Suitable for impact-prone parts and semi-structural applications.
Nylon 12 CF
A carbon fiber-reinforced nylon with increased rigidity and reduced thermal performance.
- Type: Thermoplastic composite
- Glass Transition Temperature: 109°C
- HDT @ 0.45 MPa: 58°C
- HDT @ 1.82 MPa: 52°C
- Notes: Ideal for lightweight frames, robotics, and drones. Not recommended for thermal load.
Metal 3DP – Thermoplastic (Metal Powder with Sintering)
316L Stainless Steel
An austenitic steel used for its corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength.
- Type: Metal alloy
- Melting Point: ~1370°C
- Notes: Used in marine, food-grade, and high-temperature structural applications.
17-4 PH Stainless Steel
Precipitation-hardened steel providing high strength and thermal resistance.
- Type: Metal alloy
- Melting Point: ~1400°C
- Notes: Suitable for aerospace brackets, medical instruments, and tooling.
Thermal Comparison Properties Chart
| Technology | Material | HDT @ 0.45 MPa | HDT @ 1.82 MPa | Sustained Use Temp | Short-Term Max Temp | Glass Transition / Melt Point | Notes |
| MJF | Nylon 12 | 175°C | 95°C | — | — | 187°C (Melting Point) | High strength, good surface finish |
| MJF | Estane TPU (M95A) | 74°C | 49°C | 120°C | 200°C (short-term) | -24°C (Glass Transition) | Flexible, abrasion & chemical resistant |
| SLA | General Purpose Acrylic | 73°C | — | — | — | 100–115°C (Glass Transition) | Smooth finish, translucent |
| SLA | Digital ABS | 88–90°C | — | — | — | 80°C (Glass Transition) | Tough and rigid |
| SLA | X Pro 9400 B FR | — | — | — | — | 175°C (Glass Transition) | Flame-retardant, UL-94 V0 |
| SLA | High Rebound Elastomer | — | — | — | — | — | Shore 45A–57A, highly flexible |
| FDM | ABS | 96°C | 82°C | — | — | 105°C (Glass Transition) | Durable, general-purpose |
| FDM | Ultem 9085 | 176.9°C | 172.9°C | — | — | 177.3°C (Glass Transition) | Highest thermal plastic |
| FDM | Polycarbonate | 138°C | 127°C | — | — | 161°C (Glass Transition) | Tough, clear, flame retardant |
| FDM | Nylon 12 CF | 58°C | 52°C | — | — | 109°C (Glass Transition) | Lightweight, carbon-reinforced |
| Metal 3DP | 316L Stainless Steel | — | — | — | — | ~1370°C (Melting Point) | Excellent thermal and corrosion resistance |
| Metal 3DP | 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | — | — | — | — | ~1400°C (Melting Point) | High strength and hardness |
For detailed application support or specific data validation, contact our technical team.
