One of the many desirable characteristics of 3D printing as a manufacturing technology is its ability to produce fully functional parts for numerous applications across different industries and in various operating conditions. 3D printed parts are often used in high-temperature applications. However, in order to function properly in such environments, they need to be made from heat-resistant materials. This article covers some of the best heat-resistant 3D printing materials for use in high-temperature applications.
Best heat-resistant 3D materials
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 100°C. Its heat deflection temperature is between 88-89°C and its melting point of about 200°C. ABS is also known for its toughness and resistance to impact. These allow for the printing of parts to be subjected to high-stress applications. It has a glass transition temperature of about 105°C and is highly resistant to aqueous, phosphorus and hydrochloric acids.
- Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Key Features: Chemical resistance, impact resistance
- Common applications: Drain/waste pipes, inhalers, housing for electrical components
ULTEM 1010
ULTEM 1010 has the highest heat resistance, chemical resistance and tensile strength compared to other FDM thermoplastics. It is available in transparent, opaque and glass-filled grades. This material has broad application in custom tools for metal or plastic parts fabrication, medical tools and temperature resistant dies.
It is a high-performance polyetherimide thermoplastic with a melting point of 340°C and a glass transition temperature of 216°C. ULTEM 1010 has the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion. It has food-contact and biocompatibility certifications, which makes it ideal for applications in the food industry.
- Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Key features: Excellent heat resistance, tensile strength, low coefficient of thermal expansion
- Common applications: Medical tools, temperature resistant dies
CE 221 (Cyanate Ester)
This material is known for its high-temperature resistance and rigidity. Due to its high heat-deflection temperature, it can be safely applied in applications with high thermal requirements.
The CE 221 resin has long-term thermal stability with a glass transition temperature of about 225°C and a heat deflection temperature of 231°C. This material is capable of withstanding high pressure and giving a highly precise surface finish.
- Technologies: Carbon DLS
- Key Features: Thermal stability, rigid, high pressure resistance
- Common applications: Industrial products, electronic assembly components, fluid manifolds
ULTEM 9085
This has a high strength–to–weight ratio, high impact strength with good heat resistance. ULTEM 9085 is highly flame retardant. It is used in the production of prototypes as well as tools in the aerospace and automotive industries. This has a glass transition temperature of 186°C and a heat deflection temperature of 153°C.
ULTEM 9085, with its superior mechanical strength and lightweight, is suitable for the production of end-use components.
- Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Key Features: Flame retardant, impact resistance
- Common applications: Jigs, fixtures, composite moulds
Polycarbonate (PC)
This material has a crystalline melting point of about 230°C – 260°C and a glass transition temperature of 147°C. Polycarbonate is a tough and amorphous material with high impact strength, stability and good electrical properties. It has a wider temperature range of usage with a heat deflection temperature of 140°C. It is widely used for the production of safety helmets, lenses for car headlamps and bulletproof glasses.
- Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Key Features: Translucence, pliability
- Common applications: Plastic lenses in eyewear, protective gear, automotive components
PEEK
It has excellent resistance to harsh chemicals with high mechanical strength and dimensional stability. Its melting temperature is at 343°C and it has a glass transition temperature of 143°C. PEEK has the ability to retain its stiffness at elevated temperatures and can be applied for continuous use at temperatures up to 170°C. It is used in aerospace, oil and gas and semiconductor production.
- Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Key Features: Chemical resistance, good stiffness, resistance to steam and water
- Common applications: Semiconductor components, valve and pump components, food processing machinery
PC – Like Heat Resist Translucent / Accura 48
This is a high-temperature resistant material that is best suited for parts that require high strength and stiffness. It is widely used for the manufacturing of prototypes of electronic and lighting components. It provides enhanced feature details.
At 0.46MPa test pressure, PC-Like Heat Resist Translucent has a heat deflection temperature that ranges from 70 – 85°C. This heat deflection can be enhanced to about 170 -250°C with a thermal post-cure.
- Technology: Stereolithography (SLA)
- Key Features: Temperature resistance, high strength, stiffness
- Common applications: Electronic and lighting components
Aluminum AlSiMG / EN 1706: 1998
Aluminium AlSiMG has excellent strength at elevated temperatures (about 200°C). It has good resistance to corrosion and can be easily polished. It has good workability and good heat crack resistance with a melting point of 670°C. The fatigue strength is excellent at 110N/mm2.
Its characteristics allow for complex geometries to be printed and are widely applied in parts for vehicles, machines and aircraft. It has a tensile strength of 290MPa at room temperature.
- Technology: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
- Key Features: Light weight, stress resistance
- Common applications: Motors, engines
Stainless Steel 316L / 1.4404
Stainless steel 316L can be used in continuous service in temperatures of up to 925°C. This material has low carbon content and is chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel with a melting point of 1400°C. It has excellent corrosion resistance and stability against chlorine-based media and non-oxidizing acids. Its corrosion resistance and ductility make it ideal for applications in several industries such as aerospace, medical and automobile.
- Technology: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
- Key Features: Corrosion resistance, ductility
- Common applications: Laboratory equipment, heat exchangers, nuts and bolts
Inconel 718 (Nickel-Chromium superalloy)
Inconel 718 is a nickel-chromium based high-strength superalloy. It is resistant to corrosion, extreme pressure and elevated temperatures of up to 700°C. This material melts at about 1400°C. It has a tensile strength of 1035 MPa. However, it is brittle and has good machinability with a hard cutting tool. It is widely applied in manufacturing, military equipment and the aerospace industry.
- Technology: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
- Key Features: Corrosion resistance, brittle, mechanical strength
- Common applications: Gas turbine engine parts, compressor casings, die holders
Properties of heat-resistant 3D materials
The following table compares the melting point and glass-transition temperature of the 10 best heat-resistant materials for 3D printing:
| Material | Melting point | Glass transition temperature | Tensile strength |
| ABS | 200°C | 105°C | 42.5 – 44.8 MPa |
| ULTEM 1010 | 340°C | 216°C | 105 MPa |
| CE 221 | – | 225°C | 92 MPa |
| ULTEM 9085 | – | 186°C | 71.6 MPa |
| PC | 230 – 260°C | 147°C | 60 MPa |
| PEEK | 343°C | 143°C | 110 MPa |
| Aluminium AlSiMG | 670°C | – | 205 MPa |
| Stainless Steel 316L | 1,400°C | – | 490 – 690 MPa |
| Inconel 718 | 1,370 – 1,430°C | – | 965 MPa |
| PC – Like Heat Resist Translucent / Accura 48 | Heat deflection temperature at 0. 46 MPa after thermal post-curing: 170 – 250°C | Glass transition temperature UV and thermal post cure: 122°C | 50 MPa |
Heat-resistant 3D printing materials cost comparison
Let’s have a cost comparison of the three resins from Xometry’s quote engine for the CAD model:
| Material | 3D printing technology | Cost per one unit | Unit cost per 10 pieces | Unit cost per 100 pieces |
| ABS | FDM | € 9.13 | € 6.34 | € 2.57 |
| ULTEM 1010 | FDM | € 50.03 | € 35.80 | € 34.61 |
| CE 221 | Carbon DLS | € 645.21 | € 171.58 | Price on demand |
| ULTEM 9085 | FDM | € 53.20 | € 23.83 | € 13.66 |
| PC | FDM | € 34.45 | € 25.89 | € 25.03 |
| PEEK | FDM | € 88.42 | € 64.65 | € 47.12 |
| PC – Like Heat Resist Translucent | SLA | € 72.87 | € 21.64 | € 18.03 |
| Aluminium AlSiMG | DMLS | € 174.76 | € 89.19 | € 87.80 |
| Stainless Steel 316L | DMLS | € 387.12 | € 294.83 | Price on request |
| Inconel 718 | DMLS | € 487.77 | € 333.16 | Price on request |
Conclusion
Xometry Europe offers fast, reliable, and highly accurate 3D printing online services with these technologies and heat-resistant materials. Through our Instant Quoting Engine and our network of over 10,000 partners worldwide, we ensure that you experience a seamless part production process, from quoting to doorstep delivery.
