Meet The Polyamides Of i.materialise
Polyamide is one of manufacturing’s most popular families of materials, and it goes by many names. So, what sets each option apart, and which one is the best choice for your project? Let’s take a closer look.
In early 2024, we added two exciting new materials to our Multi Jet Fusion portfolio: Polyamide-S and Polyamide 11. Understandably, that could raise some questions. Why offer four different polyamides? How does Polyamide 11 differ from the existing Polyamide for Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)? And what sets it apart from Polyamide for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)?
Today, we’re going to answer all those questions and more by shining a light on the strengths and ideal applications of each material.
Polyamide-S
The first of our newest materials, Polyamide-S, is a great option for volume prototyping — especially for parts that require good surface quality with minimum post-processing. It offers a high level of detail and dimensional accuracy, while choosing to work with MJF means your part will have a higher density than models produced with SLS.
- Your models will have a sandy, granular look
- Depending on the design, your part can be rigid or flexible
- Provides great design freedom at a very reasonable price
Polyamide 11
The second of our newest materials, Polyamide 11, is quite unique for i.materialise. In an industrial setting — such as that found at our parent company Materialise — its biocompatibility, durability, and flexibility help to address a growing demand for 3D printing in the medtech sector. These strengths make it ideal for the production of orthotics, prosthetics, and machinery components with exceptional performance and reliability, but they’re equally valuable when printing your models here.
- Suitable for moving features like snap fits, living hinges, and interlocking parts
- Your models will have a natural stone-gray color
- Ideal for end-use parts or prototypes
- Combines excellent mechanical properties with impressive surface quality and detail
Polyamide for MJF
Our original polyamide offering for MJF is a strong general-purpose material that’s ideal for precision forms. It works equally well for both functional prototypes and end-use parts, with versatility being one of its greatest strengths. As an MJF material, it offers greater density than its SLS counterpart.
- Strong, general-purpose material
- Printed without a support structure
- Offers crisp textures and detailed surfaces
- Your models will have a grainy surface structure with a natural stone-gray color
Polyamide for SLS
Happy Bird by Michiel Cornelissen. 3D printed in Polyamide.
Last but not least comes our offering for use with SLS machines. This strong, general-purpose material offers high strength, stiffness, and resistance to chemicals, mechanical strain, and thermal stressors. While it is slightly more porous than its MJF counterpart, it benefits from a greater number of colors and finishing options, including color dyeing, polishing, and waterproofing.
- Strong, general-purpose material
- Printed without a support structure
- High stiffness
- Versatile finishing options
The choice is yours
So, there you have it! Your options have never looked better. Why not take the time to familiarize yourself with the design guidelines of each material and explore something new for your next project? We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Feeling inspired? Simply upload your 3D model here and get started today!
