Choose the Right LPBF 3D Printing Material

Selecting a suitable material in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology is pivotal for achieving the performance and price that your project needs.  

LPBF, a leading technology in additive manufacturing with materials, requires materials that not only suit the design but also withstand the rigors of use.  From durable metals to advanced alloys, each material offers unique benefits that can be leveraged in LPBF to create components with complex geometries and exceptional mechanical properties. Let’s explore the most popular materials for LPBF 3D printing. If you want additional insights, we built this interactive technology and material advisor to help you select the best-fitting material.

Aluminum AlSi10Mg 

Key Features Aluminum AlSi10Mg is a prime choice due to its rapid solidification, which enhances its strength and thermal properties. This makes it an excellent choice for parts with intricate designs and thin walls.

Applications

It's commonly employed for aerospace and automotive parts. It’s also used for lightweight housing, heat exchangers, and functional prototypes that capitalize on its balance between strength and weight.

Copper Alloy CuNi2SiCr

Key Features  CuNi2SiCr is well-suited for LPBF as it offers a refined grain structure when printed, enhancing its mechanical properties while retaining excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.

Applications This alloy is essential for electrical components, heat sinks, and intricate tooling that requires precise thermal management and corrosion resistance.

Copper Alloy CuCrZr 

Key Features CuCrZr alloy benefits from LPBF's high-energy density, which achieves a dense and uniform microstructure, providing superior conductivity and strength.

Applications Its use in creating conductive elements, cooling systems, and components for the mold and die industry is prevalent, especially when complex features and internal channels are needed.

Copper CuCP 

Key Features With its high purity, CuCP is ideal for LPBF, where it can be processed into parts with excellent thermal and electrical properties, necessary for high-performance engineering.

Applications  It's particularly favored for manufacturing parts in the energy sector and in high-conductivity applications, including motor components and inductors.

Hastelloy X 

Key Features The adaptability of Hastelloy X to LPBF allows for producing parts with exceptional high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance, maintaining performance in extreme conditions.

Applications Frequently used for manufacturing turbine parts, combustion zone components, and in applications demanding high-temperature resistance, such as aerospace and chemical processing.

Inconel 625 & 718 

Key F Key Features With LPBF, Inconel alloys achieve a fine-grain structure, contributing to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, even at elevated temperatures.

Applications These superalloys are perfect for complex aerospace components, high-stress subsea equipment, and parts for the chemical industry where conventional manufacturing falls short.

Scalmalloy AlMgSc 

Key Features Scalmalloy's impressive tensile strength and low density translate well in LPBF, allowing the creation of parts that are lightweight yet perform comparably to titanium alloys.

Applications This material is popular in high-performance automotive and aerospace industries, where weight reduction is critical without compromising strength or durability.

Stainless Steels 17-4PH & 316L 

Key Features Both 17-4PH and 316L stainless steels process exceptionally well with LPBF, resulting in parts with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance after proper post-processing.

Applications  Their versatility makes them suitable for various industries, from medical implants to food processing equipment and marine applications.

Titanium Ti6Al4V

Key Features Titanium Ti6Al4V's compatibility with LPBF results in high-quality, lightweight parts that can withstand demanding applications while offering significant weight savings.

Applications This material is widely used in the medical sector for prosthetics and implants, as well as in aerospace and motorsports for structural components.

Tooling Steel MS1 (1.2709) 

Key Features LPBF can produce parts with MS1 steel that show excellent hardness and resistance to thermal fatigue, making them ideal for high-wear applications.

Applications Commonly used for creating durable injection molds, hot-work tools, and complex assembly jigs, which benefit from LPBF's ability to print intricate details and internal features.

Get Started with LPBF

LPBF 3D printing technology opens up a world of possibilities for utilizing advanced materials in innovative ways. Each material, when processed under the precise conditions LPBF offers, unveils its full potential. At MakerVerse, our team of engineering experts can help you choose the best-fitting material for your project. Use our platform to get an instant quote with transparent lead times. Watch your project come to life with durability, precision, and reliability at its core.