| ABS |
Engineering Plastic |
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) plastics are tough and resist impact well across their temperature range. |
| Acrylic |
Engineering Plastic |
This strong, stable material has excellent optical clarity and good tensile strength. Acrylics are generally very weather resistant. |
| Fluoropolymers |
Engineering Plastic |
These materials are tough yet easy to machine. Fluoropolymers generally have very slippery surfaces. |
| Nylon |
Engineering Plastic |
Nylons typically resist chemical corrosion and have a slippery surface. |
| PEEK |
Engineering Plastic |
PEEK (polyetheretherketone) maintains its shape across its temperature range better than Teflon® and has greater tensile strength. Common applications include pump and valve parts and chemical processing. |
| Polycarbonate |
Engineering Plastic |
Most polycarbonates are very strong and have excellent optical clarity. Clear polycarbonates have glasslike clarity but have 10 times the impact strength of any other clear plastic. |
| Polyetherimide |
Engineering Plastic |
Also known by the trade name Ultem, this plastic offers high strength and rigidity, along with good chemical resistance. It is used in a variety of structural applications requiring strength and electrical insulation at
higher temperatures. |
| Aluminum |
Engineering Alloy |
Aluminum alloys are strong, naturally soft, lightweight, ductile and malleable. They are easy to machine, fabricate, join and work. Aluminum is nontoxic and electrically and thermally conductive. |
| Brass |
Engineering Alloy |
Brass resists atmospheric corrosion, water, and many salt water solutions. A high percentage of zinc makes it stronger and more durable than copper and bronze. |
| Stainless Steel |
Engineering Alloy |
Stainless steels are alloys of iron to which at least 10% chromium has been added to impart corrosion resistance. A 10% chromium steel will not rust when exposed to weather. To obtain greater corrosion resistance, more nickel and chromium are added to the alloy. Along with iron and chromium, all stainless steels contain some carbon. The carbon is added for the same purpose as in ordinary steels- to make steel stronger. Other alloying elements are added for improved corrosion resistance, fabricability and variations in strength. These elements include nickel, molybdenum, copper, titanium, silicone, aluminum, sulfur and many others. |
| Steel |
Engineering Alloy |
Steel is iron that has been combined with other elements such as carbon, manganese and silicon. It falls into one of two families: carbon steel or alloy steel. Carbon steels are basic steels which harden only with surface (case) treatments. Alloy steels contain added elements that cause the steel to exhibit enhanced properties when heat treated. |
| REN |
High-Density Modeling Board |
Used for styling models, shape and form studies, master models and patterns. |