Powders Comparison

Which SLS 3D Printing Powder Is Right for You? Technical Comparison of SLS Powders for Additive Manufacturing
Sinterit Powders Comparison

SLS 3D Printing Powders Comparison

Comparative Overview of Powder Material Properties for SLS Printing

When selecting powder materials for SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), understanding the mechanical and thermal performance of each option is crucial. The five parameters presented in this comparison – Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, Elongation at Break, Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT), and Refresh Ratio – were carefully chosen to reflect the most impactful properties for
evaluating powder suitability in various applications. These five parameters provide a balanced view of mechanical performance, thermal resistance, and economic efficiency – the key factors for engineers, designers, and production managers when choosing the right material for their specific needs.
PowderTensile Strength (X) [MPa]Flexural Strength (X) [MPa]Elongation at Break (X) [%]Heat Deflection Temp A (1.8 MPa) [°C]Refresh Ratio [%]
PA12 Industrial47.6162.315.865130
PA12 Smooth38.4449.184.555022
PA11 Onyx55.0054.2031.604733
PA11 Carbon Fiber65.9387.358.2316740
PA11 ESD50.0056.0028.0010360
Polypropylen (PP)19.3025.6044.405050
PBT Optimal49.0452.082.565220
Flexa Performance7.99182.6320

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Performance materials for special applications – learn more about PA12 Industrial, PA11 CF u0026 Flexa Performance

Explanation of Key Technical Parameters

1. Tensile Strength

Indicates the maximum stress a material can withstand when stretched before breaking. For the user, this shows how resistant to pulling or tension the printed part will be – crucial for clips, housings, and structural elements.

2. Flexural Strength

Measures how much bending force a material can handle before failing. Important for slender or beam-like parts that may be bent or flexed in use.

3. Elongation at Break

Tells you how much the material can stretch before it breaks – a measure of flexibility or ductility. A high value = flexible and impact-resistant parts. A low value = stiff and brittle.

4. Heat Deflection Temperature A (HDT A)

This shows the temperature at which a material starts to deform under pressure. High HDT means the part is suitable for high-temperature environments, such as engine compartments or electronic housings.

5. Refresh Ratio

Describes how much fresh powder needs to be added to used material to maintain print quality. Lower values = more cost-effective and sustainable powder usage.

Comparative Overview of Powder Material Properties 1

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printed with PA12 Industrial powder

Material Profiles and Use Cases

PA12 Industrial

Well-balanced mechanical performance. Great strength and moderate flexibility.
Best for: functional prototypes, mechanical parts, everyday engineering applications.

PA12 Smooth

Slightly lower strength than Industrial, but with a lower refresh ratio. Great value for budget-conscious users.
Best for: concept models, parts with fine surface details, general prototyping.

PA11 Onyx

High flexibility (31.6%) with solid strength.
Strong but more forgiving than rigid fibers.
Best for: snap fits, live hinges, parts requiring impact resistance.

PA11 Carbon Fiber

Top performer in all mechanical and thermal categories.
Stiff, heat-resistant, and durable.
Best for: end-use parts in engineering, automotive, motorsports, and industrial settings.

PA11 ESD

Balanced strength and high flexibility, plus ESD protection.
Best for: electronic casings, enclosures, and ESD-safe tooling.

Polypropylene (PP)

Lower strength, but very flexible and chemically resistant.
Best for: lightweight, chemical-exposed parts like tanks, tubes, or lab tools.

PBT Optimal

Rigid and precise, with low ductility.
Best refresh ratio = economical for short-run production.
Best for: technical precision parts, clips, electrical connectors.

Flexa Performance

Ultra-flexible, stretchable, and durable.
Best for: seals, dampers, soft mechanisms, cushioning components.

Comparative Overview of Powder Material Properties 2

Summary: SLS 3D Printing Powders Overview

No matter the challenge, Sinterit powders – combined with the Sinterit Studio software – offer a tailored solution for precise, professional-grade SLS printing.

Material Highlights by Key Performance Parameter:

Tensile Strength

PA11 Carbon Fiber (65.93 MPa) ➡
Offers the highest resistance to pulling forces – ideal for structural, load-bearing components.

Flexural Strength

PA11 Carbon Fiber (87.35 MPa) ➡
Delivers excellent resistance to bending – perfect for parts like brackets, frames, and housings.

Elongation at Break

Flexa Performance (182.63%) ➡
Extremely flexible – recommended for hinges, seals, and impact-absorbing elements.

Heat Deflection Temperature A (HDT A)

PA11 Carbon Fiber (167 °C) ➡
Withstands high temperatures – great for technical or automotive applications.

Refresh Ratio

PBT Optimal (20%) ➡
Most cost-efficient in powder reuse – ideal for economical prototyping workflows.

Powder Comparison SLS 3D Printing

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Pricing

Below there are approximate costs for some example models.
Be aware that the quotation assumes that there is only one piece printed. In SLS technology, the cost per part will be much lower with a higher number of elements printed at once.
  • Flexible
  • Standard
Model
Dimensions
PA12
Smooth
PA11
Onyx
Flexa
Grey
Flexa
Soft
TPE
Below
Model volume:
Model volume:
Total print height:
6.82 cm
Dimensions:
65 x 65 x 63 mm
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
Crank
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Total print height:
6.82 cm
Dimensions:
65 x 65 x 63 mm
49,90 €
49,90 €
49,90 €
49,90 €
49,90 €
49,90 €
Derailleur
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Total print height:
6.82 cm
Dimensions:
65 x 65 x 63 mm
71,80 €
71,80 €
71,80 €
71,80 €
71,80 €
71,80 €
Driller housing
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Total print height:
6.82 cm
Dimensions:
65 x 65 x 63 mm
157 €
157 €
157 €
157 €
157 €
157 €
Model
Dimensions
PA12
Smooth
PA11
Onyx
Flexa
Grey
Flexa
Soft
TPE
Crank
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
Crank
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
Crank
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
Crank
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
Crank
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
Crank
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
Model volume:
28.12 cm^3
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €
51,30 €

Get a free sample box

Universal joint + turbine
The free samplebox contains two printouts made from PA12 Smooth. They are both movable designs, and each one is printed in one piece.

These are examples showing high precision and freedom of design ensured by SLS technology.
order free sample box
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This product includes GeoLite2 data created by MaxMind, available from https://www.maxmind.com.