From Prototype to Production: The Best Materials for Every Manufacturing Need

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Selecting the right material is critical in product development, affecting performance, durability, and cost. RapidMade offers a wide range of 3D printing materials, thermoforming, and machining materials, each suited for specific applications.

3D Printing: Customization and High-Performance Parts

3D printing enables complex designs, rapid prototyping, and durable end-use parts. RapidMade provides four key 3D printing technologies:

  • Multi Jet Fusion (MJF): Produces strong, detailed parts with materials like Nylon PA-12 (high strength, chemical resistance) and TPU (flexible, wear-resistant).
  • Stereolithography (SLA): Offers ultra-smooth finishes and high-resolution parts, including flame-retardant resins and rubber-like elastomers.
  • Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): Uses industrial-grade thermoplastics such as ABS, Polycarbonate, and Ultem for tough, heat-resistant components.
  • Metal 3D Printing: Delivers high-strength parts with materials like 316L Stainless Steel (corrosion-resistant) and 17-4 PH Stainless Steel (hardenable).

Thermoforming: Cost-Effective, Large-Scale Production

Thermoforming shapes heated plastic sheets into durable, lightweight components. It’s ideal for automotive, aerospace, and packaging applications.

  • Standard Plastics: HIPS, ABS, and PETG offer affordable, impact-resistant solutions for enclosures and trays.
  • High-Performance Plastics: Polycarbonate, Kydex, and Aerolite Carbon Fiber provide fire resistance, durability, and strength for demanding environments.

Machining: High-Precision, Wear-Resistant Materials

Machining delivers superior accuracy for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.

  • Metals: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, and Copper provide strength, corrosion resistance, and conductivity.
  • Plastics: Delrin, Nylon, Polycarbonate, PTFE, and PEEK offer lightweight, high-wear, and chemically resistant options.

Find the Right Material for Your Project

Whether you need high-temperature resistance, corrosion protection, or lightweight strength, RapidMade has a material solution. Explore custom manufacturing options at rapidmade.com.

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