Material Comparison

Understanding Material Differences in Additive Manufacturing

Choosing the right material is one of the most important steps in additive manufacturing. Each material family offers different levels of strength, durability, heat resistance and surface quality and these differences directly affect performance, appearance and cost. Whether you’re comparing standard polymers, engineering-grade nylons or high-performance materials, understanding the basics makes it easier to select the right option for your application. This simple overview helps clarify how materials behave and what to expect from them in real-world use.

Polymer Pyramid diagram showing commodity, engineering, and high-performance polymers grouped by cost and material performance.

Crystallinity (Semi-crystalline vs Amorphous)

In additive manufacturing, crystallinity affects strength, heat behavior, chemical resistance, and processing.

Semi-crystalline polymers

  • High mechanical strength

  • Excellent chemical resistance

  • Good thermal stability

  • Best for load-bearing parts and solvent/heat-exposed components

Amorphous polymers

  • Dimensional stability

  • Optical clarity (often)

  • Easier machining and thermoforming

  • Best for housings, transparent parts, and fine-feature components

The Polymer Pyramid groups plastics by performance vs cost—useful when choosing materials for additive manufacturing (AM):

  • Commodity polymers: low cost, general-purpose plastics for simple prototypes and non-critical parts (e.g., PP, PS, PE).

  • Engineering polymers: stronger and more stable for functional AM parts, housings, and fixtures (e.g., PC, PA, POM).

  • High-performance polymers: for extreme heat/chemicals and demanding applications, typically higher cost and harder to process (e.g., PEEK, PTFE, PI).

Close-up of a semi-crystalline 3D-printed polymer part showing its characteristic surface texture.

Make sure to also visit Choosing Material & Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

How do material choices like PLA vs PETG or PA11 vs PA12 affect 3D printing cost?

Material differences have a major impact on how much 3D printing costs. PLA vs PETG is usually a small price shift, but PA11 vs PA12 can change cost more since they are engineering-grade nylons with different performance levels. Stronger or more specialized materials generally increase price.

Is 3D printing expensive if I need strong or functional parts?

It depends on what strength level you need. Standard materials remain affordable, while choosing one of the strongest 3D printing materials—like reinforced nylon or high-performance polymers—raises the cost due to advanced processing and higher durability requirements.

What is the most cost-efficient way to choose between PLA vs PETG or PA11 vs PA12?

Use lower-cost materials like PLA or PETG for prototypes, and choose PA11 or PA12 only when functional strength or accuracy is needed. Matching your part's requirements to the right material prevents over-engineering and keeps 3D printing cost as low as possible—even when considering the strongest 3D printing material options.

Why Choose Norra AM?

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    Easy

    From the moment you contact us, our streamlined processes and instant quoting system make ordering prototypes straightforward and hassle-free. We simplify the complex, so you can focus on innovation.

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    Fast

    Our state-of-the-art manufacturing technology allows us to produce high-quality prototypes with rapid turnaround times. Whether you need a single prototype or a large batch, we deliver your parts quickly to keep your projects on track.

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    Local

    Based in Hudiksvall, we provide personalized support and fast delivery times. Being local means we understand your needs better and can offer timely assistance and services, ensuring your prototypes meet your exact specifications.