Material Testing



Material Testing
Would you like help characterizing the best materials for your application? We can provide guidance on material compatibility testing to assess compatible build materials for adhesion or break away support. Send us your filament or pellets and we can print ASTM test samples to be assessed using our materials testing equipment. Once complete, we will send you a qualitative & quantitative report on:
- Compression and Tensile testing
- 3D point bending
- Analysis on how well the material prints
- Optimal print temperature, speeds and basic profile recommendations
- Layer bonding strength
Choose Your Material Testing & Validation

Filament Testing
Print Optimization
Print multiple test prints of increasing complexity to optimize print settings. A Simplify3D profile with optimized settings will be provided.
| $500
Material Properties
Use ASTM standards to conduct tensile, 3-point bending, or compression testing to establish material properties for industrial applications.
| $1,250
Custom Analysis
Custom tests can include multi material testing, various bed adhesives, heat treatment, or other technical tests.
| Contact us for Pricing

Mechanical Properties
Our Admet 50kN Universal Testing System is capable of finding the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials using standardized test procedures: Tensile (ASTM D638), Flexural (ASTM D790), Flexural Fatigue (ASTM D7774) & more upon consultation

Data Analysis
Aggregated stress data across all samples are given with average and standard deviation Stress-strain curves are given for each sample to show fracture characteristics

Experimentation
Changes in slicing parameters or utilization of post-processing techniques (annealing, sterilization, smoothing) can be compared. Null hypothesis one-tailed tests are used to determine statistical significance of claims

Failure Analysis
Test specimens can be 3D scanned at 0.025mm resolution to show deformation after testing. Fractures can be imaged with microscopy with 60x magnification

Mechanical Properties
Our Admet 50kN Universal Testing System is capable of finding the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials using standardized test procedures: Tensile (ASTM D638), Flexural (ASTM D790), Flexural Fatigue (ASTM D7774) & more upon consultation

Data Analysis
Aggregated stress data across all samples are given with average and standard deviation Stress-strain curves are given for each sample to show fracture characteristics

Experimentation
Changes in slicing parameters or utilization of post-processing techniques (annealing, sterilization, smoothing) can be compared. Null hypothesis one-tailed tests are used to determine statistical significance of claims

Failure Analysis
Test specimens can be 3D scanned at 0.025mm resolution to show deformation after testing. Fractures can be imaged with microscopy with 60x magnification

Pellets | Flake Testing
Tier 1 | Granulation
Granulate 5kg plastic waste into 4mm particles with our SHINI Low Speed Granulator
| $500
Tier 2 | Extrusion
Conduct particle size analysis, dry the material, & load it into Gigabot X to quantify the max extrusion rate. Establishes the initial print temperatures and identifies any extrusion issues.
| $1,000
Tier 3 | Print Optimization
Print multiple tests articles of increasing complexity to optimize print settings. A Simplify3D profile with optimized settings will be provided.
| $2,250
Tier 4 | Material Properties
Use ASTM standards to conduct tensile, 3-point bending, or compression testing to establish material properties for industrial applications.
| $1,250

Mechanical Properties
Our Admet 50kN Universal Testing System is capable of finding the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials using standardized test procedures: Tensile (ASTM D638), Flexural (ASTM D790), Flexural Fatigue (ASTM D7774) & more upon consultation

Data Analysis
Aggregated stress data across all samples are given with average and standard deviation Stress-strain curves are given for each sample to show fracture characteristics

Experimentation
Changes in slicing parameters or utilization of post-processing techniques (annealing, sterilization, smoothing) can be compared. Null hypothesis one-tailed tests are used to determine statistical significance of claims

Failure Analysis
Test specimens can be 3D scanned at 0.025mm resolution to show deformation after testing. Fractures can be imaged with microscopy with 60x magnification

Mechanical Properties
Our Admet 50kN Universal Testing System is capable of finding the mechanical properties of 3D-printed materials using standardized test procedures: Tensile (ASTM D638), Flexural (ASTM D790), Flexural Fatigue (ASTM D7774) & more upon consultation

Data Analysis
Aggregated stress data across all samples are given with average and standard deviation Stress-strain curves are given for each sample to show fracture characteristics

Experimentation
Changes in slicing parameters or utilization of post-processing techniques (annealing, sterilization, smoothing) can be compared. Null hypothesis one-tailed tests are used to determine statistical significance of claims

Failure Analysis
Test specimens can be 3D scanned at 0.025mm resolution to show deformation after testing. Fractures can be imaged with microscopy with 60x magnification
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Contract Prints


Contract Prints
Need to print something HUGE? Aside from manufacturing Gigabot 3D printers, re:3D also offers 3D printing services for customers who want to see Gigabot’s quality or print models without having to own a Gigabot.
To order a 3D print, click the contact button below and fill in the form. For custom part files or questions, e-mail our team at printservice@re3d.org. Free samples are printed in PLA and custom parts up to 36″ x 36″ x 42″ can be made in a variety of thermoplastics.
Materials & Colors
Resolution

Low
0.8 mm nozzle

Standard
0.4 mm nozzle

High
0.4 mm nozzle
Strength

Standard
15% infill

Medium
25% infill

High
85% infill
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Service Tech Visits

Service Tech visits
Having an issue? Need help installing an upgrade kit, or parts? Need training to take your 3D printing with Gigabot knowledge to the next level?
Our team of trained service techs can do all of this, and MORE! Contact our service team for more details
Contact Us
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Flexibles

Flexibles
Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) are a category of materials that feature rubber-like mechanical properties. Parts made from TPU tend to stretch and flex easily while maintaining their original shape. This unique property of TPU enables it to fulfill a variety of applications that require flexibility. Though flexible, TPU is a tough material. It features a hardness that is comparable to PETG depending on the specific TPU used. This makes it as useful in harsher industrial applications as it is in gentler environments. When flexibility is key, TPU is the best material for the job.
TPU’s flexibility is the driver for most of its applications. This flexibility comes into great use in footwear where a cushion is needed for a shoe’s sole. Wheels and tires are another example where TPU’s flexibility shines. TPU is a good choice for phone cases and handles by providing a softer grip and a dampening effect. In industrial uses, TPU excels for grommets and dampers where traditional rubber is too weak. TPU’s hardness and flexibility enable dampers and grommets to endure for a long time.
- Footwear
- Wheels and Tires
- Phone Case
- Handles
- Grommets and Dampers
- Gaskets

Young's Modulus
26 MPa

Tensile Elongation
580 %

Ultimate Tensile Strength
39 Mpa

Notched Izod Impact Strength
19.1 J/m

Shrinkage Rate below 0.5%
-

Glass Transition Temperature
-24 ºC

Heat Distortion (0.45MPa)
49 ºC

Decomposition Temperature
-

Extruder Temperature
225 - 240 ºC

Heated Bed Temperature
45 - 60 ºC

Bed Adhesion
Glue Stick - Optional

Enclosure
No

Fans
On

Printing Speed
3,000 mm/min
TPU recycling does exist, but the ability to recycle 3D printed TPU parts remains uninvestigated. Usually TPU recycling involves breaking down a specific TPU product and reusing its material in the same application it came from. For example, polyurethane foam from mattresses tends to be recycled into new mattresses.
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Want to validate your material?
Have any questions?
ABS

ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is another common 3D printing material with popularity that rivals PLA. ABS’s structure contains a long chain on butadiene that crosses with shorter chains of acrylonitrile and styrene. The proportions of each monomer in ABS can vary. ABS is resistant to heat and to impact damage making it a durable material suitable for the outdoors. Its mechanical and thermal properties also give parts a cleaner finish compared to PLA. Due to its chemical nature, printing with ABS usually requires a raft in order to guarantee bed adhesion. This makes it a suitable material for those who have some experience with 3D printing already.
ABS’s durability and temperature resistance allow it to endure life outside. This makes it a good material for enclosures outside. ABS also serves as a good material for custom pipes that may operate outside. ABS’s durability and price point enable it to serve as a suitable material for handles on devices such as power tools. ABS can also replace automotive trim and endure usage on a car. ABS is also the material used in LEGOs. For those wanting to replicate or create new LEGOs, ABS is a perfect material.
- Outdoor Enclosures
- Handles
- Custom LEGOs
- Automotive Trim
- Piping

Young's Modulus
2,174 MPa

Tensile Elongation
2.7 %

Ultimate Tensile Strength
33.3 Mpa

Charpy Impact Strength
12.6 J/m2

Shrinkage Rate below 0.5%
-

Glass Transition Temperature
101 ºC

Vicat Softening Temperature
104 ºC

Decomposition Temperature
> 380 ºC

Extruder Temperature
235 ºC

Heated Bed Temperature
105 ºC

Bed Adhesion
Clean Bed

Enclosure
Required

Fans
Off

Printing Speed
3,600 mm/min
ABS is an easily recyclable and reusable filament. It is easy to regrind and reuse in pellet extruder printers such as GBX. It is also easy to mix and reuse with virgin ABS once sorted. Since ABS is a durable material, it can take the place of many single-use plastics as well.
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Want to validate your material?
Have any questions?
Nylon

Nylon
Nylon, especially the stiffer variety, is perfect when creating mounts for car parts. Its durability and tolerance to heat make it right at home inside an engine bay. In industry, nylon is good for gears that need to have high durability and long life cycles. Two surprising areas of application are in shoes and prosthetics. Both application areas require durability and some flexibility. More flexible nylons are the perfect choice for these applications.
- Shoe Outsole
- Gears
- Car Part Mounts
- Prosthetics

Young's Modulus
2315 - 3138 MPa

Tensile Elongation
3.31 - 4 %

Ultimate Tensile Strength
50 - 65 Mpa

Notched Izod Impact Strength
118 J/m

Shrinkage Rate below 0.5%
0.0002 mm/mm

Glass Transition Temperature
57 - 60 ºC

Heat Distortion (0.45MPa)
80 - 90 ºC

Decomposition Temperature
250 ºC

Extruder Temperature
235 - 250 ºC

Heated Bed Temperature
60 - 90 ºC

Bed Adhesion
Recommended

Enclosure
Yes

Fans
On

Printing Speed
2,400 - 3,000 mm/min
Nylon is recyclable, though its feasibility depends on the specific nylon resin. Nylon is not recycled at commercial recycling centers since it tends to be variable as well. Efforts to recycle nylon products such as fishing nets into filament have proven successful. Though recyclable, nylon needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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Want to validate your material?
Have any questions?
PET

PET
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a durable material with a glossy appearance. Outside of PLA and ABS, PET is a very common filament. A variation of PET, PETG, is often sold as a filament as well. PETG is a form of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) with glycol introduced. The introduction of glycol causes PET to become more flexible and resistant to impacts. PETG also resists shrinking and sticks to other materials easily, unlike other materials that print at a similar nozzle temperature to PETG. These properties allow PETG to fill a role between PLA and ABS as a strong, easy to print material. PETG is used for water bottles, oil containers, and plastic packaging. Recycled versions of PET and PETG, often called rPET, is a go-to recycled material for many closed loop applications. For those looking to branch from PLA and create more durable parts, PET, PETG, and rPET are good choices.
PETG excels when you take advantage of its material properties. If you need something that can endure the outdoors, PETG’s impact strength makes it a suitable material. Its chemical makeup makes it bond easily to other materials and serve as a versatile support material.
- Containers
- Raft & Support Materials
- Outdoor Applications

Young's Modulus
2,100 MPa

Tensile Elongation
130 %

Ultimate Tensile Strength
-

Notched Izod Impact Strength
100 J/m

Shrinkage Rate below 0.5%
0.0004 mm/mm

Glass Transition Temperature
80 ºC

Heat Distortion (0.45MPa)
70 ºC

Decomposition Temperature
280 ºC

Extruder Temperature
235 ºC

Heated Bed Temperature
70 ºC

Bed Adhesion
Adhesive Needed for PET, Optional for PETG

Enclosure
Optional

Fans
-

Printing Speed
3,600 mm/min
PET is one of the most commonly recycled materials. Reground PET is often turned into rPET filament for 3D printing. PETG is technically recyclable, but it is often rejected from commercial recycling centers due to its low melting point causing issues when recycled with other materials. It may be possible to regrind PETG and to reuse it in pellet fed printers such as GBX.
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Want to validate your material?
Have any questions?
PLA

PLA
Polylactic Acid, more commonly known as PLA, is one of the most frequently used materials in 3D printing. Its popularity comes from its ease of use, organic nature, and relatively strong mechanical properties. PLA is also inexpensive making it a great entry-level material. PLA is made up of naturally occurring, organic lactic acid chains which generally makes it useful in organic settings such as medical applications. Its chemical nature also makes it easy to recycle and reuse. PLA also boasts strong mechanical properties and user-friendly thermal properties that make it easy to print with. For those looking for a place to start in additive manufacturing, PLA is an excellent choice.

Young's Modulus
2,315 - 3,138 MPa

Tensile Elongation
3.31 - 4.00 %

Ultimate Tensile Strength
50 - 65 MPa

Notched Izod Impact Strength
118 J/m

Shrinkage Rate below 0.5%
0.0002 mm/mm

Glass Transition Temperature
57 - 60 ºC

Heat Distortion (0.45MPa)
80 - 90 ºC

Decomposition Temperature
250 ºC

Extruder Temperature
210 ºC

Heated Bed Temperature
60 ºC

Bed Adhesion
Nothing Extra Required

Enclosure
Do Not Use

Fans
On

Printing Speed
3,600 mm/min
PLA is created from organic sources, making it sustainable to produce. It is possible to recycle through composting. Furthermore, PLA is easily reused if ground up and reused in pellet printers such as GBX. PLA can only be reused a limited amount of times due to its compostable nature. PLA is not easily recycled at commercial recycling centers due to it being lumped into code 7, “other plastics”, in the resin identification number system.
- PLA is very dimensionally stable and can produce good prints without much work. However, be sure to add brims and adhesive if your part geometry is large or complex. Large and dense PLA prints can still have warping issues!
- PLA, being one of the most common materials on the market, is often compatible with most supporting products and open source designs. If you are unsure what material to use for an open source design, or what material to use with certain products like adhesives, PLA is a safe choice.