How to Choose the Right Material for Your 3D Printed Part

Choosing the right material for your 3D printed part can seem tricky at first—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it’s one of the most important steps to ensure your piece performs well, holds up over time, and has the finish you’re looking for. 

At M Aerospace RTC, we know that not all parts are created equal. That’s why we’ve put together a few key points to help you make a better decision when it comes to selecting the ideal material. 

1. What will the part be used for? 

It might sound obvious, but this step is often overlooked. Printing a visual prototype is very different from printing a functional part that will be inside an engine or exposed to extreme temperatures. Ask yourself: 

• Will the part need to support weight? 

• Will it be exposed to heat or chemicals? 

• Does it need to be ultra-light or extremely strong? 

  
  

The clearer you are on this, the easier it will be to choose the right material. 

2. Know your options 

These days, there are a wide variety of materials available for industrial 3D printing. Here are some of the ones we use most often: 

• Titanium: Strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. Perfect for aerospace components. 

• Inconel: Handles extremely high temperatures. Widely used in turbines and engines. 

• Aluminum: Lightweight and versatile, with good strength. Excellent for structures and housings. 

• Engineering Polymers: Lightweight, resistant, and able to withstand heat and chemicals. A great alternative when metal isn’t necessary. 

  
  

3. Consider the working environment 

Will the part be in direct sunlight? In contact with water or chemicals? Will it face constant pressure or vibration? 

The environment where the part will be used greatly impacts material selection. Printing something that stays on the ground is very different from printing a component that will fly at 10,000 meters. 

4. Find the right balance between cost and performance 

Sometimes you don’t need the most expensive material for the part to work well. In many cases, high-performance polymers are more than enough. The key is understanding how much performance you really need… and avoiding unnecessary expenses. 

5. Let the experts guide you 

Every project is different, and it’s totally normal to have questions. At M Aerospace RTC, we help you evaluate which material fits best with your goals, technical needs, and budget. We have experience printing with metals, engineering polymers, and special alloys, and we’ll walk you through the process step by step. 

Ready to bring your next idea to life? 

Whether you already have a design or you're just exploring possibilities, we can help you turn it into a real, functional part made with the right material. 

Contact us at +52 735 118 9356, tell us about your project, and let us guide you.  At M Aerospace RTC, we help ideas take off—literally.