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3D-printing company Formlabs introduced today its Nylon 11 Powder, a high-performance material suited for functional prototyping and small batch production. Available for use on Formlabs’ Fuse 1 selective laser sintering (SLS) printer, Nylon 11 Powder enables users to print parts that need to bend or take impact such as hinges, clips, and orthotics.

Historically, the high cost and complex workflow of industrial 3D printing has kept the technology out of reach for many companies. The Fuse 1 is designed to make industrial 3D printing more affordable and user-friendly, said Formlabs in making the announcement, adding that materials are key to expanding the range of possible applications. Nylon 11 Powder was developed to bolster design and creation capabilities at a low per-part cost.

“Engineers, product designers, and manufacturers choose industrial 3D printers for design freedom, the ability to customize end-use parts, and speed in bringing products to market,” said Kathy Bui, Engineering Vertical Lead of Formlabs, in a prepared statement. “Nylon 11 Powder’s robust characteristics make it ideal for creating end-use parts and functional prototypes like sports equipment or flexible hinges when impact resistance and ductility is key in delivering peak performance while optimizing cost per part.”

Nylon 11 Powder is ideal for applications where durability and performance are essential, noted Formlabs. Nylon 11 Powder’s ductile, strong, and flexible qualities suit end-use parts that must be able to take impact and handle wear and tear over time. Nylon 11 Powder is also designed for use in manufacturing, production, engineering, and product design to create:

• Impact-resistant prototypes;
• thin-walled ducts and enclosures;
• robust jigs and fixtures;
• replacement parts;
• prosthetics and orthotics.

Formlabs said that Nylon 11 Powder is one of many materials it plans to launch for the Fuse 1.