CNC machining, SLA, micro 3D printing or injection moulding – which process is right for your medical device prototype? A... Continue reading
- Home
- 3D Printing Materials
- Micro 3D Printing Materials
Micro 3D Printing Materials
QUICK LINKS
Material datasheets
Process datasheets
Request a quote
Matrix
Micro 3D Printing Materials
Micro 3D Printing at Prototype Projects uses three materials: HTL (Matrix HTL), BIO (Matrix BIO) and HI-TEMP 300 AMB (Matrix HTA300). All three are suited to high-resolution applications requiring fine detail and smooth surface finish at the micro scale. Micro 3D Printing parts are dispatched on a minimum 10 working day lead time.
Material comparison at a glance
Use this table to choose between HTL, BIO and HI-TEMP 300 AMB for your application. For full property data, refer to the individual sections below or download the materials datasheets →.
A dedicated HTL vs BIO comparison datasheet is also available on the datasheets page.
|
HTL |
BIO |
HI-TEMP 300 AMB |
|
|
Matrix name |
(Matrix HTL) |
(Matrix BIO) |
(Matrix HTA300) |
|
Colour |
Black / Carbon black / Yellow |
Translucent yellow |
Amber / translucent |
|
Tensile Strength |
71.5 MPa |
56.0 MPa |
59 MPa |
|
Elastic Modulus |
2,397 MPa |
1,614 MPa |
3,500 MPa |
|
Elongation at Break |
7.8% |
6.2% |
2.2% |
|
Shore D Hardness |
81 |
84 |
88 |
|
HDT @ 0.45 MPa |
114.2°C |
85.7°C |
300°C |
|
Biocompatible |
Medical applications |
Non-implantable medical (ISO 10993) |
Yes (USP Class VI) |
|
Autoclavable |
Yes |
Yes |
N/A |
|
Best for |
Engineering / medical needing heat resistance |
Biocompatible medical / microfluidic |
Ultra-high temp micro applications |
Material breakdown
HTL
HTL is a high-performance engineering material with high strength, rigidity and heat resistance, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 140°C. It enables high-resolution features and is suitable for a broad range of engineering and medical applications, including those requiring autoclave sterilisation.
HTL’s combination of mechanical performance and thermal resistance makes it well suited to small, functional components where dimensional accuracy and material integrity under load or heat are critical.
Small engineering components requiring heat resistance
140°C temperature capability; 114.2°C HDT @ 0.45 MPa
Medical devices requiring autoclave sterilisation
Suitable for high-temperature sterilisation cycles
High-resolution structural prototypes
High strength and rigidity at micro scale
Connectors, housings and small assemblies
Good mechanical property profile; high modulus
Optical and precision instrument components
Fine detail resolution at micro scale
|
Property |
Value (Metric) |
Test Method |
|
Tensile Strength |
71.5 MPa |
ASTM D638 |
|
Elastic Modulus |
2,397 MPa |
ASTM D638 |
|
Elongation at Break |
7.8% |
ASTM D638 |
|
Flexural Strength |
112.9 MPa |
ASTM D790 |
|
Flexural Modulus |
2,800 MPa |
ASTM D790 |
|
Impact Strength (Izod Notched) |
30 J/m |
ASTM D256 |
|
Shore D Hardness |
81 |
ASTM D785 |
|
Heat Deflection Temp @ 0.45 MPa |
114.2°C |
ASTM D648-07 |
|
CTE @ 60°C |
169.0 μm/m/°C |
|
|
Water Absorption (24 hr) |
1.05% |
ASTM D570 |
|
Dielectric Constant (10 GHz) |
3.45 |
BIO
BIO is a biocompatible resin suitable for non-implantable medical applications. It has passed multiple ISO 10993 biocompatibility tests covering skin irritation and sensitisation, acute systemic toxicity, in vitro cytotoxicity, in vitro haemolysis and pyrogenicity, and is suitable for sterilisation.
Parts print in a translucent yellow colour and offer a cell culture survival rate of 75% in vitro, making BIO a practical choice for lab-on-chip components, microfluidic devices and patient-contact medical parts at the micro scale.
Non-implantable medical devices
Passes ISO 10993-5, -10, -4, -11 biocompatibility tests
Microfluidic devices and lab-on-chip
Translucent yellow; suitable for fluid flow applications
Patient-contact components
Biocompatible; sterilisable
Diagnostic device components
High-resolution features; good dimensional accuracy
Small medical instrument parts
Passes in vitro cytotoxicity and haemolysis testing
|
Property |
Value (Metric) |
Test Method |
|
Tensile Strength |
56.0 MPa |
ASTM D638 |
|
Elastic Modulus |
1,614 MPa |
ASTM D638 |
|
Elongation at Break |
6.2% |
ASTM D638 |
|
Flexural Strength |
106.6 MPa |
ASTM D790 |
|
Flexural Modulus |
3,500 MPa |
ASTM D790 |
|
Shore D Hardness |
84 |
ASTM D785 |
|
Heat Deflection Temp @ 0.45 MPa |
85.7°C |
ASTM D648-07 |
|
CTE @ 60°C |
170.3 μm/m/°C |
|
|
Water Absorption (24 hr) |
0.69% |
ASTM D570 |
|
Dielectric Constant (10 GHz) |
2.75 |
|
|
Cell Culture Survival Rate In Vitro |
75% |
HI-TEMP 300 AMB
HI-TEMP 300 AMB is available for Micro 3D Printing (as well as SLA and DLP), bringing its ultra-high temperature performance (300°C HDT at low stress) to applications requiring both micro-scale resolution and extreme thermal resistance.
Miniature HVAC components and ducting
Ultra-high temperature resistance in small, complex geometries
Small motor housings and stator components
Structural integrity at elevated operating temperatures
Micro-scale fixtures, mounts and jigs
Dimensionally stable under thermal load at high resolution
Miniature fluid and gas flow visualisation parts
Translucent amber material allows internal inspection at micro scale
Low-pressure moulding inserts and tooling
Suitable for expanding foams and rubber overmoulding in small tooling
High-temperature sensor housings and connectors
Withstands sustained heat from adjacent components
|
Property |
Value (Metric) |
Test Method |
|
Tensile Strength (Ultimate) |
59 MPa |
ASTM D638 |
|
Tensile Modulus |
3,500 MPa |
ASTM D638 |
|
Elongation at Break |
2.2% |
ASTM D638 |
|
Flexural Strength |
117 MPa |
ASTM D790 |
|
Flexural Modulus |
3,400 MPa |
ASTM D790 |
|
Izod Notched Impact |
10 J/m |
ASTM D256 |
|
Izod Unnotched Impact |
70 J/m |
ASTM D4812 |
|
Heat Deflection Temp @ 0.455 MPa |
300°C |
ASTM D648 |
|
Heat Deflection Temp @ 1.82 MPa |
124°C |
ASTM D648 |
|
Shore D Hardness |
88 |
ASTM D2240 |
|
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) |
23°C |
ASTM E1640 |
|
Water Absorption (24 hr) |
0.36% |
ASTM D570 |
|
Solid Density |
1.27 g/cm³ |
ASTM D792 |
|
CTE -20 to 50°C |
74 ppm/°C |
ASTM E831 |
|
CTE 75 to 180°C |
55 ppm/°C |
ASTM E831 |
Note: HI-TEMP 300 AMB properties are isotropic across all print orientations.
Finishing and production speeds
Micro 3D Printing parts are available with a minimum 10 working day dispatch lead time. The standard finishing option is P1 (support witness marks removed). For other finishing requirements, please contact the team to discuss.
For a quote, use the 3D Printing quote form on the website and select Micro 3D Printing as the process. A comparison datasheet covering HTL and BIO is available to download from the Materials Datasheets page.
Ready to discuss your project?
When you’re ready to order, upload your CAD file to Matrix for an instant quote and same-day ordering on SLS, SLA and DLP parts. For Micro 3D Printing, PSLA, and Filament 3D Printing, request a quote using the form below.
If you’d like to talk through anything first, call us on 01763 249760 or email us and the team will be happy to help.
Request a Quote
Please Note: requests for our 3-Day production speed must meet our 3-Day criteria. All final data for our 3-Day production speed is required by 4.30pm.
To request a quote for any of our other technologies/services, such as Vacuum Casting, Model Making and Laser Cutting, please complete this contact form.
Our latest news
Ahbstra's ARK presents a compelling solution to a real infrastructure challenge, particularly in environments where water is scarce. Our role... Continue reading
Prototype Projects will be exhibiting at Hardware Pioneers Max 2026, taking place at Excel London on 10-11 June 2026. You’ll... Continue reading
Discover how vacuum casting works, its benefits for prototype and low-volume parts, material options, and how it compares to 3D... Continue reading
Dimensional inspection and inspection reports for aerospace and defence prototypes — why it matters, what to ask your supplier, and... Continue reading
Choosing between aluminium 6082 and 7075 for aerospace or defence prototyping? This guide covers strength, weight, machinability and cost —... Continue reading
Discover how micro 3D printing works, what feature sizes are achievable, which materials are available, and where it outperforms standard... Continue reading
CNC machining, SLS, SLA or vacuum casting — which process is right for your aerospace or defence prototype? A practical... Continue reading
A practical guide to stereolithography (SLA) for engineers and designers. Learn how the process works, which materials to choose, and... Continue reading