FDM HIPS vs. Magnesium AZ31B-H24

Compare FDM HIPS vs. Magnesium AZ31B-H24 strength, stiffness, weight and thermal properties.

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FDM HIPS3D printed (FDM)

Mechanical
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Yield strength	not given (tensile used)	220MPasourcetypical, H24, 0.5-6 mm, 0.2 % proof stress
Ultimate tensile strength	18.4MPasourcetypical	290MPasourcetypical, H24, 0.5-6 mm
Flexural strength	31.8MPasourcetypical	not sourced
Elongation at break	1.4%sourcetypical	13%sourcetypical, H24, 0.5-6 mm, gauge 5.65√A
Young's modulus (stiffness)	1.59GPasourcetypical	44.8GPasourcetypical (handbook physical constant)
Density	1,023kg/m³sourcetypical	1,769kg/m³sourcenominal
Strength to weight	18kN·m/kg	124kN·m/kg6.91x higher
Stiffness to weight	1.55MN·m/kg	25.3MN·m/kg16.3x higher
Poisson's ratio	not sourced	0.35sourcetypical (handbook physical constant)
Shear modulus	not sourced	16.6GPa
Bulk modulus	not sourced	49.8GPa
Speed of sound	1,246m/s	5,032m/s
Thermal
Thermal conductivity	0.17W/m·Ksourcebase material: INEOS Styrolution PS 486N injection-molding HIPS, typical	76.9W/m·Ksourcetypical (temper/temperature not stated)
Thermal expansion	80µm/m·Ksourcebase material: INEOS Styrolution PS 486N injection-molding HIPS, typical	26.8µm/m·Ksourcetypical (temperature range not stated)
100 mm part over a 50 °C swing	400µm growth	134µm growth2.99x less
Specific heat	not sourced	1,040J/kg·Ksourcetypical
Heats up and cools (diffusivity)	not sourced	41.8mm²/s
Thermal shock resistance	not sourced	9,159W/m
Glass transition	99°Csourcetypical	not sourced
Max service temperature	86°CsourceHDT 1.8 MPa	149°Csourcestated application limit
Values for	BASF Forward AM (BASF 3D Printing Solutions) Ultrafuse HiPS, TDS v2.2 (13.11.2019), printed specimens, XY 'Flat'. Specimen print settings are not stated; recommended processing on the sheet: nozzle 240-260 °C, bed 100-120 °C, 40-80 mm/s. Product is discontinued (Forward AM product page) but the TDS is still served by Forward AM.	AZ31B-H24 sheet 0.016-0.062 in., MIL-HDBK-5J Table 4.2.1.0(b) (AMS 4377); strengths are S-basis MINIMUMS

Every value links to the document that states it. "Not sourced" means no citable source states it (or only a specification minimum); figures computed from it are left out too.

FDM HIPS is 3D printed: its properties depend on build direction and print settings; these are typical values.

Questions

Is FDM HIPS stronger than Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

Magnesium AZ31B-H24 is stronger: its yield strength is 220 MPa against tensile strength 18.4 MPa for FDM HIPS (12x).

Which is lighter, FDM HIPS or Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

FDM HIPS is lighter: 1,023 kg/m³ against 1,769 kg/m³ for Magnesium AZ31B-H24.

Which is stiffer, FDM HIPS or Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

Magnesium AZ31B-H24 is stiffer: Young's modulus 44.8 GPa against 1.59 GPa for FDM HIPS, so the same part in Magnesium AZ31B-H24 deflects less under the same load.

Which is lighter for the same job, FDM HIPS or Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

For the same stiffness or strength: Magnesium AZ31B-H24 is lighter for a stiff rod or tie (tension), stiff beam (bending), stiff panel or plate, strong rod or tie, strong beam, strong panel or plate.

Part that must be	FDM HIPS	Magnesium AZ31B-H24
Stiff rod or tie (tension)	16.3x heavier	lighter
Stiff beam (bending)	3.07x heavier	lighter
Stiff panel or plate	1.76x heavier	lighter
Strong rod or tie	6.91x heavier	lighter
Strong beam	3.02x heavier	lighter
Strong panel or plate	2x heavier	lighter

For the same stiffness or strength, mass scales with density over stiffness (or strength) raised to a power set by how the part is loaded: 1 for a rod in tension, 1/2 for a beam in bending, 1/3 for a panel (the standard material-selection indices).

Which conducts heat better, FDM HIPS or Magnesium AZ31B-H24?

Magnesium AZ31B-H24 conducts heat better: 76.9 W/m·K against 0.17 W/m·K for FDM HIPS.

Which expands less with temperature?

Magnesium AZ31B-H24 expands less: 26.8 µm/m·K against 80 µm/m·K for FDM HIPS.

Among 72 materials

Stiffness against density

Strength against density