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.
BASF Ultramid A3K (PA66, unreinforced injection-moulding grade), Product Information 02/2026, dry values (ISO methods)
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 Plastic Nylon PA66?
Plastic Nylon PA66 is stronger: its yield strength is 85 MPa against tensile strength 18.4 MPa for FDM HIPS (4.62x).
Which is lighter, FDM HIPS or Plastic Nylon PA66?
FDM HIPS is lighter: 1,023 kg/m³ against 1,130 kg/m³ for Plastic Nylon PA66.
Which is stiffer, FDM HIPS or Plastic Nylon PA66?
Plastic Nylon PA66 is stiffer: Young's modulus 3 GPa against 1.59 GPa for FDM HIPS, so the same part in Plastic Nylon PA66 deflects less under the same load.
Which is lighter for the same job, FDM HIPS or Plastic Nylon PA66?
For the same stiffness or strength: Plastic Nylon PA66 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
Plastic Nylon PA66
Stiff rod or tie (tension)
1.71x heavier
lighter
Stiff beam (bending)
24% heavier
lighter
Stiff panel or plate
12% heavier
lighter
Strong rod or tie
4.18x heavier
lighter
Strong beam
2.51x heavier
lighter
Strong panel or plate
1.95x 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 Plastic Nylon PA66?
Plastic Nylon PA66 conducts heat better: 0.33 W/m·K against 0.17 W/m·K for FDM HIPS.
Which expands less with temperature?
FDM HIPS expands less: 80 µm/m·K against 98 µm/m·K for Plastic Nylon PA66.