AM Material Comparison Matrix
Select two properties and click “Draw Chart.” Values are legacy illustrative screening inputs, not qualified allowables or current supplier quotes. Points with values under review are omitted for the affected axis.
1. Comparison Matrix
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Illustrative cost ($/kg) | Assumed powder loss (%) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Young’s Modulus (GPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316L Stainless Steel | 8.00 | 60 | 10 | 620 | 290 | 193 | 45 |
| 17-4 PH Stainless Steel | 7.80 | 80 | 10 | Under review | Under review | 200 | 10 |
| 15-5 PH Stainless Steel | 7.75 | 90 | 10 | Under review | Under review | 200 | 12 |
| Ti-6Al-4V | 4.43 | 350 | 12 | 880 | 880 | 114 | 14 |
| Ti-6Al-4V ELI | 4.42 | 400 | 12 | 900 | 825 | 110 | 10 |
| Inconel 718 | 8.19 | 300 | 15 | 1240 | 1030 | 205 | 12 |
| Inconel 625 | 8.44 | 320 | 15 | 660 | 415 | 210 | 30 |
| Inconel 939 | 8.20 | 340 | 15 | 1100 | 850 | 207 | 15 |
| AlSi10Mg | 2.68 | 80 | 8 | 380 | 250 | 70 | 7 |
| AlSi12 | 2.65 | 90 | 8 | 275 | 200 | 70 | 8 |
| Scalmalloy® | Under review | 500 | 12 | 580 | 520 | 72 | 11 |
| Maraging Steel (MS1) | 8.05 | 200 | 10 | 2000 | 1800 | 197 | 9 |
| Cobalt Chrome (CoCr) | 8.30 | 250 | 12 | 1100 | 670 | 240 | 8 |
| Copper Alloy (CuCrZr) | 8.80 | 150 | 15 | 370 | 320 | 130 | 5 |
| Tool Steel (H13) | 7.80 | 120 | 10 | 1400 | 1200 | 210 | 7 |
2. Select Properties for Ashby Chart
3. Ashby Chart
How to use this material comparison
Start with function and environment, then filter candidate alloys before comparing density and mechanical properties. Every usable property set should identify the machine, process parameters, orientation, heat treatment, surface condition and test method.
| Design need | Candidate family to investigate | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| Low structural mass | Titanium or aluminum alloys | Stiffness, fatigue, temperature and route maturity. |
| High-temperature service | Nickel alloys | Creep, oxidation and heat-treatment condition. |
| Corrosion resistance | Stainless steels or nickel alloys | Specific medium, temperature and corrosion mechanism. |
| Heat transfer | Copper or aluminum alloys | Conductivity after the actual process and thermal route. |
Data status and corrections — 12 September 2026
The legacy table mixes material conditions and lacks traceable, row-level validation. Its prices and powder-loss factors are illustrative assumptions. They must not be treated as current quotations or measured production losses. Two stainless-steel strength pairs had yield strength above tensile strength; those entries are now withheld. The legacy Scalmalloy density is also withheld pending a traceable replacement. Missing values are excluded from the affected chart axes.
For replacement inputs, obtain route-specific manufacturer data and dated quotes. Carpenter Additive provides a starting point for powder specifications. The earlier bibliography has been removed because its claimed numeric provenance could not be established in this review.
From alloy selection to company research
| Company | Connection | Research question |
|---|---|---|
| Carpenter Technology | Specialty metal powder capabilities | Which grades have recurring, qualified demand and meaningful financial contribution? |
| Nikon / Nikon SLM | Metal LPBF platforms | Which machine–material combinations are validated, and does demand convert to repeat production? |
Technical capability sources: Carpenter Additive and Nikon SLM.
Company exposure is a research starting point, not a stock recommendation. A relevant technology does not establish material revenue, attractive margins or a reasonable valuation. Check current filings, ownership, cash flow and customer concentration before drawing an investment conclusion.
Continue with powder reuse control and accepted-part economics.
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