05.30.2024
With the launch of the UltiMaker Factor 4 came a new 3D printing material: UltiMaker PPS CF.
As soon as you pick up a PPS CF part, you notice that this material is different. Give it a tap and its stiffness and density causes it to vibrate like metal. This metallic sound is also caused by the crystalline structure of PPS, where well-defined molecular arrangements contribute to its distinctive acoustic properties.
Beyond this, UltiMaker PPS CF is suitable for precision engineering, with high durability – all while being a cost-effective alternative for high-end metals and PEEK. The newest member of the UltiMaker material portfolio, it brings significant upgrades for various applications across automotive, aerospace, defense, and more.
Let’s take a closer look at the material’s attributes and some examples of real-world PPS CF end-parts that are helping engineers and manufacturers save time and money.
In the world of industrial production, durability is paramount.
PPS CF (polyphenylene sulfide, reinforced with 10% carbon fiber) is designed to withstand the harshest environments, offering exceptional chemical resistance, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. This high-performance material ensures that your industrial prototypes or functional end-use parts maintain their integrity over time, even under the most demanding conditions.
PPS CF’s chemical resistance makes it ideal for applications that are exposed to corrosive substances. Whether it’s in the aggressive environments of the chemical processing industry or in automotive components exposed to harsh fluids, PPS CF remains resilient. Its robustness ensures that your parts won’t degrade or fail prematurely, providing a reliable material solution that manufacturers can trust.
Dimensional stability is equally important in high-precision manufacturing. PPS CF maintains its shape and size even under significant mechanical stress and temperature fluctuations. This property is vital for ensuring that components fit together perfectly and function as intended. With PPS CF, engineers and designers can achieve consistent, reliable results, reducing the need for frequent recalibration or part replacements.
Now let’s turn to another stand-out feature of PPS CF – its heat resistance.
UltiMaker PPS CF opens the door to a new realm of 3D printing applications. Specifically designed for use with the UltiMaker Factor 4 and print core HT, this advanced material provides the precision and reliability that today’s industrial demands require. As a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, UltiMaker PPS CF boasts a heat deflection temperature exceeding 230 °C post-printing, making it an exceptional choice for high-temperature applications.
In the field of precision engineering, temperature tolerance is a critical factor. UltiMaker PPS CF’s ability to maintain structural integrity at temperatures above 230 °C ensures that your printed parts will perform reliably in demanding thermal environments. This makes it ideal for applications in the automotive and aerospace sectors, where components are routinely subjected to high heat. From engine parts to under-the-hood components, PPS CF delivers the stability and performance needed to meet stringent industry standards.
Chemical resistance is another hallmark of UltiMaker PPS CF. This material is impervious to damage from solvents below 200 °C, making it suitable for use in chemically aggressive environments. Whether used in chemical processing equipment or in parts exposed to harsh cleaning agents, UltiMaker PPS CF maintains its durability and integrity. This chemical resilience translates to longer-lasting parts that require less frequent replacement, enhancing overall efficiency and reducing downtime.
