Engineering materials and the printers that run them

Each material has a minimum nozzle temperature and a recommended active chamber temperature. Pick one to see which printers qualify, which are marginal and which can't run it.

ASA / ABS

Styrenic engineering plastics for housings, jigs and outdoor parts. ASA adds UV resistance. Both warp and crack without a warm enclosure.

Nozzle ≥ 250 °C · chamber ≥ 45 °C
5 of 13 printers qualify

Polycarbonate (PC)

Tough, transparent-capable polymer with heat resistance around 110 °C. Strong shrinkage makes chamber heat important on parts larger than a fist.

Nozzle ≥ 270 °C · chamber ≥ 60 °C
4 of 13 printers qualify

Nylon CF (PA-CF)

Chopped-carbon nylon for stiff, light fixtures and end-use brackets. Absorbs moisture, so it needs dry storage, and wears brass nozzles quickly.

Nozzle ≥ 280 °C · chamber ≥ 50 °C
5 of 13 printers qualify

PPS-CF

Carbon-filled polyphenylene sulfide with strong chemical and fuel resistance, used in automotive and chemical-processing parts.

Nozzle ≥ 320 °C · chamber ≥ 90 °C
1 of 13 printers qualify

ULTEM 9085 (PEI)

Flame-retardant polyetherimide with aerospace interior certifications (FST). Needs high nozzle and chamber heat to bond layers.

Nozzle ≥ 360 °C · chamber ≥ 90 °C
2 of 13 printers qualify

PEKK

Polyetherketoneketone for aerospace and space hardware: high strength at temperature with low outgassing. Slower to crystallise than PEEK, which makes it easier to print.

Nozzle ≥ 360 °C · chamber ≥ 90 °C
1 of 13 printers qualify

PEEK

Semi-crystalline polyetheretherketone for parts that must keep strength above 200 °C and resist chemicals, sterilisation and wear. The hardest common FFF polymer to print well.

Nozzle ≥ 400 °C · chamber ≥ 100 °C
1 of 13 printers qualify