Through this 3D printing filament guide, we aim to explain how to succeed while 3D printing with Polypropylene (PP) Filament. This will help users to print by taking the necessary precautions and will help in achieving higher 3D printing success.
As the manufacturing industry is being democratized by 3D printing, the technology is also being studied, researched, tested, and used by people from across sectors. The technology is not restricted to engineers but even designers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts are using technology and building products.
Since this technology is also used by numerous non-technical users, we observe a high failure rate and this creates a wrong impression of the 3D printing technology. This 3D printing filament guide will help avoid such failures.
What is Polypropylene?
Above: Polypropylene Fliptop Bottle/Image Source: Tupperware
Polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer, is a commonly used material in the polymer industry to manufacture various everyday used products like water bottles, tiffin boxes, containers, etc. It can be said that it is a primary choice of material in packaging and storage applications. Mostly injection moulded, the material is quite cheap and widely available across the globe at reasonable prices.
3D Printing Filament Guide: Understanding Polypropylene Filament
Above: Samples from Polypropylene filament/Image Source: Simplify3D
For 3D printing, polypropylene, though desirable is not often used due to its inherent issues. Polypropylene filament can be used for applications like case hinges, watch straps, outdoor applications, etc.
However, PP is prone to heavy warping issues when it cools while 3D printing thus making it a challenging material to work with. Filament manufacturers generally tend to create blends to not only make it easier to print with but also to improve its toughness.
3D Printing Filament Guide: Properties of Polypropylene Filament
In this 3D printing filament guide, we now will list down the properties of the Polypropylene filament:
Excellent Chemical and Heat resistance
Polypropylene prints at higher temperatures which means that PP can be used for fairly high-temperature applications. It shows good heat resistance. Similarly, it also exhibits good chemical resistance. It is chemically stable and is a food-safe material.
Water Resistance
Polypropylene doesn’t easily absorb moisture and so comparatively it has better water resistance than most 3D printing filaments.
High Strength
Owing to its mostly straight-chain carbon-based chemical structure and saturated bonds, Polypropylene has great impact resistance. It does not easily break and its mechanical strength is superior to most filaments.
3D Printing with Polypropylene Filament
Above: Gizmo Dorks Polypropylene Filament/Image Source: Gizmo Dorks
We first take a look at the general print settings for Polypropylene filament and then look at the tips to print with Polypropylene filament.
General Printing Settings
- Printing Temperature: 220oC to 250oC
- Bed Temperature: 85oC to 105oC
- Print Speed: 20-30mm/sec
- Enclosure: Recommended
Polypropylene Filament 3D Printing Tips
In this 3D printing filament guide, we take a look at some 3D printing tips for users planning to use the material.
Enclosure
As mentioned earlier, Polypropylene is prone to warping and cracking, it is recommended to use an enclosure while 3D printing with this material.
Use Bed Adhesion Tools
For materials that do not easily stick to the build surface, bed adhesion tools in a slicer software form the default tools to be used. Using raft is found to be a good solution to reduce warping issues.
Build Surface
For Polypropylene 3D printing, a good build surface will go a long way in ensuring a successful print. However, it is easier said than done. Bed adhesion is a big problem for Polypropylene. According to experts, PP sticks well to itself and so it is recommended to use a polypropylene-based build surface.
Pros of Polypropylene Filament
- Perfect for lightweight applications
- Showcases excellent chemical resistance
- PP also exhibits good water and heat resistance
- PP is a fully recyclable material
- PP products are dishwasher safe
Cons of Polypropylene Filament
- Comparatively, it has low strength
- It has heavy warping and cracking issues
- Severe bed adhesion problems
- A successful print is not guaranteed each time
- A special build surface is needed as it does not stick well to regular build surfaces
- It is expensive than other filament
3D printing filament guide on polypropylene will serve as a handbook for using and working with the filament. Though polypropylene is a difficult material to print with, it can be used for highly specific applications that demand its superior properties over others.
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