CarbonX™ PP+CF

3DXtech is a leading North American manufacturer in the 3D printing industry. It specialises in the development of high-performance polymers, resulting in the creation of technical filaments for professional applications.

CarbonX™ PP+CF filament is made from a PP (polypropylene) copolymer and reinforced with carbon fibre.

Polypropylene (PP) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer formed by the polymerisation of propylene. Its properties are similar to those of PE, but PP has the advantage of being lighter, having a high softening temperature, high resistance to breakage, impact and wear, excellent chemical resistance and relative flexibility (semi-rigid). This is why it is often used for advanced technical applications and is often reinforced with the addition of carbon fibres. The addition of carbon fibre (CF) makes 3D printed parts stiffer, more dimensionally stable and lighter.

The filament in question is based on a patent-pending formulation that offers improved thermal properties and low shrinkage/deformation compared to other PP-based composites.

Image: Part printed with CarbonX™ PP+CF. Source: 3dxtech

Among the advantages of CarbonX™ PP+CF are that it is an easier filament to print than most flexible filaments, has excellent resistance to chemicals (acids, solvents...) and has a low density. It has high stiffness and strength, which makes it perfect for outdoor applications, and it does not normally absorb moisture. It can also be printed on virtually any 3D printer.

It should be noted that CarbonX™ PP+CF filament is an abrasive material, so users should be aware that standard brass nozzles wear quickly compared to normal wear, so when this happens, the printer will experience extrusion problems.

In short, this filament offers ease of printing, strength, lightness, stiffness and a surprisingly good surface finish, making it an ideal material for applications in medicine, drones, boats, automotive and more.