PEKK-A CF filament

The PEKK CF (PolyEtherKetoneKetone) (JNM 2712) is considered an advanced engineering polymer, which belongs to the PAEK family, mixed with carbon fiber. Carbon Fiber is a pseudo-amorphous material that gives PEKK a lower melting point, slower crystallization and maintains a high crystallization temperature (Tg=160°C). This union also enhances the structural stability, improving the mechanical and printing properties. That is why the PEKK CF has earned a place among one of the two most powerful and easy-to-use materials within 3D FDM / FFF printing. In addition, this material competes at a general level with the most widely used thermoplastics in the engineering industry (polysulfones, polyphenylene sulphides and polyketones).

Relying on the vast experience and many years of research, the great French manufacturer Nanovia has obtained the PEKK CF JNM 2712. The JMN 2712 behaves in a stable manner in all areas that allows its use in a 3D printer FDM. Next, the molecular structure of JNM 2712 is observed.

Image 1: PEKK CF JNM 2712. Source: Nanovia

The PEKK-A CF filament presents all the qualities that an advanced material requires. This material offers a high operating temperature and a constant maximum working temperature with a pressure of 1.8 MPa of more than 139ºC. The main advantage, with respect to other materials (NylonStrong), is that at these temperatures the mechanical properties hardly change. This is because its great dimensional stability, improved thanks to carbon fiber, maintains the structural shape even when raising the temperature, something unthinkable with most existing materials in 3D printing FDM / FFF. These qualities are used to make short cycle injection molding tools, carbon fiber lamination tools and other types of molds that are subject to high pressure and temperature values (Autoclave). Within this type of high strength molds are those used for the vulcanization process of plastics, such as rubber. Thanks to PEKK-A CF molds can be made faster, easier and cheaper than current steel molds.

The main advantage of this material with respect to others of the same family is that the chemical resistance. The values of resistance to chemical elements are superior even to those of PEI and PEI CF. PEKK-A CF is resistant to a large list of fluids: halogen hydrocarbons (benzene), automotive fluids (coolant), alcohol and aqueous solutions (sea water). This quality, together with its low density (1.27 g / cm3) and fireproof material, makes PEKK-A CF a very common material to make final parts of engine parts in the field of aeronautics and the automotive industry through which liquids pass, oils and gases.

Image 1: Application of engineering. Source: Nanovia

Something very important when it comes to manufacturing parts for engineering is that it doesn't interfere or produce derivations of electric currents. The PEKK-A CF has a high dielectric stability (resistance to transforming an electrically insulating material into conductive) and can manufacture insulating parts for electronic circuits or housings for electrical outlets. In particular, the application of this material in electronic circuits is ideal to ensure the operation, since the PEKK-A CF is a material with a large capacity of heat dissipation and frequency.

In the section of mechanical properties, the PEKK-A CF stands out when gathering high values of resistance in all fields. The Young Module (Traction Module) of the PEKK-A CF (2900 MPa) is superior to that of the technical materials of 3D printing by more than 30%; Nylon-Carbon Fibre CF15 (500 MPa), PC-Max (2048 MPa), Nylon PolyMide COPA (2223 MPa). The Flex Module of the PEKK-A CF is 3000 MPa, again surpassing all conventional and technical 3D printing materials;; Nylon PolyMide COPA (1667 MPa), ABS Premium (2000 MPa), PC-Max (2044 MPa). If you need a material with higher mechanical strength values, it's recommended to use PEI, PEI CF, GF30-PP or GF30-PA6.