KARAKSA™ F BX113

Polyamide (Nylon) is a widely used material in industrial 3D printing thanks to its balanced mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. However, standard polyamides often show printing challenges such as high warping, stringing, and poor performance on bridges and overhangs, which can limit design freedom and reduce final part quality.

Traditional fiber-reinforced solutions with carbon or glass fibers increase stiffness and reduce deformation, but often result in rough surfaces, higher printer wear, and limitations with small nozzle diameters, reducing print resolution and fine detail.

KARAKSA™ F BX113 has been engineered to overcome these limitations, offering a reinforced polyamide filament that delivers exceptional print quality, smooth surface finish, and high dimensional stability, without the usual drawbacks of fiber reinforcement.

CNF Technology: High-Performance Reinforcement Without Trade-Offs

BX113 uses cellulose nanofibers (CNF) that disperse uniformly within the polymer matrix, forming a continuous 3D network that strengthens the material at the nanoscale.

Image 1: Cellulose nanofiber structure by Asahi Kasei. Source: Asahi Kasei

This nanoscale network not only improves mechanical properties but also enhances printability by reducing internal stresses and boosting layer adhesion.

Thixotropic Behavior for Precise FFF 3D Printing

Thanks to its internal nanostructure, KARAKSA™ F BX113 exhibits ideal thixotropic behavior for FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication). The filament flows easily through the nozzle and rapidly increases viscosity once deposited, maintaining precise geometry. This allows stable bridging, controlled overhangs, and accurate inclined surfaces, even on complex geometries.

Image 2: Viscosity vs shear stress comparison: CF-reinforced vs CNF-reinforced polyamide. Source: Asahi Kasei

Dimensional Stability and Premium Surface Finish

BX113 balances flexibility and surface quality while maintaining excellent dimensional stability and high heat resistance. Reduced warping and thermal shrinkage produce accurate, repeatable parts with minimal post-processing, even for larger 3D prints.

Surface Smoothness and Equipment Longevity

One of the standout advantages of KARAKSA™ F BX113  is its smooth, uniform surface finish, comparable to unreinforced polyamide and far superior to CF or GF nylons. This makes it an ideal choice for visible parts, functional components, and applications where aesthetics matter.

Cellulose nanofibers, being softer than conventional fibers, significantly reduce nozzle and hotend wear. Hardened nozzles are not required, and printing with nozzles as small as 0.2 mm achieves high-resolution detail for intricate designs.

Image 3: High-detail resolution comparison using different nozzle diameters with Karaksa F. Source: Asahi Kasei

Flexibility, Strength, and Moving Part Performance

BX113 maintains an optimal balance of stiffness and flexibility, avoiding the brittleness common in some fiber-reinforced polyamides. Its strong interlayer adhesion provides excellent interlaminar strength, while its smooth sliding properties make it perfect for hinges, articulated parts, and functional moving components printed directly.

Image 4: Parts printed with Karaksa F retain polyamide's flexibility, unlike carbon or glass fiber reinforced filaments. Source: Asahi Kasei

In the KARAKSA™ F range, BX113 is optimized for applications requiring a balance of mechanical performance, durability, and aesthetics, while the DX205 version targets maximum technical performance, dimensional stability, and heat resistance for industrial and structural applications.

Important Notice: The following uses are strictly prohibited:

• Using this material for illegal activities or purposes.
• Using this material to manufacture medical devices.
• Producing any device intended to contact mucous membranes, bodily fluids, blood, or pharmaceuticals.
• Using this material for military purposes, including but not limited to the development, manufacture, use, or storage of weapons or other military equipment.
• Producing devices or products intended to contact food or beverages.