PET Ultrafuse

The Ultrafuse PET filament by BASF is made from a premium PET under strict manufacturing standards, ensuring the reliability of the filament diameter and properties. Ultrafuse PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) prints on any 3D printer thanks to its broad range of extrusion temperature and speed values. It is as easy to 3D print as PLA but it is much stronger, has great layer adhesion, a high resolution, as well as great colors and finish. Ultrafuse PET can be 100% recycled and appropriate for contact applications according to the FDA (except for the colors red and orange). It is available in many colors and two diameters (1.75 mm and 2.85 mm), in spools of 750 g, 2.5 kg, 4.5 kg and 8.5 kg.

Image 1: Part 3D printed with the Ultrafuse PET filament. Source: BASF.

PET is a versatile aliphatic thermoplastic polymer from the family of polyesters. It is a general purpose material with an excellent combination of mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance (alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, oils, grease and diluted acids), and great dimensional stability. PET makes for a great barrier from gas (oxygen, carbon dioxide) and moisture, which makes it ideal for the food industry. Compared to alternative materials, PET offers lighter weight, impact resistance, electrical insulating properties and better durability, which makes it a widely used polymer in the packaging and textile sectors, as well as in the automotive and electronics industries, and even as a glass replacement thanks to its resistance to shattering and it capability to be transparent. The latter is possible due to the fact that PET can be either in the semi-crystalline state or in the amorphous state, a feature quite unique in the world of polymers. PET is known to produce 3D printed objects with high flexibility and toughness, and in 3D printing it is very common in its PETg form.

Thanks to its unique mechanical properties, its resistance to moisture and gases, insulating properties, dimensional stability, high flow, as well as transparency, PET has a multitude of applications:

• In the food industry in food packaging, bulk dry food storage, household appliances, PET bottles, packaging trays and blisters, rigid cosmetic jars, microwavable containers, transparent films, etc.
• In the electronics sector in electrical encapsulation, solenoids, smart meters, photovoltaic parts, solar junction boxes, etc.
• In the automotive industry in wiper arm and gear housings, headlamp retainers, engine covers, connector housings, etc.
• In the textile industry thanks to its strength and flexibility, paired with low shrinkage, light weight and resistance to tears.

The Ultrafuse PET filament is a great option for the 3D printing of parts that have to demonstrate impact resistance and dimensional stability in demanding conditions, including food safe applications. The Ultrafuse PET filament is a versatile and affordable material that is easy to work with on any 3D printer, and offers great value for money.

High speed printing

Furthermore, the PET Ultrafuse filament is compatible with high printing speeds. In order to create complex structures with this material and a support material, the Xioneer VXL 90 soluble support material is recommended by the manufacturer. This support material can be extruded at high speeds as well, which means a smooth and efficient 3D printing. The water solubility of VXL 90 makes the post-processing more precise and fast. In the Downloads section a table of compatibilities between the BASF Ultrafuse and Xioneer support filaments can be consulted.