FL105PP filament - Braskem

Braskem is a globally renowned market leader in the manufacturing of chemicals and plastics, with a rich range of products for additive manufacturing, including 3D printing filaments carefully engineered for specialized applications. One of the materials from the Braskem catalog is the FL105PP filament. It is a polypropylene material available in 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm diameters, and in various colors. The key properties of this material are:

• Durability and high impact/fatigue resistance.
• A great degree of flexibility (great for living hinges).
• Low density and lightweight.
• High chemical and moisture resistance.
• Great dimensional stability.
• Excellent surface finish.
• 100 % recyclable.

Video 1: The Braskem FL105PP filament. Source: Braskem.

In addition to those features, the FL105PP filament is very easy to print thanks to its low warpage and great interlayer and bed adhesion. What makes this material even more user-friendly is that no heated chamber or pre-drying are required to enjoy a smooth 3D printing process and achieve great results.

Image 1: Part 3D printed with the FL105PP filament. Source: Braskem.

Parts 3D printed with the FL105PP filament are an excellent substitute for ABS parts. It was tested by XMBOTS who partnered with Braskem and Insper in a material replacement study. Components were manufactured with FL105PP and FL900PP-CF to substitute ABS parts in battery connectors, antenna supports, and IMU supports in an RPA application. The parts outperformed the previous ABS solution in terms of chemical resistance, weight reduction (31 %), time to manufacture (47 %) and production  costs (21 %).

Video 2: PP vs. PLA. Source: Braskem.

Another interesting application for the FL105PP filament is in aerospace. Parts 3D printed with FL105PP (and FL900PP-CF) were tested by an independent testing agency to determine outgas results, a factor extremely important for 3D printed parts used in space or environments under vacuum. Outgassing can result in surface contamination, corrosion, or fogging, and thus negatively affect critical electronics and optical equipment. Parts 3D printed with FL105PP yet again met expectations, the final result being less than 1 % of CVCM (Collected Volatile Condensable Material), less than 1 % of TML (Total Mass Loss), and less than 1 % of WVR (Water Vapor Recovered).

Potential applications

Thanks to its great printability, as well as excellent mechanical and chemical properties, and outstanding behavior in demanding conditions, parts 3D printed with the Braskem FL105PP filament have a wide range of potential applications, from packaging and consumer goods to medical, automotive and even aerospace applications. The FL105PP filament is the perfect material for prototyping and mass customization, especially in environments where the final use will require light weight, chemical resistance, moisture resistance and watertightness.