FDM – PPA-CF Printing Material
PPA-CF is a carbon fiber reinforced high-temperature nylon (polyphthalamide, or PPA) for FDM 3D printing. We print it from 3DXTECH’s CarbonX HTN+CF filament. It is very stiff and heat resistant, with a heat deflection temperature of 200°C at 1.80 MPa and a continuous service temperature of 150°C. That makes it a strong choice for fixtures, end-of-arm tooling, and brackets that work in hot, oily, or humid environments.
What PPA-CF Is Best For
- Manufacturing fixtures and assembly jigs
- End-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and robotic components
- Automotive brackets, mounts, and under-hood prototypes
- Industrial replacement parts
- Low-volume end-use production parts
- Replacing machined plastic parts
When another material is a better fit
- Need a part larger than 13.38″ × 12.59″ × 13.38″: ABS or PC-ABS
- Need a tougher carbon fiber nylon: Obsidian Nylon 6+CF
- Need flame retardance and chemical resistance: PPS-CF
- Need even higher heat resistance: ULTEM 1010
Key Material Facts
- Carbon fiber reinforced high-temperature nylon (PPA)
- Very high stiffness: up to 1,300 ksi (9.0 GPa) tensile modulus
- High strength: 15,500 psi (107 MPa) tensile strength printed flat
- Heat deflection temperature: 200°C (392°F) at 1.80 MPa
- Continuous service temperature: 150°C (302°F)
- Low moisture absorption and good chemical resistance for a nylon
PPA-CF Material Properties
Version note: we print PPA-CF from 3DXTECH’s CarbonX HTN+CF filament, using 3DXTECH’s published data (TDS Rev 1.0) for the values below.
Mechanical properties (from 3DXTECH’s published data sheet; specimens printed at 0.24 mm layers. Flat = lying on the bed, Edge = on its side, Vertical = upright, across the layers.)
| Property | Flat | Edge | Vertical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (ASTM D638) | 15,500 psi (107 MPa) | 13,700 psi (94 MPa) | 4,500 psi (31 MPa) |
| Tensile modulus (ASTM D638) | 977 ksi (6.7 GPa) | 1,300 ksi (9.0 GPa) | 553 ksi (3.8 GPa) |
| Flexural strength (ASTM D790) | – | 26,900 psi (185 MPa) | – |
| Flexural modulus (ASTM D790) | – | 1,380 ksi (9.5 GPa) | – |
| Unnotched Izod impact (ASTM D256) | 4.68 ft-lbf/in (250 J/m) | – | – |
Thermal and physical properties
| Property | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Heat deflection temperature @ 1.80 MPa (261 psi) | 200°C (392°F) | ISO 75 |
| Continuous service temperature (20,000 hours) | 150°C (302°F) | IEC 60216 |
| Density | 1.25 g/cm³ (0.045 lb/in³) | ISO 1183 |
More information on PPA-CF is available from 3DXTECH, the material manufacturer.
We print this material on our FDM print farm, which limits single parts to 13.38″ × 12.59″ × 13.38″. For larger parts, we can suggest materials that run on our large-format FDM systems, such as ABS or PC-ABS.
Orientation matters more with this material than with most. 3DXTECH measures about 107 MPa tensile strength in parts printed flat, but only 31 MPa in parts printed upright, where the load pulls the layers apart. We orient each part so the main loads run along the layers, so tell us how your part will be loaded when you request a quote.
Because it is so stiff, it deflects very little under load. That makes it a strong choice for fixtures, tooling, and brackets, but avoid thin snap fits and living hinges. Our FDM Part Design Guide covers wall thickness, orientation, supports, and threaded inserts.
Finish and Color Options
Parts are black with a matte carbon fiber surface. We ship FDM parts with a strip and ship finish: we break away the supports and send the part with layer lines visible. Sanding, painting, heat-set threaded inserts, and other higher levels of finish are available on request and quoted per part. See all of our finishing and post-processing options.
PPA-CF Part Gallery
Related Resources
- FDM 3D printing overview
- FDM part design guide
- Accuracy of 3D printed parts
- Machine and material comparison
PPA-CF FAQ
What is PPA-CF?
It is a carbon fiber reinforced polyphthalamide (PPA), which is a high-temperature nylon. The carbon fiber makes it much stiffer and more dimensionally stable than unfilled nylon, and the PPA base also gives it high heat resistance.
How does PPA-CF compare to other carbon fiber nylons?
Compared to carbon fiber PA6 or PA12, it absorbs less moisture and handles higher temperatures, so it holds its shape and stiffness better in hot or humid environments. If you need more toughness and impact resistance, Obsidian Nylon 6+CF may be a better fit.
Can you use PPA-CF for end-use production parts?
Yes. Customers use it for end-use fixtures, tooling, robotic components, and industrial replacement parts that need high stiffness, heat resistance, and resistance to oils and chemicals.
What temperatures can PPA-CF handle?
3DXTECH lists a heat deflection temperature of 200°C (392°F) at 1.80 MPa and a continuous service temperature of 150°C (302°F). For even higher temperatures, consider ULTEM 1010.
Is PPA-CF a good alternative to machined plastic parts?
In many cases, yes. Its stiffness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability make it a good replacement for machined plastic fixtures and brackets, with shorter lead times and no tooling cost. Keep in mind that FDM parts are weaker between layers, so orientation matters.
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