WRYEDGE - Engineering Art!
PPS-TF
High-performance PPS material designed for parts exposed to heat, chemicals, and flame.
PPS-TF is a rarely used, high-grade engineering 3D printing filament designed for advanced technical applications where conventional engineering plastics are not suitable. This material stands out for its exceptional flame resistance, chemical stability, and high-temperature endurance, making it ideal for applications in the automotive, electronics, and industrial component manufacturing sectors.
The composition of PPS-TF includes reinforced or modified polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), a polymer known for its outstanding thermal stability, dimensional accuracy, and long-term durability even in harsh environments. Due to its complex processing requirements, this material is traditionally used in industrial manufacturing. However, advanced 3D printers have made it accessible for prototyping and small-series production. For these reasons, PPS-TF is an excellent choice when high-performance 3D printing is needed:
• Flame resistance – Complies with UL94 V-0 flame retardancy class, making it ideal for electronics, high-voltage components, and automotive parts.
• Chemical resistance – Maintains structural integrity when exposed to oils, fuels, acids, solvents, and other aggressive chemicals; suitable for laboratory or industrial use.
• High thermal stability – Operates continuously at 180° C without deformation; excellent for thermal insulation, engines, or industrial connectors.
• Dimensional precision and low warping – Practically no warping during printing, unlike ABS or nylons; ideal for functional parts with strict tolerances.
• High mechanical strength – Flexural strength around 95 MPa, impact strength ~25 kJ/m² – significantly stronger than most common engineering thermoplastics.
• UV and oxidation resistance – Long-lasting performance under sunlight and elevated temperatures.
• Metal replacement potential – Often used as a lightweight alternative to metals; offers excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and electrical breakdown.
Preheating form. 3D printing technology: 3D FDM | Material: PPS-TF | Part dimensions: 250 x 100 x 40 mm. (©WRYEDGE photo)
PPS material modifications
Depending on additives and modifications, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) can acquire different mechanical, thermal, or electrical properties. The following PPS variants are most commonly encountered in 3D printing:
• PPS – pure material form, without fillers, used in applications where chemical purity is essential, e.g., in electronics or medical equipment.
• PPS-GF – glass fiber-reinforced version, characterized by increased stiffness and dimensional stability, though it requires wear-resistant 3D printing hardware.
• PPS-CF – carbon fiber-reinforced PPS with improved strength-to-weight ratio and better electrical conductivity. Suitable for high-tech components.
• PPS-TF – elastomer-modified version (described in this article as PPS-TF) with increased impact resistance and reduced brittleness; ideal for functional and moving components.
• PPS/PEEK blends – extremely durable but highly expensive materials, typically used only in specialized applications.
Due to this diversity of modifications, PPS-based materials offer a broad range of properties – from mechanical strength and heat resistance to electrical conductivity and flexibility.
PPS-TF filament manufacturing process
The manufacturing process of PPS-TF is more complex than that of most other 3D printing materials due to its high crystallinity, moisture sensitivity, and requirement for precise temperature control. The filament is made from reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), modified with elastomers and stabilizers to improve impact resistance and reduce brittleness.
• Drying: The material is dried at high temperatures (above 120° C) for extended periods to eliminate any residual moisture. Even minimal moisture can significantly degrade extrusion quality and final print results.
• Extrusion: PPS-TF is extruded at very high temperatures (typically up to 320° C) and formed into standard filament diameters of 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm.
• Due to its chemical structure, the material is rigid, shrink-resistant, and highly stable, with excellent flame and chemical resistance.
• The filament is stabilized and wound onto spools using standard winding equipment.
3D Printing with PPS-TF
3D printing with PPS-TF requires high-performance, properly prepared hardware: high-temperature extruder, heated build plate, and preferably an enclosed or actively heated chamber. This material is intended for advanced users printing durable, technical parts.
| Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature | 280–320° C (we used 320° C for the first layer and 310° C for remain printing process) |
| Bed temperature | 100–120° C (we used 110° C ) |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.4–0.6 mm (Hardened steel recommended) |
| Bed surface | PEI or PVP glue layer |
| Printing speed | 30–50 mm/s |
| Infill density | Optional (recommended ≥ 40 %) |
| Infill angle | ±45° |
| Raft separation distance | 0.10–0.20 mm |
| Retraction distance | 1.5–3.0 mm |
| Retraction speed | 2000–3000 mm/min |
| Drying conditions | 120 °C for 4–6 h (required before each print) |
| Post-processing | Annealing optional: 100–120° C for 2–4 h |
| Support material | PPS-TF or mechanically removable supports |
PPS-TF moisture sensitivity (hygroscopicity)
PPS-TF is a very low-hygroscopic material – meaning it absorbs very little moisture from the environment. However, due to its crystalline structure, even a small amount of moisture can affect print quality:
• Moisture can cause bubbles, layer separation, surface roughness, or weak interlayer adhesion.
• Always dry the filament before printing – 120° C for 4–6 hours is mandatory.
| Material | Hygroscopicity | Drying Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| PPS-TF | Very low (~0.05 %) | Required: 120° C for 4–6 h |
| PC-ABS | Medium (~0.3 %) | Recommended: 80–90° C, 4–6 h |
| ABS | Low (~0.1 %) | Rarely needs drying |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | High (~0.5 %) | Requires drying before printing |
| PA (Nylon) | Very high (1–2 %) | Always dry before each print |
Moisture protection for PPS-TF
Although PPS-TF absorbs very little ambient moisture, it is extremely sensitive even to small amounts of humidity. Therefore, careful drying before each print is essential. Even minimal residual moisture can greatly reduce print quality.
When exposed to air (especially in environments with >40–50 % relative humidity), the material may:
• Cause popping or sputtering during extrusion.
• Form microbubbles on the surface.
• Reduce interlayer adhesion.
• Decrease mechanical strength.
• Result in rough surface finish or dimensional inaccuracies.
PPS-TF thermal resistance
PPS-TF is engineered for extreme thermal environments – it is designed to maintain performance at temperatures up to 180° C. Thanks to its chemical structure, it retains its shape and structural integrity at high temperatures and offers excellent flame retardancy (UL94 V-0 rated).
• Heat deflection temperature (HDT): approx. 100° C (at 0.45 MPa)
• Working temperature: up to 160–180° C without significant degradation
• Even under mechanical load and hot contact surfaces, PPS-TF maintains dimensional stability
These properties make it especially suitable for automotive, electronics, and high-voltage component applications where both thermal and electrical insulation are critical.
What kind of 3D printer is suitable?
For best results, PPS-TF should be printed using a well-configured, high-temperature 3D printer, especially when producing large or functional parts. To ensure optimal results (good layer adhesion, minimal warping, and dimensional precision), the following conditions are recommended:
• Enclosed printer chamber – essential for large parts; maintains stable ambient temperature and reduces warping risk.
• Heated build plate – ensures proper bed adhesion; recommended temperature: ~100° C.
• Nozzle temperature – must support 280–320° C range.
• Bed surface – use PEI or PVP adhesive layer to prevent first-layer detachment.
• Ventilation – keep airflow to a minimum (0–20%) to avoid layer separation.
• Filament dryer – helps keep material dry throughout the printing process.
PPS-TF applications
Thanks to its unique properties, PPS-TF is an ideal material for applications requiring resistance to high temperature, chemical exposure, and flame retardancy. It is known for its dimensional stability, longevity, and strength, making it well-suited for functional engineering and industrial parts.
| Ideal Applications | Not Recommended For |
|---|---|
| Electrical and electronic insulation components | Aesthetic, glossy surface models |
| Parts operating at temperatures up to 180° C | Very thin or decorative objects |
| Technical components exposed to heat or chemicals | Flexible or elastic mechanical elements |
| Automotive and drone parts used in aggressive environments | Parts in contact with food or medicine |
| Flame-retardant components (UL94 V-0 rated) | Visual models or design prototypes |
This material is the perfect choice when you need to balance:
• Thermal and chemical resistance
• Flame retardancy (UL94 V-0)
• Dimensional accuracy and long-term stability
• Strength and mechanical reliability
Trumpi paaiškinimai su nuorodomis: double-core extrusion, PC material, plastic compounding.
PPS-TF specification
Preparing…