ThermaX PEKK-A 3D Filament

ThermaX PEKK-A (PolyEtherKetoneKetone) is made using the 60/40 PEKK copolymer and is one of the highest performance materials in the plastics business.  PEKK is a leading material in the PAEK family and has exceptional mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties, while being substantially easier to print than PEEK.  Developed in partnership with Arkema – a leading supplier of ultra-performance materials.

Print ThermaX PEKK parts with Gearbox HT2 High-Temp 3D Printer.  Check it out HERE. 

The Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of thermoplastics exhibit exceptional thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties.  The PAEK family includes the following polymers:

• Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK)
• Polyetherketone (PEK)
• Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
• Polyetherketoneetherketoneketone (PEKEKK)  

Gone are the days when you needed a wildly expensive closed-source printer and license to take advantage of ultra-performance polymers.  Our PEKK was created to be printed using the many new open-source printer platforms currently available on the market.  Compare to Stratasys? Antero PEKK and you will realize this is a great opportunity to take advanced of an aerospace-grade material without being tied to an expensive closed-source system.

3DXTech? and Stratasys? both purchase PEKK resin from the same supplier, so what’s the difference?  Freedom, cost, and innovation.  ThermaX PEKK can be printed on a growing array of lower-cost printers whereas the Stratasys Antero PEKK requires users to purchase an expensive Fortus? system and a high-priced license.  

ThermaX PEKK-A has a wider processing window than PEEK and typically prints with extruder temps between 325 – 350?C, whereas PEEK often requires extruder temps of 400?C or higher.  ThermaX PEKK has a lower rate and degree of crystallinity than PEEK, which aids in its ease of printing.  However, once printed and annealed, PEKK parts exhibit superior performance vs. PEEK.  Easier to print + superior performance!

ThermaX PEKK product attributes include:

• Substantially easier to print than PEEK
• Continuous Use Temperature (CUT) of 260°C, and higher for short duration
• Glass Transition Temp (Tg) of 162°C (20°C higher than PEEK)
• Melt Temp (Tm) of 335°C (allows for lower print temps than PEEK)
• Inherent flame resistance (UL94 V-0)
• Low smoke generation for aerospace applications
• Outstanding mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance
• Excellent resistance to a broad range of chemicals, such as those used in the oil/gas, automotive, aerospace, industrial, and chemical processing industries

Filament Specifications:

• Diameter:  1.75mm, (+/- 0.05mm)
• Colours:  Natural

Recommended Print Conditions:

• Extruder Temp:  345 – 375°C
• Bed Temp: 120 – 140°C
• Bed Prep: Ultem Tape is the ideal build surface, glue stick on clean glass is suitable
• Enclosure temp (if your printer is equipped):  70 – 150°C
• Print Speed:  20-50 mm/s for 0.2mm layer height, faster print speeds as results and experience dictate
• Drying Instructions:  Please see the following instructions for when you want to dry out this filament, HERE.  

ThermaX is a trademark of 3DXTech LLC, it’s owners, and affiliates. 
Kepstan? is a registered trademark of Arkema Inc.
Antero is a trademark of Stratasys Ltd.

Recommended Printing Experience

These categories are somewhat arbitrary, but come from many years of our own printing experience as well as troubleshooting with customers.

Novice: A beginner using an entry-level 3D printer should have minimal problems using this material
Intermediate: User has several months of experience with a moderate to high quality printer
Advanced: User has > 1 year of printing experience and is using a high quality commercial printer
Expert: User has significant amount of experience and is using a high-performance or heavily modified printer

       
For a list of 3D printers that are capable of printing high temperature materials such as ULTEM or PEEK view here. https://www.aniwaa.com/best-peek-3d-printer-pei-ultem/