PPA-CF & PPA-GF in 3D printing
our materials PPA-CF25 and PPA-GF15
Polyphthalamide (PPA) fills the gap where most other materials reach their limits: It performs better than PA12-CF and PC-CF, but is more cost-effective than PPS and PEEK. Tempered PPA components remain dimensionally stable up to temperatures of almost 200 °C – and at a fraction of the cost of PEEK.
We manufacture two PPA materials using the FFF process: PPA-CF25 with a 25% carbon fiber content and PPA-GF15 with a 15% glass fiber content. Both materials are available for individual parts, functional prototypes, or series production. On this page, you will find the complete datasheet, a decision-making guide for material selection, and an honest assessment of the material's limitations.
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Our PPA portfolio at a glance
Merkmal | PPA-CF25 | PPA-GF15 |
|---|---|---|
Matrix | Polyphthalamid (PPA) | Polyphthalamid (PPA) |
Verstärkung | 25 % Carbonfaser | 15 % Glasfaser |
Filamentaufbau | Kern-Mantel: faserverstärkter Kern, faserfreier Mantel | homogen faserverstärkt |
Farbe | Schwarz | Schwarz oder Weiß |
Dichte | 1,23 g/cm³ | 1,27 g/cm³ |
Elektrisch | ableitfähig — kein Isolator | isolierend |
Stärke | maximale Steifigkeit und Wärmeformbeständigkeit | Isolation, Zähigkeit, geringe Richtungsabhängigkeit |
Request the PPA-CF/GF datasheet free of charge!
All properties of PPA-CF/GF at a glance.
What is PPA and why is it called something different everywhere?
PPA is the abbreviation for polyphthalamide, a semi-aromatic polyamide produced from aliphatic diamines and aromatic dicarboxylic acids – primarily terephthalic and isophthalic acids. The aromatic rings stiffen the polymer chain, resulting in a higher glass transition temperature, a higher melting point, and significantly lower water absorption compared to PA6 or PA66.
In practice, the variety of names is more important than the chemical composition. Depending on the manufacturer, industry, and drawing specifications, the same material is sold under at least five different names:
Bezeichnung | Bedeutung / Herkunft |
|---|---|
PPA | Polyphthalamid, die gebräuchliche Werkstoffabkürzung |
PAHT | „High Temperature Nylon“, vor allem im englischsprachigen Raum verbreitet |
PA6T/66, PA6T/6I, PA10T | Präzise Nomenklatur nach Comonomeren, so steht es meist auf technischen Zeichnungen |
Amodel, Grivory HT, Ultramid Advanced, Zytel HTN, Vestamid Htplus | Handelsnamen der Compoundeure (Syensqo, EMS-Grivory, BASF, DuPont, Evonik) für spritzgussfähige PPA-Typen |
What this means for you: If your drawing shows "PA6T/66-GF30" or "PAHT-CF", it refers to the same material family. Please provide us with the requirements, not the trade name: continuous operating temperature, load case, and media contact. A filament compound is never identical to an injection molding grade of the same name.
PPA-CF25 or PPA-GF15: The fiber decides.
The PPA matrix is identical in both. The fiber alters the mechanics, electrical behavior, color, and directional dependence.
PPA-CF25 — 25% carbon fiber in the core-shell structure
PPA-CF25 utilizes an unusual filament concept: 25% carbon fibers are concentrated in a core surrounded by a fiber-free PPA sheath. This solves two problems at once: Contact between the fibers and the die wall is reduced, minimizing wear. Furthermore, during layer build-up, sheath meets sheath – pure PPA on pure PPA – improving Z-adhesion, which is traditionally considered a weak point in fiber-reinforced filaments.
The result is the stiffest and most heat-resistant material in our PPA range, with a modulus of elasticity of 10,220 MPa and a heat deflection temperature of 199 °C. The trade-off: an elongation at break of 1.6% in the cured state – the component only tolerates overloads to a limited extent.
Important for electronics: Carbon fiber-filled compounds are not electrically insulating, but exhibit electrical conductivity and antistatic properties. While this is advantageous with regard to ESD properties, PPA-CF25 is not suitable as an insulator.
PPA-GF15 — 15% glass fiber, insulating and directionally stable
PPA-GF15 does not achieve the stiffness of PPA-CF25, but it has three properties that make it a better material for certain applications: It is electrically insulating, available in white, and exhibits unusually low directivity. Its tensile strength ratio of XY to Z is 1.4:1 – a very good value for an FFF component.
Selection matrix PPA-CF25 vs. PPA-GF15
Kriterium | PPA-CF25 | PPA-GF15 |
|---|---|---|
Steifigkeit (E-Modul, getempert) | 10.220 MPa, sehr hoch | 6.000 MPa, hoch |
Zugfestigkeit (getempert) | 121 MPa | 94 MPa |
Wärmeformbeständigkeit (HDT B) | 199 °C | 185 °C |
Zähigkeit (Charpy, getempert) | 7,3 kJ/m² | 7,1 kJ/m², praktisch gleich |
Richtungsabhängigkeit XY zu Z | nicht im Datenblatt ausgewiesen | 1,4:1, sehr günstig |
Elektrisch | ableitfähig, kein Isolator | isolierend |
Farbe | Schwarz | Schwarz oder Weiß |
Gewicht | leichter (1,23 g/cm³) | schwerer (1,27 g/cm³) |
Wasseraufnahme | 1,09% | 1,37% |
Empfehlung für | steife Halterungen und Strukturteile, heißeste Einsatzfälle, ESD-Vorrichtungen, Leichtbau | Steckergehäuse und Isolierteile, mehrachsig belastete Bauteile, helle Optik |
Key figures for PPA-CF and PPA-GF
All values are taken from the data sheets of the materials we use. We specify both the untreated and the tempered states, as the difference compared to PPA is significant and most material overviews only list one of the two values (usually the more favorable one).
Mechanical properties
Kennwert | PPA-CF25 unbehandelt | PPA-CF25 getempert | PPA-GF15 unbehandelt | PPA-GF15 getempert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zugfestigkeit XY (ASTM D638) | 112 MPa | 121 MPa | 89 MPa | 94 MPa |
E-Modul XY (ASTM D638) | 9.300 MPa | 10.220 MPa | 5.700 MPa | 6.000 MPa |
Bruchdehnung XY (ASTM D638) | 2,25% | 1,60% | 2,70% | 2,20% |
Biegefestigkeit (ISO 178) | 178 MPa | 185 MPa | 141 MPa | 148 MPa |
Biegemodul (ISO 178) | 8.700 MPa | 9.510 MPa | 4.200 MPa | 5.000 MPa |
Charpy-Schlagzähigkeit (ISO 179) | 13,1 kJ/m² | 7,3 kJ/m² | 12,2 kJ/m² | 7,1 kJ/m² |
Wasseraufnahme (ISO 62) | 1,09% | 1,09% | 1,37% | k. A. |
Dichte (ISO 1183) | 1,23 g/cm³ | 1,23 g/cm³ | 1,27 g/cm³ | 1,27 g/cm³ |
Manufacturer data sheets for Siraya Tech Fibreheart PPA-CF Core and Fibreheart PPA-GF. Caution: Mixed standards apply. Tensile strength is tested according to ASTM D638, flexural strength and impact strength according to ISO 178 and ISO 179, respectively. A direct comparison with values according to ISO 527, as provided by other filament manufacturers, is only permissible to a limited extent. "n/a" means that the manufacturer does not specify the value.
Three observations from the data
1. In the tempered state, PPA-CF25 is 70 percent stiffer and 29 percent stronger than PPA-GF15, with virtually identical impact strength (7.3 kJ/m² versus 7.1 kJ/m²). This increase in stiffness does not come at the expense of toughness. This is not always the case with fiber-reinforced materials.
2. Tempering reduces toughness. The Charpy impact strength of both materials decreases by more than 40 percent: from 13.1 to 7.3 kJ/m² for PPA-CF25 and from 12.2 to 7.1 kJ/m² for PPA-GF15. Elongation at break also decreases. Anyone requiring a component subjected to impact loads should avoid tempering, even if this results in a significantly lower heat deflection temperature.
3. The mechanical advantages of tempering are moderate: The tensile strength increases by 8% for PPA-CF25 and by 6% for PPA-GF15. The actual effect of tempering lies not in the mechanical realm, but in the thermal behavior; see the next section.
Thermal characteristics: why tempering is not optional for PPA
Kennwert | PPA-CF25 unbehandelt | PPA-CF25 getempert | PPA-GF15 unbehandelt | PPA-GF15 getempert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HDT Methode B (0,45 MPa) | 97 °C | 199 °C | 84 °C | 185 °C |
HDT Methode A (1,80 MPa) | 84 °C | 126 °C | 80 °C | 112 °C |
Vicat-Erweichung (ISO 306) | 238 °C | 238 °C | 235 °C | 235 °C |
Glasübergang Tg (ASTM D3418) | 80 °C | 80 °C | 80 °C | 80 °C |
Schmelzpunkt (ASTM D3418) | 239 °C | 239 °C | 232 °C | 232 °C |
Siraya Tech manufacturer's data sheets. The Vicat softening temperature is a penetration test with a standardized needle and does not describe the dimensional stability under bending load and should not be interpreted as the service temperature. For design purposes, the HDT (hardness-dependent temperature) at the actual applied load is decisive.
This is the most important data point in this table: The tempering process increases the heat deflection temperature (HDT) of PPA-CF25 from 97 °C to 199 °C and of PPA-GF15 from 84 °C to 185 °C. Both materials gain approximately 100 Kelvin.
From a thermal perspective, PPA without this emission process is hardly better than high-quality PA6-CF. The material's full advantages only become apparent after heat treatment. A service provider who prints in PPA and delivers it without this process is essentially selling you expensive polyamide without explaining why they chose PPA in the first place. That's why we always perform this process.
Equally important is the difference between the two HDT test methods. At a test load of 0.45 MPa (method B), the treated PPA-CF25 reaches a temperature of 199 °C. At a test load of 1.80 MPa (method A), the value is 126 °C. Both figures are correct – they simply refer to different loads. When designing components, it is important to select the value that corresponds to the actual mechanical stress. If only one HDT value is listed in the material overview, it is almost always the higher one.
Directional dependence: Key figures in Z
FFF components are anisotropic: Perpendicular to the layer plane, the polymer matrix alone provides the load-bearing capacity, while the fibers only act within the layer plane. The datasheet for PPA-GF15 specifies the load-bearing capacity for both directions:
Kennwert (unbehandelt) | PPA-GF15 in XY | PPA-GF15 in Z | Verhältnis |
|---|---|---|---|
Zugfestigkeit (ASTM D638) | 89 MPa | 63 MPa | 1,41 : 1 |
E-Modul (ASTM D638) | 5.700 MPa | 4.200 MPa | 1,36 : 1 |
Bruchdehnung (ASTM D638) | 2,70% | 1,85% | 1,46 : 1 |
The ratio of 1.4:1 is exceptionally good for a fiber-reinforced FFF component. Typical short-fiber-reinforced filaments have a ratio of 3:1 to 4:1. In practice, this means that PPA-GF15 is significantly more tolerant of suboptimal component orientation – making it the ideal material for components subjected to multi-axis loading.
The datasheet for PPA-CF25 does not include Z-values. However, the core-sheath structure suggests good Z-adhesion, as fiber-free PPA meets fiber-free PPA in the bonding zone. Without published measurement data, however, no definitive conclusions can be drawn. If your component is subjected to tensile loads perpendicular to the layer plane, we recommend PPA-GF15; alternatively, we can assess its suitability using a sample.
When to use PPA and when to use something else.
PPA is a material for continuous operating temperatures of 120–180 °C. Below this temperature range, it is over-engineered; above it, it is under-engineered. A first selection from our product range:
Kriterium | PA12-CF15 | PPA-CF25 / GF15 | PPS-GF20 | PEEK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dauergebrauch (Richtwert) | 80–100 °C | 150–180 °C | 200–220 °C | bis 250 °C |
Steifigkeit | mittel | hoch bis sehr hoch | hoch | hoch |
Chemikalien | Öle, Kraftstoffe | Öle, Kraftstoffe, Glykol, keine starken Säuren | sehr breit, auch Säuren | sehr breit |
Wasseraufnahme | gering | gering (1,09–1,37 %) | nahezu null | nahezu null |
Materialkosten | € | €€ | €€€ | €€€€ |
Typischer Einsatz | Vorrichtungen, Gehäuse, Leichtbau | Motorraum, Sensorik, Halterungen | Chemie, Medienkontakt, Verfahrenstechnik | Medizintechnik, Verschleißteile, Dauereinsatz heiß |
These are guidelines for preliminary orientation. Information on PPS-GF20 and PEEK can be found on the respective material pages. Temperature and HDT values for different materials originate from different testing standards and conditioning processes and are therefore only comparable to a limited extent.
Applications in automotive and motorsport
PPA is not a new material in the automotive industry. Thermostat housings, charge air pipes, coolant components, and connectors have been manufactured from PPA using injection molding for years. This is precisely where the appeal of 3D printing lies: prototypes can be produced from the material that will later be used in series production, instead of postponing the material selection until the tooling phase.
• Mounts and spacers in the engine compartment made of PPA-CF25 for maximum rigidity
• Air and cooling air ducts
• Sensor and connection housing made of PPA-GF15 where electrical insulation is required
• Assembly and testing equipment for use in warm environments
• Functional prototypes for components that will later go into series production as PPA injection-molded parts
• Small-batch production in motorsport, where tooling costs often don't pay for themselves
Note: A printed PPA component does not achieve the same performance characteristics as an injection-molded part of the same name, especially in the Z-direction. This is not critical for prototypes, fixtures, and small production runs; however, component testing is essential for safety-relevant parts.
Applications in electronics and electrical engineering
• Housings for connectors, terminal blocks and sensors made of PPA-GF15 (insulating, also available in white on request)
• Insulating components and spacers for thermally stressed environments
• ESD-relevant brackets, bases and workpiece fixtures made of PPA-CF25
• Testing and assembly fixtures for electronic assemblies
• Housing for power electronics at high operating temperatures
Note regarding reflow soldering: Injection-molded PPA is used in electronics, among other reasons, because it is resistant to lead-free reflow soldering processes with peak temperatures of approximately 260 °C. However, this cannot be directly applied to printed PPA components. Tempered PPA-CF25 achieves a temperature resistance of 199 °C at a pressure of 0.45 MPa and 126 °C at 1.80 MPa; PPA-GF15 achieves corresponding values of 185 °C and 112 °C, respectively. The Vicat softening temperature of 235–238 °C does not contradict this; it describes a different test method and not the dimensional stability under load. Should your component undergo a soldering process, we will clarify this beforehand based on a specific temperature profile and, if necessary, a sample part. We do not make any general guarantees in this regard.
Limits of PPA
• Untempered PPA exhibits poor thermal properties: 97 °C for PPA-CF25 and 84 °C for PPA-GF15. Tempering is an essential aspect of material properties and not merely a matter of appearance.
• Tempering reduces toughness: Charpy impact toughness decreases by more than 40 percent, and elongation at break also decreases. This is an important aspect for components subjected to impact, which we will discuss with you.
• Anisotropy: PPA-GF15 exhibits an XY:Z ratio of 1.4:1, a good value but not ideal (no isotropy). No published Z-values are available for PPA-CF25. Tensile loads perpendicular to the layer plane are generally unsuitable for the FFF process.
• No flame retardancy: Neither compound is UL 94 certified.
• No biocompatibility: The datasheet for PPA-CF25 explicitly states "not certified". Our PEEK and PEKK materials, on the other hand, are suitable for medical technology applications.
• Not UV-resistant: Like all polyamides, PPA yellows and becomes brittle with prolonged UV exposure. For outdoor use, a coating or the use of another material, such as ASA, is required.
• Limited chemical resistance: Resistant to oils, fuels, greases, and glycols, but not to strong acids and alkalis. For contact with critical media, PPS-GF20 is the better choice.
• Residual moisture absorption: Significantly lower than with PA6, but not zero – 1.09 percent for PPA-CF25 and 1.37 percent for PPA-GF15.
Frequently asked questions about PPA-CF and PPA-GF
What is the difference between PPA-CF25 and PPA-GF15?
The polymer matrix is identical in both, but they differ in fiber type and content. PPA-CF25 with 25% carbon fiber content achieves a modulus of elasticity of 10,220 MPa, a tensile strength of 121 MPa, and a high-temperature (HT) strength of 199 °C – making it approximately 70% stiffer than PPA-GF15. PPA-GF15 with 15% glass fiber content achieves a modulus of elasticity of 6,000 MPa, a tensile strength of 94 MPa, and a high-temperature (HT) strength of 185 °C; however, it is electrically insulating, available in white, and exhibits significantly higher dimensional stability. The impact strength is virtually identical in both tempered states.
Why do PPA components need to be tempered?
Without tempering, the material's entire temperature advantage is lost. The heat deflection temperature at 0.45 MPa increases by approximately 100 Kelvin after tempering, from 97 °C to 199 °C for PPA-CF25 and from 84 °C to 185 °C for PPA-GF15. Untempered PPA offers little thermal performance advantage over high-quality PA6-CF. Therefore, tempering with slow cooling in a convection oven is standard practice for us, as excessively rapid cooling leads to internal stresses.
Does tempering PPA also have disadvantages?
In the FGF process, the material is fed directly as granules and melted in the print head — without the expensive intermediate filament step. This saves considerable material costs for large components and enables significantly larger build volumes (up to 510×510×400 mm on the ExAM 510).
Up to what temperature can PPA be used?
This depends on the mechanical stress. Coated PPA-CF25 reaches 199 °C at a test load of 0.45 MPa (HDT method B), but only 126 °C at a test load of 1.80 MPa (method A). PPA-GF15 reaches corresponding temperatures of 185 °C and 112 °C, respectively. A guideline for the continuous service temperature is 150–180 °C. The frequently cited Vicat temperature of 235–238 °C refers to the needle penetrant test and does not correspond to the service temperature.
Is PPA the same as PAHT or HTN?
Yes. PPA (polyphthalamide), PAHT (high-temperature polyamide), and HTN (high-temperature nylon) refer to the same family of semi-aromatic polyamides. In technical drawings, they often appear as PA6T/66 or PA6T/6I, and in injection molding under trade names such as Amodel, Grivory HT, Ultramid Advanced, or Zytel HTN.
Is PPA-CF25 electrically insulating?
No. Carbon fiber reinforced compounds are conductive and not suitable as insulators. For insulation applications, PPA-GF15 is the right choice. In contrast, the conductivity of PPA-CF25 is advantageous for ESD equipment and workpiece fixtures.
When is PPA a better choice than PA12-CF or PC-CF?
PA12-CF is no longer suitable if the operating temperature is consistently above approximately 100 °C or if the component needs to maintain its dimensions in a humid environment. Above this temperature, PA12-CF rapidly loses stiffness; furthermore, conventional polyamides absorb so much water that their dimensions and stiffness change significantly. Below 100 °C, PPA is over-engineered and unnecessarily expensive.
When is PPA no longer sufficient and PPS or PEEK is required?
For continuous temperatures above approximately 180 °C, in contact with strong acids or alkalis, when biocompatibility is required, or when very low creep under continuous thermal stress is necessary, PPS-GF20 represents the next step, followed by PEEK. However, this step is associated with significantly higher costs: PEEK filament costs between 500 and 700 euros per kilogram.
Request PPA component
Are you looking for a component that can withstand temperatures up to 180 °C, contact with oil and fuel, or high mechanical loads – all at a fraction of the cost of PEEK ? Send your 3D file and requirements to info@malping.de. We will get back to you within one business day.
Malping GmbH
Mörikestraße 29
(Production: Mörikestraße 30)
D-73765 Neuhausen auf den Fildern
Tel: +49-7158 9823230
Email: info@malping.de
If you already have a 3D model and would like to request a quote directly, please send us an email:info@malping.de
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About the author
Dr.-Ing. Bastian Gaedike
Founder and Managing Director of Malping GmbH, Neuhausen auf den Fildern.
Malping manufactures components from high-performance polymers using the FFF and FGF processes, including PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM 9085, PPS-GF20, PPA-CF25 and PPA-GF15, including all downstream processes (machining, surface treatment, etc.).
Contact: info@malping.de