Description

Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) resins are one of the highest performing thermoplastics on the market.  With a unique combination of mechanical strength and flexibility, they can fulfill the needs of even the most demanding projects.  Our PEKK filament offers additional chemical resistances and low-flammability traits that make it perfect for tasks that require high-temperature exposure.  Contact us to learn more about PEKK filaments and how it just might be the filament you need in your demanding application.

PEKK is a high-temperature polymer that offers an interesting blend of exceptional properties and printability when compared to other materials in its class.  While it may have slightly lower heat resistance than PEEK due to the lower melting point, it still has outstanding mechanical properties and chemical resistance.  This makes it ideal for many of the same applications (aerospace, automotive, biomedical, etc.) at a slightly lower price point.

With PEKK being such a high-temperature polymer, especially when compared to other FDM materials, special considerations must be made for printing.  Check with your printer manufacturer to be sure that your printer can handle the higher temperatures required to print this material.  While smaller parts may be achievable without a heated chamber, it is still generally recommended when printing this material.

PEKK, like most polymer materials, inherently takes up moisture from the surrounding atmosphere due to the nature of its chemistry.  When most polymers are extruded with high moisture content, the chains in the polymer will break.  When this happens, you may notice a change in viscosity and melt strength of the melted polymer.  An obvious sign of your filament being too wet is popping noises as the material is extruded, as this is the moisture in the material vaporizing.  PEKK is shipped in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture uptake during shipping and storage.

Our PEKK Filament is proudly made in the USA to the tightest diameter tolerance on the market. Filamatrix filaments are designed and developed by engineers with 50+ years of experience in plastic extrusion. All Filamatrix products are repeatedly tested for color uniformity and physical properties through an in-house print lab, consisting of numerous printer manufacturers. Physical properties of printed test bars are checked by a certified outside lab.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Recommended nozzle temperature: 345 – 370 °C
• Recommended bed temperature: >120 °C
• Recommended heated chamber: 70 – 140 °C
• Recommended drying temperature: 120 °C

TIPS FOR OPTIMAL PRINTING

• A heated printing chamber is highly recommended for printing with PEKK.
• PEKK is moisture sensitive; measures should be taken to keep the filament dry.
• Generally, slower speeds, larger nozzles, and thicker layers are recommended as a starting point, but feel free to experiment with other settings.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT DRYING

• All 3D printer filaments are at least somewhat prone to absorbing water (hydroscopic)
• Polyetherketoneketones absorb moisture at a rate similar to Nylon, which is to say, quickly
• The effects of moisture may become noticeable hours after opening the spool
• Indications of moisture problems include popping or spitting when printing and stringy prints
• Drying may be done in a dedicated filament dryer, oven, or food dehydrator
• For casual to moderate printers we recommend this product     (Opens in new window. No compensation is received.)
• For PEKK, dry six to twelve hours at 120° C (250° F)