PPS-CF 3D printing. Properties and uses
Carbon-fibre PPS keeps its shape at 235 °C and resists oils, fuels and solvents. For parts next to heat and chemicals, from a single piece.
- 235 °C heat deflection, the highest we print
- Resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents and oils
- Usually 1-3 working days
- From a single part
What PPS-CF is
Polyphenylene sulphide filled with chopped carbon fibre. Where PPA-CF is the strongest material we print, PPS-CF is the most resistant: to heat, and to the chemicals that attack everything else.
It takes up almost no water (0.05% at saturation), so parts keep their size in wet and humid places. The fibre leaves a matte black finish.
- tensile strength, X-Y
- 87 MPa
- flexural modulus
- 7,160 MPa
- heat deflection, 1.8 MPa
- 235 °C
Manufacturer datasheet values
Datasheet figures
Manufacturer datasheet values (Bambu Lab), measured on test specimens. A printed part also depends on its shape, walls and orientation.
| Property | PPS-CF |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength, along the layers (X-Y) | 87 ± 5 MPa |
| Tensile strength, across the layers (Z) | 24 ± 3 MPa |
| Flexural modulus (X-Y) | 7,160 ± 280 MPa |
| Heat deflection at 1.8 MPa | 235 °C |
| Density | 1.26 g/cm³ |
| Water absorption at saturation | 0.05% |
| Chemical resistance | Most solvents, oils and grease |
Typical parts
For parts near engines, heaters and process lines.
Chemical handling
Fittings, housings and holders that touch oils, fuels or solvents.
Under-bonnet parts
Clips, covers and brackets beside a hot engine.
Hot fluid fixtures
Holders and guides for hot water, oil or air.
Jigs that go through heat
Fixtures for curing, drying and hot assembly steps.
How we print carbon fibre
Carbon-fibre filaments are hard to print well, and they are among the materials we print most.
Dried first
Every spool is dried before it prints, so the layers bond and the part keeps its strength.
Hardened nozzle
Carbon fibre wears an ordinary nozzle out. Ours is hardened, so every part stays to size.
Heated chamber
A warm chamber holds the part at temperature, so it stays flat and bonded.
Oriented to the load
A part is strongest along its layers, so we turn each one to its load.
Largest part in one piece: 340 x 320 x 340 mm
When to choose something else
- It is less tough than PPA-CF. For parts that take knocks or carry the most load, PPA-CF is the better pick.
- Across the layers it keeps about a quarter of its strength (24 MPa against 87 MPa), so we orient the part to its load.
- It is one of the dearer materials we print. If the part never sees heat or chemicals, PET-CF does the job for less.
Questions about PPS-CF
Is PPS-CF stronger than PPA-CF?
No. PPA-CF is stronger (168 MPa against 87 MPa along the layers) and tougher. PPS-CF wins on heat and chemical resistance.
What temperature can a PPS-CF part take?
The datasheet gives 235 °C heat deflection at 1.8 MPa. That is a standard test on a specimen, not a working limit, so tell us the temperature and the load and we check the part against them.
Will it survive fuel, oil or solvents?
Bambu Lab's datasheet lists PPS-CF as resistant to acids, alkalis, organic solvents, oil and grease. Name the chemical in your quote and we say if it fits.
How big can a PPS-CF part be?
Up to 340 x 320 x 340 mm in one piece.
How fast can I have it?
Usually 1-3 working days after you approve the price. The quote gives the date.
A part for heat or chemicals?
Send the file and say what it has to survive. A person checks the material and replies with the price.