3D printing with Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic widely used in the industry due to its low cost, for example, a third of the plastics used in a car are polypropylene. However, the prototyping of parts made in PP is not as common as its high-volume manufacturing. 3D printing with polypropylene is ideal for quick prototypes and the validation of designs that will be subsequently injected.

 

3D printing process with polypropylene

Printing with PP using FDM technology requires a bed temperature of around 60 °C, and an extrusion temperature of 220 °C.

Technical specifications of Polypropylene

Types
  • PP in a wide range of colours
  • PP + 30% fibreglass
Features
  • Tensile strength: 60 MPa01. 01.
  • Tensile modulus: 6.5 GPa02. 02.
  • Flexural modulus: 4.3 GPa03. 03.
  • Softening temperature: 120°C. 04.
Benefits

Compared with 3D printing with Nylon, printing with PP offers the advantage of more stability in humid environments as it has minimal water absorption. It has a highly elongated breaking point and flexibility (good shock resistance). It has excellent chemical resistance.

Technical data sheet

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

Custom parts of 3D printed Polypropylene

The 3D printing of Polypropylene has traditionally found its Achilles heel when it comes to the warping of parts during printing. At Addimen, we combine PP filaments, loaded with fibreglass or high-quality pure PP filaments with our professional FDM printer to obtain parts without any deformations and with excellent finishes.

The process step by step

1
3D File

Send us your 3D file ready to print.
If you do not have the file, send us the item and we will create the CAD file.
If you need a design from scratch, our designers will gladly prepare a quote for you.

2
3D Printing

We will create the process file adapted to the technology and materials that will be used to produce your item.
We prepare and condition the printer to guarantee optimum quality.

3
Cleaning and post processing

This step is key when meeting your requirements, and it is one that we are highly specialised in.
The removal of the printing support structures, heat treatments, and surface finishes (blasting, polishing, tooling) are some of the most common post processes.

DISCOVER THE TECHNOLOGY USED IN THE PROCESS

Applications of 3D printed Polypropylene

Polypropylene strengthened with fibreglass has a very high tensile modulus making it extremely useful for industry as a whole. Likewise, the versatility of 3D printing with PP when it comes to quick prototypes for design validations of injection parts is also a commonly used benefit.

Applications
Acidic environment enclosures
Quick prototype
Control tools
Packaging
Pipes
Furnishings

Printing machinery

Used with PP
 
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3NTR A2

Large items can be printed up to 600x325x500 mm.

Workload

Large items can be printed up to 600 x 325 x 500 mm.

MULTI-MATERIAL 

One of the best qualities of the 3NTR-A2 is that almost any FDM developed filament can be used.

Cotización de forma inmediata
Ask for

a free quote

Other materials

In addition to this service with PP, we also offer it in the following materials: Take a look and decide the one best suited to your needs.

Our offer