Short for "Plasticized Copolyamide Thermoplastic Elastomer," the LulzBot green 2.85mm PCTPE Filament from taulman3D allows users to print highly flexible parts with the added durability of nylon polymers. This combination of polymers was developed to allow those who use Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers to print parts from durable prostheses to complete and wearable cosplay outfits, as well as cell phone enclosures and flexible utility/industrial parts. The flexibility of PCTPE means that the end parts will have the smooth texture of nylon and the flexibility offered by a rubber such as TPE, yet retain high levels of durability and other non-delaminating benefits.
General Features
Print Temperature
This filament can print at temperatures ranging from 455 to 468°F.
Low Shrinkage
Prints on glass with a 50% water/PVA glaze heated to 104°
Dye Absorption
Takes on acid-based color dyes (RITT) quickly, in about 5 minutes @ 140°F.
Development Goals
Flexibility
taulman3D has added a "draw" process to the manufacturing of this filament, which stretches the material during the final production stage. This is similar to a process used to make large nylon ropes for cruise ship docking maintenance. This added stretch increases the tensile properties of the raw line such that the tendency to fold or buckle is virtually eliminated. This additional process has allowed taulman3D to increase the percentage of TPE, resulting in a material that gives the user a wide range of design flexibility based mostly on the nozzle size, number of perimeters, and percentage of internal fill used during slicing. From thin parts that wad up like thin paper to thicker shoe soles with just the right flexibility, PCTPE is a user-friendly material meeting a long list of requirements.
Super Layer-to-Layer Bonding
PCTPE helps ensure that you do not need to use an enclosure just to get excellent layer bonding of parts from 3.93 to 39.3". With PCTPE, the layer bonding will allow you to print single perimeter walls that bend or fold along the printed axis without delamination or separation.
Wearable Texture
As nylon is known to be a comfortable material to the touch, taulman3D made sure that the 3D-printed texture of PCTPE was smooth to the touch. This texture is key to making wearable objects that flow with body movements. In addition to the texture, the flexibility of PCTPE is more accommodating for complex wearable designs.
Other
Surface Texture
Excellent
Living Hinge
Very good
Use of Taps for Threads
Excellent
CNC Finish Tooling
Any
CNC Coolant
Forced air only
Use in 3D Forging
Good
Printed Prostheses
Excellent
Robotic Assemblies
Excellent
Jewelry Printing
N/A
Fumes
None
Lenticulated Overlays
N/A
Dye Type
Acid-based
Dye Uptake (Saturation)
Excellent
UPC: 817752017152