PCTPE Specifications
PCTPE is a copolymer developed for parts that need flexibility and durability.
PCTPE stands for "Plasticized Copolyamide TPE" or a chemical co-polymer of highly flexible nylon and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) . PCTPE has several unique features that allow any user to print a highly flexible part with the added durability of our nylon polymers. This combination of polymers was developed specifically to allow anyone using current FFF 3D Printers to print parts from durable prosthesis to complete cosplay wearable outfits, cell phone enclosures as well as highly flexible utility/industrial parts. The flexibility of PCTPE means that the end parts will have the smooth lustrous texture of nylon, the added flexibility offered by a rubber like TPE, yet maintain the high durability and non-delaminating benefits of all taulman3D Printing materials.
Proven performance = Tested worldwide by the 3D Printing community - summer of 2014.
Prints on bowdens or direct drive extruder. = From 1.75mm SeeMECNC "MAX" bowden to LULZBOT "TAZ" direct drive.
Print temperature = 235C - 242C
Low shrinkage = prints on glass with a 50% water/PVA glaze heated to 40C
Super Layer to layer bonding that allows for single perimeter walls to be folded along thread axis.
Takes on any acid based color dye (RITT) very fast = 5 min @ 140F
Takes on acid based antimicrobial coatings for footwear and prosthetic.
Color = Bright White/reflective Nylon surface
Tensile PSI = 5,043
Modulus PSI = 10,954
Elongation @ Break = 497%+
Development Goals:
Flexibility - As some users have experienced difficulties with 1.75mm flexible materials, we have worked with our manufacturer to perform an added "draw" process. A process that actually stretches the material during the final mfg stage. This is a similar process used to make large nylon rope for cruise ship docking maintenance. This added stretch increases the tensile properties of the raw 1.75mm and 2.85mm line such that the tendency to fold or buckle is eliminated. Some of our testers remarked that the raw line was actually stiffer than printed parts! This additional process allowed us 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 an easy-to-print material meeting a long list of requirements from users.
Super layer to layer Bonding - PCTPE ensures that you do not need to use an enclosure just to get excellent layer bonding of parts from 100mm to 1,000mm+. With PCTPE the layer bonding will allow you to print single perimeter walls and 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, we made sure that the 3D Printed texture of PCTPE was just as smooth to the touch as any wearable nylon. This lustrous texture is key to making new wearable objects that flow with body movements. In addition to the lustrous texture, the flexibility of PCTPE is more accommodating for complex wearable designs.
TDS: taulman3D PCTPE | |
File Size: | 55 kb |
File Type: |
PCTPE SDS | |
File Size: | 430 kb |
File Type: |
NOTE: Both Nylon and t-glase will NOT seize in your hotend even if left in place with
heater "ON" for 72hr's. Both will oxidize and extrude soot upon reactivation.
150mm of purge is all that is required to begin printing anew.
Notes:
1. Manufacturer ID is self assigned and used for Production and shipping references
2. Based on an average of reported values. Nominally 5C lower with SeeMECNC and E3D HE's due to their structures
3. Note on t-glase…If the platform cools faster than the part, then a glass platform may suffer cracks. Tg on Nylon can be missleading due to nylon's structure
4. Pyrolysis is basically "Boiling"….Check your thermistor!
5. Print Bed temperature for nylons is a function of reducing the "shock" from layer to layer. Shock is defined as the time between layers such that the temp diff is at it's greatest.
6. Small parts in t-glase need a fan on the part being printed due to it's Tg
7. Moisture plays a strong part in shrinkage. Less moisture = less shrinkage.
8. To adhere nylon to nylon, use a soldering iron.
9. Testing performed by St Louis Testing Laboratories
Unit = 5500R Instron with Bluehill Software….
ASTM D412-0a E2
5 pc's printed at rated temperature
Bars are .1314" thk
1 perimeter
All surfaces (no fill, just surfaces)
45 degree surfaces
10. As natural is not a specific color, we are working on a Pantone equivalent.
11. Living hinge is using the material flexible properties as a hinge assuming 2000 90 degree transitions.
12. As nylon will take on water, only air cooling should be used.
heater "ON" for 72hr's. Both will oxidize and extrude soot upon reactivation.
150mm of purge is all that is required to begin printing anew.
Notes:
1. Manufacturer ID is self assigned and used for Production and shipping references
2. Based on an average of reported values. Nominally 5C lower with SeeMECNC and E3D HE's due to their structures
3. Note on t-glase…If the platform cools faster than the part, then a glass platform may suffer cracks. Tg on Nylon can be missleading due to nylon's structure
4. Pyrolysis is basically "Boiling"….Check your thermistor!
5. Print Bed temperature for nylons is a function of reducing the "shock" from layer to layer. Shock is defined as the time between layers such that the temp diff is at it's greatest.
6. Small parts in t-glase need a fan on the part being printed due to it's Tg
7. Moisture plays a strong part in shrinkage. Less moisture = less shrinkage.
8. To adhere nylon to nylon, use a soldering iron.
9. Testing performed by St Louis Testing Laboratories
Unit = 5500R Instron with Bluehill Software….
ASTM D412-0a E2
5 pc's printed at rated temperature
Bars are .1314" thk
1 perimeter
All surfaces (no fill, just surfaces)
45 degree surfaces
10. As natural is not a specific color, we are working on a Pantone equivalent.
11. Living hinge is using the material flexible properties as a hinge assuming 2000 90 degree transitions.
12. As nylon will take on water, only air cooling should be used.