PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) is a heat-resistant 3D printing filament and is rightly called high-performance plastic. This semi-crystalline plastic is characterized by its special resistance and the highest temperature resistance of all thermoplastics. Its mechanical properties, such as Dimensional stability, are retained even with continuous use at high temperatures of 200 degrees. Its chemical resistance to almost all solvents, many acids and alkalis is also impressive. In addition, polyphenylene sulfides are highly impermeable to liquids and gases and are characterized by their low water absorption and tendency to creep.
Due to its high dielectric strength, the PPS filament is ideally suited as an insulator. The impressive properties of PPS allow a very versatile use in 3D printing. In the electronics and vehicle sectors in particular, PPS and additive manufacturing are used to manufacture molded parts that have to withstand the highest mechanical, electrical, thermal and chemical loads.
Processing parameters:
| Extrusion temperature: | 335 °C |
| Platform temperature: | 120 °C |
| Printing surface: | Kapton |
Since PPS is a semi-crystalline plastic and both the processing temperature and the glass transition temperature (90 ° C) are very high, a closed and heated installation space with active temperature control is essential for a stable production process.
When processing PPS, stresses form inside the component during the printing process, even when the installation space is heated, which is why the component's adhesion to the printing platform is an important process parameter. It has also been shown that these tensions can become so strong that thin permanent printing plates, for example made of carbon fiber or aluminum, deform during printing, so the construction platform should be dimensioned accordingly.
PPS can be machined and screwed with and without an "inset". Due to the chemical resistance, adhesive connections with solvent-based adhesives are not possible, but connections using 2-component epoxy resin or polyurethane adhesives are possible. [1]
In order to paint PPS components, the surface must be treated, for example by flame treatment or a primer based on polyurethane. [1]
PPS is dimensionally stable up to 200 ° C and also resistant to almost all solvents, many acids and alkalis. Due to the great variety in this area, the resistance of the material must be clarified as required.
Due to its high temperature resistance, PPS is suitable for permanent high-temperature applications under high mechanical stress, for example as a 3D-printed lamination form for multiple use in autoclaves at high temperatures and pressures.
Thanks to its excellent chemical resistance, PPS can be sterilized without any problems, which makes it ideal for applications in the medical sector.
PPS is naturally flame-resistant and achieves the classification V0 according to UL 94. (The flame goes out after 10s, glowing after max. 30s, no flaming droplets)