High-temperature filaments are technical and engineering polymers capable of maintaining mechanical properties above 100 °C, up to 250 °C in some cases. They include PPSU, PPS, PC, reinforced PA, and other "super polymers" for industrial applications where the material is exposed to continuous heat, hot environments, or thermal cycles.
When to use a high-temperature filament
- Automotive under-hood: parts near the engine, exhaust, brakes.
- Aerospace: hot zone components, electronic housings.
- Industrial: machine parts, molds, manufacturing equipment.
- Baking and sterilization: reusable parts that undergo autoclaving or oven exposure.
- Power electronics: housings near heat sources (high-power LEDs, power supplies).
Technical characteristics
- HDT (Heat Deflection Temperature): 110-250 °C depending on the polymer.
- Materials: PPSU (170-180 °C continuous), PPS-CF (220 °C), PC-GF30 (140 °C), PA6-CF (130 °C), PEI (170 °C), PEEK (250 °C).
- Nozzle temperature: 260-310 °C (PC, PA-CF), 340-380 °C (PPSU, PEI), 380-430 °C (PEEK, PPS).
- Bed temperature: 100-150 °C.
- Heated chamber: mandatory at 60-130 °C to reduce shrinkage.
- Recommended nozzle: ≥0.5 mm hardened steel (fibers are abrasive).
Brands on Strato3D
Polymaker's Fiberon line (PPS-CF10, PPS-GF20, PA-CF), BASF Forward AM Ultrafuse PPSU and PC GF30, and materials for industrial printers. See also PEEK and PEI filaments for top-of-the-range options.
Frequently asked questions
Are special printers needed? Yes, all-metal extruders capable of exceeding 300 °C and a heated chamber are required. Compatible: Raise3D Pro3 HT, Prusa XL, Bambu Lab X1E.
What does HDT mean? Heat Deflection Temperature: the temperature at which the polymer deforms under standard load. Above HDT, the material "softens".
Are they fire resistant? Some PPSU and PEI are classified V-0. Check the technical data sheet for individual materials.
Are post-printing treatments needed? Annealing is often useful to improve crystallinity and final mechanical properties.