Published on Mon Jul 13 2020 07:59:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Taulman PCTPE: A Deep Dive into Flexible 3D Printing

Taulman PCTPE (Plasticized Copolyamide TPE) is a unique filament in the world of 3D printing, bridging the gap between rigid nylon and super-flexible TPU. It offers a distinct combination of properties, making it a favorite for users seeking durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance. This article provides an in-depth look at PCTPE, covering its specifications, usage tips, and a thorough performance evaluation.

What is Taulman PCTPE?

PCTPE is a thermoplastic elastomer based on a nylon copolymer. Taulman designed it to be more flexible than standard nylon filaments like Nylon 618 or Nylon 645, while retaining many of nylon’s desirable characteristics: high strength, good abrasion resistance, and excellent chemical resistance. It also boasts good impact resistance and a relatively high service temperature. This combination makes PCTPE suitable for a wide array of applications.

Detailed Specifications:

• Material: Plasticized Copolyamide TPE
• Diameter: Typically available in 1.75mm and 2.85mm
• Tensile Strength: ~3,000 PSI (varies depending on print settings)
• Elongation at Break: ~200% (varies depending on print settings)
• Shore Hardness: ~ D45 (varies depending on print settings, which makes parts much harder)
• Glass Transition Temperature: ~70°C
• Print Temperature: 235°C - 250°C
• Bed Temperature: 45°C - 65°C (unheated bed may also work with good adhesion techniques)
• Spool Sizes: Typically available in 1lb and 5lb spools
• Color: Natural (translucent white) - can be dyed.
• Density: 1.025 g/cm³
• Shrinkage: Moderate (requires careful attention to bed adhesion)

Key Features and Benefits:

• Flexibility: Offers a good degree of flexibility, making it suitable for parts that need to bend or flex without breaking.
• Durability: Provides excellent abrasion resistance and impact strength.
• Chemical Resistance: Resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, fuels, and solvents.
• High Strength: Stronger and more durable than many other flexible filaments like TPU or TPE.
• Layer Adhesion: Excellent layer adhesion when printed correctly.
• Printability: Relatively easy to print compared to some other flexible filaments.

Usage Tips and Printing Guidelines:

Achieving successful prints with PCTPE requires careful attention to print settings and printer setup. Here are some key tips:

1. Printer Setup:

   • Direct Drive Extruder: A direct drive extruder is highly recommended to minimize filament buckling and improve print quality. A Bowden setup can work, but requires significant tuning.
   • All-Metal Hotend: An all-metal hotend is preferable for printing at the higher temperatures required for PCTPE.
   • Enclosure (Optional): While not strictly necessary, an enclosure can help to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce warping, particularly with larger parts.

2. Print Settings:

   • Print Temperature: Start with a print temperature of 235°C - 250°C. Adjust based on your specific printer and filament. Lower temperatures can improve surface finish, while higher temperatures enhance layer adhesion.
   • Bed Temperature: Set the bed temperature to 45°C - 65°C. Some users have success with an unheated bed combined with a suitable adhesion method.
   • Print Speed: Print at a moderate speed, typically between 30-50 mm/s. Slower speeds can improve layer adhesion and reduce the risk of warping.
   • Retraction Settings: Minimize retraction distance and speed to avoid clogging the nozzle. Test different retraction settings to find what works best for your setup.
   • Layer Height: Use a layer height of 0.1mm - 0.3mm depending on the desired resolution and print speed.
   • Cooling: Reduce or disable cooling fan.

3. Bed Adhesion:

   • Build Surface: A PEI sheet, glass bed with adhesive (glue stick or hairspray), or painter’s tape can all provide good adhesion.
   • First Layer: Ensure the first layer is properly squished onto the build surface for optimal adhesion. Leveling your bed very well is key.
   • Brim: Consider using a brim to increase the surface area of the first layer and improve adhesion.

4. Drying:

   • PCTPE is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. It is highly recommended to dry the filament before printing, especially if it has been exposed to humid conditions. Use a filament dryer or an oven set to a low temperature (e.g., 50°C) for several hours.

5. Storage:

   • Store PCTPE filament in an airtight container with desiccant packs to prevent moisture absorption.

6. Post-Processing:

   • PCTPE parts can be easily sanded, polished, or painted.
   • Parts can be dyed with fabric dyes for a wide range of colors.

Potential Applications:

• Flexible Hinges and Joints: Its flexibility makes it excellent for creating hinges, joints, and other moving parts.
• Protective Cases and Covers: Ideal for creating protective cases for electronics or other sensitive equipment.
• Gaskets and Seals: Its chemical resistance makes it suitable for creating gaskets and seals for various applications.
• Wearable Items: Can be used to create flexible clothing, shoe components, and other wearable items.
• Custom Grips and Handles: Provides a comfortable and durable material for custom grips and handles.
• Cable Management: Create flexible and durable cable guides, wraps, and organizers.

Performance Evaluation:

Here’s an evaluation of Taulman PCTPE across key 3D printing aspects, rated out of 10:

• Print Quality: 7/10 (Good, can be affected by moisture absorption, requires careful tuning)
• Toughness: 9/10 (Excellent abrasion and impact resistance)
• Flexibility: 7/10 (Good, provides a balance between flexibility and rigidity)
• Warping: 6/10 (Moderate, requires good bed adhesion techniques)
• Adhesion: 8/10 (Excellent layer adhesion with correct print settings)
• Moisture Sensitivity: 4/10 (Highly hygroscopic, requires drying and proper storage)
• Color Range: 3/10 (Available primarily in natural, but dyes well)
• Temperature Range: 8/10 (Good, suitable for both room-temperature and elevated-temperature applications)
• Odor & Fumes: 7/10 (Moderate odor, requires adequate ventilation)
• Spool Winding Quality: 8/10 (Generally well-wound, but can vary)

Average Score: 6.7/10

Conclusion:

Taulman PCTPE stands out as a versatile 3D printing filament, offering a unique combination of flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance. While it requires careful attention to print settings and moisture control, the resulting parts exhibit excellent properties for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re creating functional prototypes, custom parts, or end-use products, PCTPE provides a reliable and durable solution. Understanding its strengths and limitations, along with implementing the recommended usage tips, will help you to unlock the full potential of this innovative filament.

Written by Alex