Published on Tue Feb 22 2022 18:26:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Polymaker PolyMax PC: A Deep Dive into High-Performance 3D Printing

PolyMax PC is Polymaker’s offering in the polycarbonate (PC) filament category, designed for engineers and hobbyists seeking robust, functional parts. This filament prioritizes strength and heat resistance, opening doors to applications that demand superior mechanical properties. Let’s explore its capabilities, printing recommendations, and overall suitability.

What is PolyMax PC?

PolyMax PC is an engineered polycarbonate filament. PC, in general, is known for its exceptional impact resistance, high heat deflection temperature (HDT), and good dimensional stability. PolyMax PC further enhances these characteristics with Polymaker’s Nano-reinforcement technology, resulting in a filament easier to print than traditional PC, without sacrificing essential performance.

Key Specifications

• Material: Polycarbonate (PC) with Nano-reinforcement Technology
• Diameter: 1.75mm or 2.85mm (ensure compatibility with your printer)
• Spool Size: Typically available in 750g or 1kg spools
• Recommended Printing Temperature: 250-270°C (adjust based on your printer and results)
• Recommended Bed Temperature: 100-110°C (a heated bed is mandatory)
• Recommended Printing Speed: 30-50 mm/s
• Recommended Fan Speed: Low (or off entirely)
• Nozzle Material: Hardened steel or other wear-resistant nozzles are highly recommended (PC is abrasive)

Printing Tips and Best Practices

Successfully printing with PolyMax PC requires careful attention to detail. Here are crucial factors to consider:

1. Printer Enclosure: An enclosure is highly recommended to maintain a stable, warm ambient temperature and minimize warping. PolyMax PC is still PC and benefits significantly from a controlled environment.

2. Bed Adhesion: Excellent bed adhesion is crucial to prevent warping. Recommendations:

   • Build Surface: PEI, glass with glue stick, or specially designed PC build surfaces are generally effective.
   • First Layer: Ensure a slow, well-squished first layer. Lower the printing speed for the initial layer.
   • Brim: Using a brim (a single-layer outline around your part) is highly recommended to increase bed adhesion area.

3. Nozzle Considerations:

   • Hardened Nozzle: Polycarbonate is slightly abrasive. Standard brass nozzles can wear down quickly. Invest in a hardened steel, ruby-tipped, or similar nozzle.
   • Nozzle Temperature Calibration: Use a temperature tower to determine the optimal printing temperature for your specific setup and desired finish.

4. Drying: PolyMax PC is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This moisture can cause printing defects like stringing, popping, and weak layer adhesion.

   • Drying Before Printing: Always dry the filament before use. A filament dryer is the best option. Alternatively, you can use an oven set to 60-70°C (140-158°F) for several hours. Monitor closely to prevent overheating.
   • Storage: Store the filament in an airtight container with desiccant packets when not in use.

5. Print Settings:

   • Layer Height: 0.1mm to 0.3mm is a good range.
   • Retraction: Experiment with retraction settings to minimize stringing. Start with small adjustments.
   • Cooling: Minimal or no cooling fan is generally recommended. PC needs to cool slowly to maintain strength and minimize warping.

6. Post-Processing:

   • Annealing: Annealing can significantly improve the strength and temperature resistance of PolyMax PC parts. This involves heating the printed part in an oven to a specific temperature below its glass transition temperature and allowing it to cool slowly. Refer to Polymaker’s recommendations for annealing procedures.

Applications of PolyMax PC

PolyMax PC’s strength and heat resistance make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Functional Prototypes: Testing the design and functionality of parts that will eventually be made from injection-molded PC.
• End-Use Parts: Creating durable, load-bearing parts for various applications.
• Jigs and Fixtures: Manufacturing jigs and fixtures for holding parts during machining or assembly.
• Tooling: Creating tooling for low-volume production runs.
• Robotics: Constructing durable and heat-resistant components for robots.
• Automotive: Prototyping or creating small components for automotive applications where heat resistance is required.

Filament Scoring (Out of 10)

• Print Quality: 8/10 (Excellent with proper settings and enclosure)
• Toughness: 10/10 (Exceptional impact and tensile strength)
• Flexibility: 3/10 (Not a flexible material)
• Warping: 6/10 (Prone to warping without proper precautions)
• Adhesion: 7/10 (Good with correct bed surface and preparation)
• Moisture Sensitivity: 9/10 (Very hygroscopic, requires drying)
• Color Range: 5/10 (Typically available in limited colors, often translucent or black)
• Temperature Range: 9/10 (High heat resistance)
• Odor & Fumes: 6/10 (Can produce fumes, especially at higher temperatures. Ventilation recommended)
• Spool Winding Quality: 9/10 (Polymaker generally has excellent spool winding)

Average Score: 7.2/10

Written by Alex