PPA Filament
Polyphthalamide
C
Niche or outclassed
Also known as:PolyphthalamideHigh Performance PolyamidePA6TPA9TPA10THigh Temperature Nylon
Family:Nylon (PA)Why Use PPA?
- Semi-aromatic nylon: aromatic rings in the backbone push Tg to ~130C and the melting point to ~300C
- Holds strength, stiffness and dimensions at temperatures where PA6, ABS and PETG soften
- Strong resistance to oils, greases, fuels and industrial chemicals
- Absorbs far less moisture than PA6, so properties stay consistent in humid air
Things to Consider
- Needs a ~300C-capable all-metal hotend and an enclosure, which rules out most desktop printers
- Unfilled PPA is usually the wrong buy: most commercial 3D printing PPA is sold carbon- or glass-filled
- Expensive, and demanding drying (roughly 100-140C) before every print
Safety & Ventilation
- Print PPA in a well ventilated area. Higher-temperature materials like this can release fumes and fine particles while printing. An enclosure improves print quality and helps contain fumes, but it is not a substitute for fresh air, so vent the enclosure or run an air filter and avoid an unventilated occupied room.
Polyamide Family Compared: PPA, PPA-CF, PA6, PA12 and PA612
These are all nylons. PPA is a semi-aromatic polyamide, meaning aromatic rings sit in the polymer backbone, while PA6, PA12 and PA612 are fully aliphatic. That difference is why PPA runs hotter and stays dimensionally stable in humid air, and why it is the hardest of the group to print.
| Property | PPAPolyphthalamide | PPA-CFCarbon-fiber PPA | PA6Nylon 6 | PA12Nylon 12 | PA612Nylon 612 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Very high | Excellent | High | Good | High |
| Stiffness | Very high | Excellent | High | Moderate | High |
| Moisture resistance | Very good | Very good | Fair | Excellent | Very good |
| Heat resistance | Excellent | Excellent | High | Moderate | Good |
| Print difficulty | Very high | Very high | High | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Typical nozzle temp | 280-310°C | 280-310°C | 240-290°C | 240-270°C | 250-280°C |
| Melting point | ~300°C | ~300°C | ~220°C | ~178°C | ~215°C |
| Glass transition (Tg) | ~130°C | ~130°C | ~60°C | ~40°C | ~80°C |
| Typical applications | Automotive, aerospace, high-temp parts | Structural parts, tooling, fixtures | Gears, bushings, brackets | Tubing, clips, connectors | Connectors, housings, bushings |
General characteristics only: properties vary substantially with formulation, additives, fiber reinforcement and manufacturer, so check the technical data sheet for the exact spool you buy. PA6 absorbs the most moisture of the group, which is why it needs a dry box during printing rather than just dry storage.
Technical Data
Hardware Requirements
Enclosure
Not NeededDrybox
Not NeededHardened Nozzle
Not NeededBed Surface Compatibility
Textured PEI
Satin PEI
Smooth PEI
Polypropylene
High Temp
PA/Nylon Sheet
Hover over icons for details. Always use proper release agents when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PPA filament?
PPA (Polyphthalamide) is a 3D printing filament. Semi-aromatic nylon: aromatic rings in the backbone push Tg to ~130C and the melting point to ~300C
What temperature should I print PPA at?
PPA typically prints at nozzle temperatures of 280-310°C and bed temperatures of 100-120°C. Minimal
Do I need an enclosure to print PPA?
Yes, an enclosure is required for printing PPA. Needs a ~300C-capable all-metal hotend and an enclosure, which rules out most desktop printers
What is PPA filament best for?
PPA is best for: Semi-aromatic nylon: aromatic rings in the backbone push Tg to ~130C and the melting point to ~300C; Holds strength, stiffness and dimensions at temperatures where PA6, ABS and PETG soften; Strong resistance to oils, greases, fuels and industrial chemicals; Absorbs far less moisture than PA6, so properties stay consistent in humid air.
What are the downsides of PPA filament?
The main considerations when using PPA: Needs a ~300C-capable all-metal hotend and an enclosure, which rules out most desktop printers; Unfilled PPA is usually the wrong buy: most commercial 3D printing PPA is sold carbon- or glass-filled; Expensive, and demanding drying (roughly 100-140C) before every print.