Fibreheart PPA-GF Filament User Manual

1. Introduction

Fibreheart PPA-GF is an advanced composite material that combines a high-performance Polyphthalamide (PPA) nylon base with specialized glass fiber reinforcement.

This formulation is designed to deliver a superior combination of mechanical strength, high-temperature performance, chemical resistance, and exceptional dimensional stability.

Key Features:

  • Smart Fiber Reinforced Technology: Glass fibers create a robust internal mesh structure, significantly enhancing stiffness and overall part strength.
  • Exceptional Dimensional Stability: Features very low moisture absorption compared to standard nylons, which drastically reduces warping and ensures predictable, accurate prints.
  • High-Temperature Performance: Maintains structural integrity at elevated operating temperatures.
  • Superior Durability: Offers excellent wear and chemical resistance, making it ideal for parts used in industrial and automotive environments.

2. Technical Specifications

Property

Specification

Base Material

Polyphthalamide (PPA)

Reinforcement

Glass Fiber

Color

Black

SKU

ST3026

Diameter & Tolerance

1.75mm (±0.03mm)

Drying Recommendation

80-100°C for 4-6 hours

Shelf Life

3 years in original vacuum-sealed packaging

 

3. Safety Information

Your safety is our top priority. Printing with composite materials requires specific precautions due to the nature of the reinforcing fibers.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Respiratory Protection: An N95-rated (or better) respirator is crucial when printing or post-processing to prevent inhalation of microscopic airborne particulates.

  • Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from particles, especially during post-processing activities like sanding or support removal.

  • Heat-Resistant Gloves: Use when handling the hotend, build plate, or freshly printed parts.

  • Workspace: Print in a well-ventilated area. An enclosure with integrated air filtration (HEPA/Carbon) is highly recommended.

4. Pre-Printing Preparation

Proper preparation is the key to unlocking the full potential of PPA-GF.

Material Drying is CRITICAL

PPA-GF has low moisture absorption for a nylon, but like all engineering nylons, it is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the air. Printing with wet filament will result in poor layer adhesion, stringing, and a weak final part.

  • Action: Always dry the filament at 80-100°C for 4-6 hours before every print job.

  • Best Practice: Print directly from a heated filament dryer or a dry box with active desiccant (<15% RH) to maintain a dry state throughout the printing process.

Printer Requirements: 

  • Nozzle: A hardened steel or other wear-resistant nozzle (e.g., ruby, tungsten carbide) is mandatory. Glass fiber is highly abrasive and will quickly destroy standard brass nozzles.

  • Extruder: A direct drive extruder is highly recommended for precise control over filament flow and retraction.

  • Hotend: An all-metal hotend capable of reaching and maintaining 320°C is required.

  • Enclosure: A passively heated or actively heated enclosed build chamber is highly recommended to maintain a stable ambient temperature, which prevents warping and improves layer adhesion.

  • Build Surface: A PEI sheet, Garolite (G-10), or glass bed with a PVP-based glue stick is recommended.
  • AMS is not compatible.

5. Print Setting Recommendations

These settings are a validated starting point. Fine-tuning may be required for your specific printer and geometry.

Parameter

Recommended Setting

Notes

Nozzle Temperature

300 – 320°C

Start at 310°C and adjust based on layer adhesion and surface finish.

Build Plate Temperature

80 – 110°C

A higher temperature improves first-layer adhesion.

Chamber Temperature

60 – 80°C (Recommended)

A stable, heated chamber is key to preventing warping on large parts.

Part Cooling Fan

0% (OFF)

Turning the fan off is critical for maximum layer-to-layer strength.

Print Speed

30 – 100 mm/s

Start slower (e.g., 40-60 mm/s) to ensure quality, then increase speed.

Retraction Distance

1 – 3mm (Direct Drive)

Tune retraction settings carefully to minimize stringing.

Retraction Speed

30 – 60 mm/s (1800-3600 mm/min)

First Layer Settings

Slower speed (20-30 mm/s), increased height & width

Ensures a strong, well-adhered foundation for your print.

Build Plate Adhesion

Brim (10-20 lines) or Raft

Use a brim for most parts to prevent corners from lifting.

 

6. Post-Processing

Support Removal

  • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sharp fragments.

  • It's often easier to remove support structures while the part is still warm.

  • Use needle-nose pliers and flush cutters for precise removal.

Annealing (Optional Heat Treatment)

Annealing can significantly increase the heat resistance (HDT), stiffness, and strength of your PPA-GF parts.

  1. Preparation: Clean the part and remove all support material.

  2. Placement: Place the part on a flat, oven-safe surface (like a metal or glass sheet) to prevent distortion. For complex parts, consider placing them in a bed of sand to support all features.

  3. Heating: Heat the part in a convection oven at 90°C for 4 hours.

  4. Cooling: Turn the oven off and allow the part to cool down slowly to room temperature inside the oven. Do not remove it early, as this can induce thermal shock and stress.

7. Troubleshooting

Issue

Potential Cause(s)

Recommended Solution(s)

Poor Layer Adhesion

1. Wet Filament

2. Nozzle Temperature Too Low

3. Part Cooling Fan is On

1. Dry the filament thoroughly (80-100°C, 4-6 hours).

2. Increase nozzle temp by 5-10°C.

3. Set Part Cooling Fan Speed to 0%.

Warping / Lifting

1. Insufficient Bed Adhesion

2. Build Chamber Too Cool

3. Drastic Temp Fluctuations

1. Increase bed temp by 5-10°C. Clean bed with IPA. Use a brim or raft.

2. Use an enclosure and aim for a 60°C+ chamber temp.

Stringing / Oozing

1. Wet Filament

2. Retraction Settings Not Tuned

3. Nozzle Temperature Too High

1. Dry the filament.

2. Increase retraction distance/speed slightly.

3. Lower nozzle temp by 5°C. Increase travel speed.

Under-Extrusion

1. Worn Nozzle

2. Partial Clog

3. Print Speed Too High

1. Check nozzle for wear; replace if orifice is enlarged.

2. Perform a cold pull.

3. Reduce print speed. Ensure hotend is at temp.

 

8. Technical Support

We are here to help you succeed! If you have any questions or encounter issues, please do not hesitate to reach out.