Best high temp 3d printer

2022 Guide to PEEK 3D printers (and PEKK, ULTEM/PEI)

Introduction

PEEK, like PEI (ULTEM) and PEKK, is a high-performance polymer (a.k.a. “ultra polymer” and sometimes “super polymer”) that is able to maintain its mechanical properties in challenging environments. Its continuous use temperature (CUT) can go over 250°C, and it is resistant to almost all chemicals except for nitric and sulphuric acids. For decades, this high-performance thermoplastic has been used in demanding industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, and more.

The 3D printing of high-performance polymers like PEEK is, however, a challenge. It requires a high-temperature extruder and a heated chamber – among other tightly monitored elements – above and beyond what standard FFF 3D printers offer. And whereas the PEEK 3D printer market used to be a niche with very few players, today, many manufacturers claim that their printers are suitable for PEEK and PEI 3D printing. Aniwaa’s 3D printer catalog lists over 90 high-temperature 3D printers!

A few sample parts in high-performance polymers such as PEEK, PEKK, and ULTEM from 3DGence. Source: Aniwaa

But boasting high-temperature extruders and heated chambers is often not enough. Thus, our goal here is to select high-temperature 3D printers that stand out from the rest, and not only in terms of hardware. We also take into account a range of factors such as manufacturer maturity, feedback from our network, availability, and distribution.

Of course, this doesn’t mean they’re the only ones out there, but they are some of the most reliable solutions for high-performance polymer AM (additive manufacturing). We mention a few cost-effective options and industry-specific machines in separate sections so as to provide a comprehensive overview nonetheless.

We work with a large number of distributors and brands worldwide– contact us for a personalized recommendation based on your project and location.

High-temperature 3D printers 2022: our selection

The table below recaps our selection of some of the best PEEK 3D printer options. The goal is to provide a quick, visual overview of the market; there are of course numerous other factors to take into account (certifications, software, customer service, …) to get the full picture for each solution and eventually make the right choice.

Brand	Product	Build size	Country	Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).
INTAMSYS	FUNMAT PRO 410	305 × 305 × 406 mm12.01 × 12.01 × 15.98 in	China	$ 25,00025 412 €22,176 £3,726,400 ¥	Quote
Apium	P220	220 × 175 × 160 mm8.66 × 6. 89 × 6.3 in	Germany	$ 29,00025 000 €25,724 £4,322,624 ¥	Quote
3DGence This brand is a certified partner from our network.	INDUSTRY F421	380 × 380 × 420 mm14.96 × 14.96 × 16.54 in	Poland	$ 50,00050 000 €44,352 £7,452,800 ¥	Quote
AON3D This brand is a certified partner from our network.	AON M2+ This product has been reviewed by our team.	450 × 450 × 565 mm17.72 × 17.72 × 22.24 in	Canada	$ 59,40060 380 €52,690 £8,853,926 ¥	Quote
miniFactory	Ultra	330 × 180 × 180 mm12.99 × 7.09 × 7.09 in	Finland	$ 65,00065 000 €57,658 £9,688,640 ¥	Quote
3ntr	Spectral 30	300 × 300 × 300 mm11.81 × 11.81 × 11.81 in	–	$ 110,000111 814 €97,574 £16,396,160 ¥	Quote
Stratasys	Fortus 450mc	406 × 355 × 406 mm15. 98 × 13.98 × 15.98 in	–	$ 149,000116 000 €132,169 £22,209,344 ¥	Quote
Roboze	ARGO 500	500 × 500 × 500 mm19.69 × 19.69 × 19.69 in	Italy	upon request	Quote

Expand to see more specs

Note: There are over 90 printers that are supposedly capable of 3D printing PEEK and other high-performance materials. This is a shortlist of what we believe to be some of the best PEEK 3D printers on the market.

The products in the table are ranked by price (low to high).

Brand	Product	Build size	Build volume	Extruder temp.	Build plate temp.	Build chamber temp.	Country	Price Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).
INTAMSYS	FUNMAT PRO 410	305 × 305 × 406 mm12. 01 × 12.01 × 15.98 in	37.77 L	450°C	160°C	90°C	China	$ 25,00025 412 €22,176 £3,726,400 ¥	Get a quote
Apium	P220	220 × 175 × 160 mm8.66 × 6.89 × 6.3 in	4.77 L	540°C	160°C	180°C	Germany	$ 29,00025 000 €25,724 £4,322,624 ¥	Get a quote
3DGence This brand is a certified partner from our network.	INDUSTRY F421	380 × 380 × 420 mm14.96 × 14.96 × 16.54 in	60.65 L	500°C	180°C	195°C	Poland	$ 50,00050 000 €44,352 £7,452,800 ¥	Get a quote
AON3D This brand is a certified partner from our network.	AON M2+ This product has been reviewed by our team.	450 × 450 × 565 mm17.72 × 17.72 × 22.24 in	114.41 L	500°C	200°C	135°C	Canada	$ 59,40060 380 €52,690 £8,853,926 ¥	Get a quote
miniFactory	Ultra	330 × 180 × 180 mm12. 99 × 7.09 × 7.09 in	10.69 L	480°C	250°C	250°C	Finland	$ 65,00065 000 €57,658 £9,688,640 ¥	Get a quote
3ntr	Spectral 30	300 × 300 × 300 mm11.81 × 11.81 × 11.81 in	27 L	500°C	300°C	250°C	–	$ 110,000111 814 €97,574 £16,396,160 ¥	Get a quote
Stratasys	Fortus 450mc	406 × 355 × 406 mm15.98 × 13.98 × 15.98 in	58.52 L	450°C	350°C	350°C	–	$ 149,000116 000 €132,169 £22,209,344 ¥	Get a quote
Roboze	ARGO 500	500 × 500 × 500 mm19.69 × 19.69 × 19.69 in	125 L	550°C	–	180°C	Italy	upon request	Get a quote

Below, we mapped these PEEK 3D printers by price and chamber temperature. Again, there are other factors to take into account (manufacturer maturity, customer service, warranties, material choice, certifications, etc. ) – this is just a preliminary, simplistic view of the high-temperature 3D printer market.

An overview of our 2022 PEEK 3D printer selection

In this section, we give some more context and information about each high-temp 3D printer from our selection.

INTAMSYS has been producing high-temperature 3D printers for several years. The FUNMAT PRO 410 is one of the company’s most affordable solutions along with the FUNMAT HT.

This entry-level solution for high-performance polymer 3D printing features a large build volume, a dual extruder, and sensor-assisted bed leveling.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

This German 3D printer provides a smaller build volume than others on our list, but its adaptive heating system is an uncommon characteristic that is essential for compliance with very tight tolerances.

Repeatability is definitely one of the Apium P220’s main advantages, and makes it one of the best PEEK 3D printers on the market.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

AON3D is a Montreal-based AM hardware, software, and material company that aims to make industrial 3D printing accessible to businesses. Its AON M2+ printer offers a precision-controlled 3D printing environment for high-performance polymers.

The AONM2+ is one of the only high-temperature 3D printers to offer independent dual extrusion. In addition, it offers one of the largest build volumes in its category. This 3D printer has been used to produce parts with ultra polymers for the Peregrine moon lander.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

3DGence’s Industry F420 is an enlarged, upgraded version of the Industry F340, a 3D printer for PEEK that we’ve featured before.

It boasts even higher temperatures, as well as a new filament chamber that can hold up to four spools and keep them heated at 50°C.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

Paired with miniFactory’s AARNI process monitoring system, the Ultra is able to deliver certifiable 3D printed parts.

It’s equipped with an annealing system as well, making it possible to enhance part quality and dimensional stability. The printer’s heated filament chamber keeps materials prepped at 120°C.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

Italian manufacturer 3ntr has been producing high-temperature 3D printers for several years, but the Spectral 30 is their first printer to be officially dedicated to PEEK and PEI.

With its quadruple 500°C extruders, 300°C build plate, 250°C build chamber, and 110°C filament bay, the Spectral 30 is hard to match. This 3D printer also features a door safety feature: the door is locked until the temperature has descended to 55°C.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

Stratasys produces some of the best professional and industrial printers on the market. While their systems used to be limited to Stratasys-branded materials, they’re now (h3 2022) compatible with Stratasys-validated materials from other brands. Materials that have not been validated by Stratasys can also be used, but with an annual Open Material License subscription.

The material choice for the Fortus 450mc includes ULTEM 1010 and ULTEM 9085, and a range of ABS, PC, ST, PEKK and PA-based filaments. Stratasys markets the Fortus 450mc as a reliable machine that doesn’t require particular skills or advanced knowledge of 3D printing.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

The Roboze ARGO 500 is an industrial-grade solution from Roboze, an Italian manufacturer that has dedicated itself to the high-temp 3D printer sector since 2014. The ARGO 500 sits at the middle of the company’s ARGO production series, in between the smaller ARGO 350 and larger ARGO 1000.

Roboze’s high-temperature 3D printer controls, analyzes and stores all of the information and parameters from each print in its onboard, industrial B&R computer. This means that each part can be certified.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

There are a few other brands that produce good quality PEEK and PEI printers, which almost made it to the main list. However, we didn’t include them for different reasons (e.g. product not yet released, limited distribution network, and/or technical specs or features not up to par with the rest of the list, etc.).

Tip: Use our 3D printer catalog to see the full list of high-performance polymer 3D printers!

Alternative PEEK 3D printers for specific needs

While the high-temperature 3D printers from our selection are excellent options for most applications, some use cases require more specific solutions. Here are a few examples.

Medical PEEK 3D printing

PEEK is a great contender for medical applications. It is namely used for long-term medical implants, as medical-grade PEEK is biocompatible and highly resistant. With certified materials and certified AM systems, it is possible to produce certified medical parts.

Another notable benefit is that PEEK implants, in contrast to metal implants, don’t interfere with scanning machines (MRI, CT, x-rays, …).

The three main medical PEEK 3D printer brands are Apium, VeraShape, and Kumovis.

• Apium M220
• VeraShape VSHAPER MED
• Kumovis R1

Cost-effective PEEK printers

If you have a smaller budget but you’re willing to spend more time on tweaking and adjusting, there are more affordable options out there such as:

• CreatBot PEEK-300
• IEMAI MAGIC HT PRO
• INTAMSYS FUNMAT HT

Affordable PEEK printer prices can start from around $5,000. They are able to print PEEK, but the resulting quality may not meet your standards, especially in terms of repeatability. These machines are however more than capable of printing other engineering-grade materials.

Custom PEEK 3D printers

Some brands like Tobeca, Qualup (SpiderBot), or Hyrel 3D aren’t widespread but offer interesting, tailored solutions for PEEK 3D printing.

Their custom PEI/PEEK 3D printers can be suitable for R&D applications or any case where specific sizes and components are needed.

Large, industrial PEEK 3D printing systems

Warpage is often an issue when 3D printing large parts. Hence, 3D printing large parts with a thermoplastic as challenging as PEEK is double the risk.

Some manufacturers that are specialized in large-scale 3D printers claim that they are also able to print PEEK (e.g. Cincinnati, BigRep, CEAD, Cosine Additive, etc.).

We know the PEEK printer market like the back of our hands. Contact us now to save time and receive expert advice based on your needs and budget. We’ll put you in touch with the right manufacturer or PEEK 3D printer distributor near you.

Key characteristics and properties of PEEK

Pros of PEEK filament

PEEK is a dimensionally stable, semi-crystalline thermoplastic. It can tolerate significant changes in temperature, humidity, and other conditions.

Here are some of the main benefits of PEEK:

• Useful operating temperature (a. k.a. continuous use temperature) of up to 250°C-260°C
• Low flammability and low levels of toxic emissions during combustion
• High mechanical strength
• Low moisture absorption; water and steam resistant
• Chemical resistance (with exceptions)
• Biocompatible
• Lightweight

PEEK drawbacks

This material also has a few limits:

• Complex to 3D print
• PEEK is expensive
• Low impact strength
• Non-resistant to UV light

Alternative high-performance materials

PEEK isn’t the ultimate “one size fits all” material. In many cases, other engineering materials or fiber-filled materials (composites) can substitute the need for PEEK. Here are a few examples.

PEKK (Poly Ether Ketone Ketone): a good alternative to PEEK

PEKK and PEEK are both part of the same polymer family called PAEK (Poly Aryl Ether Ketone). They boast similar properties in terms of strength, chemical resistance, and more. However, PEKK can be easier to 3D print than PEEK.

It is possible for filament manufacturers to tweak its melting point, and therefore generally requires lower temperatures. PEKK can also have a slightly higher glass transition temperature (Tg) than PEEK.

PEEK vs. ULTEM (PEI)

PEEK and ULTEM® (PEI) are quite similar, but have their differences:

• Cost: ULTEM® is more cost-effective than PEEK.
• Impact strength: PEI has lower impact strength than PEEK.
• Tensile strength: PEEK has higher tensile strength than PEI.
• Certifications: ULTEM® (especially the ULTEM® 9085 blend) has received numerous aerospace certifications and is easier to 3D print.
• Temperature resistance: PEEK features higher temperature resistance than PEI.
• Printability: ULTEM® is generally easier to 3D print than PEEK is.

Comparison data for PEEK, PEI (ULTEM®), PC (Polycarbonate), Nylon and ABS. Source: Aaron Louis Technology

What’s the difference between PEI and ULTEM?

ULTEM® is actually a family of PEI products that was patented and developed at General Electric in the 1980s. SABIC, a company based in Saudi Arabia, acquired GE’s Plastics Division several decades later and now manufactures ULTEM® in the form of resins or foam. 3D printing material providers then transform it into granulates, filament, etc.

Continuous fiber reinforcement

It is also possible to reinforce PEEK or PEKK parts with a continuous strand of carbon fiber. This makes it possible to benefit from high-performance material properties (e.g. chemical resistance) while bringing a drastic increase in part strength.

A PEEK printed part reinforced with continuous fiber on the Anisoprint PROM IS 500. Source: Aniwaa (Composer A4 review)

Chopped fiber reinforcement (“filled” materials)

There are a number of “filled” material options. A filled material is a material that has been reinforced with, for example, chopped fibers such as carbon fiber or glass fiber. These materials are considered composites and can be good alternatives in some cases (learn more about composites here).

Common examples of filled materials include PEEK-CF (a carbon-fiber-enforced PEEK) and PA-CF (carbon-fiber-enforced Nylon).

Main requirements for 3D printing PEEK and PEI high-performance polymers

High-temperature extruder

The melting point for PEEK materials is 343°C. This means that the extruder needs to be able to reach that temperature or higher. The hotend extruder must also be all-metal and be resistant to abrasion.

Heated print bed

To print PAEK high-performance polymers, a heated bed is mandatory, and it must be able to reach temperatures of 120°C at the very least. This ensures correct adhesion and overall 3D print quality.

Closed, heated chamber

PEEK is highly prone to shrinkage and warpage (sometimes called warping). Ideally (and this is especially important for larger parts), the chamber temperature should be able to go up to or over 143°C, which is PEEK’s glass transition temperature (Tg).

The team at Vision Miner explains heated chambers very well in the video below:

It is extremely important to be in control of these temperatures and to keep them constant, as fluctuations can easily affect print quality. However, these aren’t the only conditions for printing high-quality PEEK parts; post-treatment also plays a major role.

In order for PEEK to crystallize as well as possible – and thus for the printed parts to be as strong and stable as possible – the material must be cooled gradually.

Unlike PLA parts, which can be removed from the tray almost as soon as they are printed, waiting several hours for the temperature of a PEEK or ULTEM part to drop to room temperature is necessary. This avoids disturbing the material’s crystallization process.

Some PEEK printers provide precise control over the chamber’s cooling rate.

Applications for high-performance polymer 3D printing

PEEK and ULTEM® 3D printing is mostly useful for manufacturers requiring strong prototypes and/or end parts that can withstand extreme conditions, in a variety of industries.

Some manufacturers even present PEEK 3D printing as an alternative to 3D printing metal parts.

Aerospace, automotive and military

Being lightweight yet strong and resistant, PEEK and ULTEM® 3D printed end parts are increasingly popular in aerospace, automotive and military fields.

ULTEM® has actually been used in the aerospace industry for decades and is heavily certified for related applications (e. g. airplane interiors).

Oil and gas

Thanks to PEEK’s chemical resistance and impermeability, oil and gas manufacturers can use the material to 3D print air valves and other parts.

Medical implants

PEEK and PEI are biocompatible, and can therefore be used for implants or other medical use cases.

Semiconductors

With PEEK’s electrical integrity it is possible to 3D print flexible circuit boards, as well as wire and cable insulation.

Cost of PEEK and ULTEM (PEI) 3D printing

PEEK 3D printers and ULTEM 3D printer prices

Most PEEK-ready 3D printers are available at prices ranging from $25K to $150K, and can even go up to $250K. It might seem like a hefty price tag, but these professional additive manufacturing systems feature specific technology that is difficult to integrate into a machine.

However, some PEEK 3D printers under $10,000 do exist.

PEEK and ULTEM filament price

PEEK filament price

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material is among the most expensive plastics on the market: its price can range from about $400 to $700 per kilo.

ULTEM filament price

PEI, or ULTEM®, is a cheaper alternative to high-performance PEEK material. The cost per kilogram can vary from $150 to around $280.

PEEK 3D printer FAQ

What kind of material is ULTEM®?

ULTEM® is a kind of thermoplastic used for professional and industrial applications.

What is ULTEM® plastic?

ULTEM® plastic is Polyetherimide (PEI), a strong, resistant thermoplastic that boasts similar characteristics to PEEK while being easier to 3D print.

What is PEI 3D printing?

Professionals and industrials use PEI to produce strong prototypes or end-use parts.

What material is PEI?

PEI stands for Polyetherimide and is also known as ULTEM®, which is actually a brand manufactured by SABIC. This engineering thermoplastic is strong and resistant to extreme conditions, though less than PEEK.

What is PEEK plastic?

PEEK stands for Polyetheretherketone. It is a highly resistant material (extreme temperatures, chemicals, etc.).

High Temperature 3D Printers | MatterHackers

3D printers that are capable of reaching higher temperatures are able to print with advanced, engineering grade materials that require higher temperatures, like polycarbonate 3D printing filament and polypropylene 3D printing filament. 3D printing at higher temperatures allows manufacturers to use stronger, more functional materials to create the parts necessary for practical applications. High-temperature additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping in industries like aerospace, architecture, engineering, and design allows for minimal downtime during the product development process.  

Guides & Articles

How to Succeed with Quantum Dichromatic PLA Filament

Follow this guide for tips and tricks on how to get the best results when 3D printing with Quantum Dichromatic PLA filament.

How To Succeed with LayerLock SLA Build Surfaces

Successfully achieve strong bed adhesion for Laser, DLP, and SLA resin prints using LayerLock SLA Resin 3D Printing Build Surfaces.

How To Build A Successful Makerspace

Find out the necessary components to create an effective space for your maker community.

How to Succeed When 3D Printing with Polypropylene

Successfully produce 3D printed parts out of polypropylene filament with these tips on achieving stronger bed adhesion and minimizing shrinkage.

Tech Breakdown and How to Succeed: Ionic Hybrid Support Material

Supporting engineering-grade filament has been difficult without a support material dedicated to higher temperature 3D printing. Ionic aims to solve that.

How To Succeed with OBC 3D Printing Filament

From Dow Chemical, OBC combines flexible and rigid into one unique material with properties of both.

How To Succeed with LayerLock Garolite Build Surfaces

Successfully achieve strong bed adhesion for NylonX, NylonG, and standard filaments using LayerLock Garolite Build Surfaces.

How to Succeed with LayerLock Powder Coated PEI Build Plates

Powder coated PEI steel sheets are a great alternative build surface for strong bed adhesion. Here's how you can succeed using this durable build plate.

How To Succeed When 3D Printing With Nylon

Learn how to 3D print Nylon like a pro. Nylon is a stronger and more durable alternative to PLA or ABS and easy to 3D print with using these Tips and Tricks.

How To Succeed When 3D Printing With ASA Filament

Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to print with ASA, the perfect material for any outdoor projects.

How to Succeed when 3D Printing with Polycarbonate Filament

Follow these helpful steps to start successfully printing with this extremely tough, professional grade material.

How to Succeed with NylonX

NylonX has quickly become one of our favorite filaments for strong, durable, and ready-to-use parts. Here's an in-depth look at Nylon X, and some printing tips to get the most out of this great new material.

High Temperature 3D Printing to the Masses / Sudo Null IT News

There is an impressive variety of thermoplastics that can be printed on consumer grade desktop 3D printers. But, despite this, most often users turn to polylactide (PLA) threads. This is not only the cheapest of materials, but also the easiest to work with. Its extrusion can already be carried out at a temperature of 180 °C, and good results can be obtained even without preheating the table. The disadvantage of PLA-printed objects is that they are relatively brittle and do not tolerate high temperatures well. For prototyping or printing low-stress components, PLA is great. However, many users quickly go beyond its capabilities. nine0003

Polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) is usually the next step. It is not much harder to work with compared to PLA, while it is more reliable and can withstand higher temperatures. In general, it is better suited for creating mechanically loaded parts. But if you need to make even stronger and more heat resistant parts, you can switch to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) or nylon. And this is where the problems begin. These materials are extruded at temperatures over 250°C and closed chambers are recommended for best results. These printers are at the top of the budget range that hobbyists are willing to work with. nine0005

Industrial 3D printers like this one, the Apium P220, start at around $30,000. (PAEK, PEEK, PEKK). Components made from these plastics are suitable for aerospace applications as they can replace metal while remaining much lighter.

Such plastics need to be extruded at temperatures of around 400°C, and a sealed chamber is required for operation, the temperature in which constantly exceeds 100°C. The cheapest printers of this kind cost tens of thousands of dollars, and some models even cost six figures. nine0003

Naturally, not so long ago, the same could be said about all 3D printers. Once used only by well-equipped research labs, these machines now sit on the workbenches of hackers and hobbyists the world over. It is difficult to predict whether the same price-cutting race will start for high-temperature 3D printers, but the first steps to democratize the technology have already been made.

Engineering difficulties

Simply put, a machine that supports these so-called. "engineering plastics", you need to be a hybrid of a 3D printer and a stove. This, of course, is the main problem. The printer itself - of the type and quality we are accustomed to seeing on our desks - will not survive in such conditions. In order for a consumer printer to produce PEI and PEEK plastic parts, it needs to be seriously redesigned. This is exactly what NASA did with the LulzBot TAZ 4 in 2016. nine0003

LulzBot TAZ 4 redesigned to support high temperature printing

The first step was to design an insulated housing to fit the TAZ 4 and install a set of 35W infrared lamps for heating. Under such conditions, the printer's electronics would naturally overheat - so it had to be taken outside.

Stepper motors would also overheat. But instead of taking them out, the team at the Langley Research Center decided to build cooling shrouds on each of the motors through which the compressed air must circulate. nine0003

Like many desktop 3D printers, the TAZ 4 uses several printed components. Since they are ABS, they would quickly break down in a chamber designed to support PEEK. They were printed from PC, but even this material was not resistant enough for permanent use. In classic RepRap tradition, the team printed the last, third set of components on their most modified printer, in PEI plastic, commercially named Ultem.

Surprisingly, the team had no trouble changing the printer's nozzle to one that could extrude plastic at 400°C. The popular E3D-v6 extruder costs less than $100 and has been shown to be able to maintain this temperature. True, the team had to replace the thermistor with a better one, as well as edit the Marlin firmware so that it allowed it to reach high temperatures. For conventional printers, too high a temperature should cause an emergency shutdown. nine0003

Printing results from Ultem 1010 plastic on a redesigned LulzBot TAZ 4.

In the end, the NASA report indicated that the redesign of the LulzBot TAZ 4 was a complete success. They noted that an attempt to print PEI with infrared lamps turned off ended in failure - delamination and distortion of the model, which was to be expected. They did not specify the cost of the conversion, but given that at that time the TAZ 4 cost $2200, the entire project could cost 10 times cheaper than similar commercial proposals. nine0003

Starting from zero

A NASA experiment has shown that an existing desktop 3D printer can be converted to print with high-temperature engineering plastics, and quite inexpensively. But hardly anyone believes that this approach is the ideal solution. There are too many repetitive operations involved here, and NASA engineers had to abandon some of the decisions made by the LulzBot developers. Still, the experiment provided a valuable baseline for other projects built from scratch. nine0003

In September 2020, a team from Michigan Technological University demonstrated the Cerberus, an open-source, high-temperature 3D printer capable of creating items from PEI and PEKK, that costs as little as $1,000 to build. Without trying to adapt existing designs, the team started development from scratch, aiming for high temperature printing. All electronics are housed separately from the sealed chamber, which uses a kilowatt heating element to quickly raise the temperature in the chamber to operating temperature. nine0003

All stepper motors are also outside the chamber. Because of this, the kinematics become more complex than in desktop 3D printers, but Cerberus no longer requires a special motor cooling system.

Building a Cerberus is quite affordable for the aspiring hobbyist. It has a simplified circuit, ready-made control electronics based on the Arduino Mega 2560 and RAMPS 1.4, and the same E3D-v6 extruder as the TAZ 4. In addition, the team posted clear and detailed instructions for assembling the printer - this is not in the NASA report. meet. nine0003

Expanding possibilities

Whether it's NASA's redesign of the TAZ 4, or the new Cerberus-type circuits, it's clear that the technical capabilities of PEI and PEEK printing in the home workshop are already available for those who really need them. So far, it's not as easy as buying a $200 3D printer on Amazon, but if there is demand, cheaper machines based on the same principles will appear on the market. The situation is not much different from the current wave of affordable laser cutters hitting the markets in the past few years. nine0003

Fans all over the world print PPE

Is there a demand for such machines? A year ago, the answer might have been different from today. But in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, there is a new demand for the rapid production of personal protective equipment (PPE) that no one could have foreseen.

print PPE that can be sterilized at high temperatures. The team believes that masks printed from PEKK can be reused rather than thrown away. nine0003

Components that can be printed and re-sterilized will obviously have other potential medical applications. A portable, low-cost machine capable of producing such components has the potential to save lives in places on the planet where supplies and equipment cannot be quickly accessed.

Critics of 3D printing have often said that the main disadvantage of these machines is that the reliability of the items they make rarely allows them to be used for anything other than rough prototyping. But when a $1,000 printer starts making aerospace-grade components, we seem to be moving toward a manufacturing revolution at an unprecedented rate. nine0003

PEEK 3D printer overview

Contents:

• Introduction
• Material Features PEEK
• Professional and industrial 3D printers
  • Apium P220
  • TOTAL Z Anyform 500-PRO HOT+
  • Creatbot PEEK-300
  • AON3D M2 2020
  • IEMAI Magic HT Pro
  • TSAR 3D TS547-PEEK
  • Tractus T850P
  • Stratasys F900 Pro
• Conclusion

Introduction

PEEK is widely used in traditional manufacturing, but it is also used in some 3D printers. The thermoplastic polymer offers impressive mechanical properties including high temperature performance, mechanical strength and excellent chemical resistance. These properties make it popular in additive manufacturing, especially for metal replacement.

It would be criminal to ignore such a versatile polymer, and 3D printer manufacturers have not ignored it. With the development of additive technologies, 3D printers that print, among other things, with PEEK material, are becoming more accessible not only for large-scale industries with large budgets, but also for medium and small businesses and even for private clients. From PEEK it is convenient to print prototypes of future metal products and even final products that will immediately go to work. The market for printing with engineering materials is constantly expanding, which invariably causes two consequences: a decrease in the cost of the installation itself and an increase in its build chamber. nine0003

PEEK material features

To print PEEK, the printer must have 3 important features:

1. High temperature extruder
   The melting point of PEEK is 343° C. This means that the extruder must be heated to at least this temperature, and in fact to a higher temperature. The hot end of the extruder must also be all-metal and resistant to abrasives.
2. Heated print bed
   For printing high performance resins, a heated bed is required, which must be heated to at least 120° C. This ensures the correct adhesion of the first layers and the overall quality of the 3D print.
3. Closed heated chamber
   PEEK is very prone to shrinkage and warping. Ideally (and this is especially important for large parts), the printer should have a closed chamber and maintain the temperature in it at 143 ° C, i.e. glass transition temperature of PEEK. Otherwise, the product will delaminate after printing. nine0082

It is extremely important to control these temperatures and keep them constant, as fluctuations can ruin the print.

Using their experience, our company's engineers have compiled a list of modern 3D printers capable of printing with PEEK and other refractory plastics. If you are planning to get acquainted with printing with engineering plastics or start production using 3D printing, we offer our TOP printers in 2020.

Professional and industrial 3D printers

Apium P220

I would like to start with the Apium P220 printer. Apium is one of the first printers to print with PEEK, the benchmark in print quality in the industry. The manufacturer deliberately does not increase the print chamber, as is fashionable with other manufacturers, in favor of the quality of the resulting products. The

P220 is classified as a professional printer only because of its small size and low noise level, in fact, in terms of print quality and technologies used in the installation, this printer can be safely called industrial. The printer produces all the required temperatures: the extruder is heated up to 540° C, the table - up to 160° C, and the temperature in the chamber can be stably maintained at 180° C. Build area 205x155x150mm

In addition, the printer has a unique technology for maintaining the temperature in the print area, thus allowing the lower layers already printed to cool down a little. This approach as a result increases the accuracy of printing, adhesion between layers and improves the controllability and predictability of the entire process. Even the smallest details are printed perfectly.

TOTAL Z Anyform 500-PRO HOT+

Undoubtedly the best domestic industrial printer that prints with engineering plastics. There is a large insulated build chamber measuring 500x500x500mm and the ability to maintain a temperature of 300°C, which is even redundant for PEEK printing. The basic printer is equipped with one extruder with a working temperature of 500 ° C, optionally you can install another one of the same. nine0003

The printer fits through a 900mm doorway, which in turn means it will fit in almost any lab or office.

Creatbot PEEK-300

PEEK 300 is a 3D printer from the Chinese manufacturer Creatbot. It offers a lot of features that are usually found only in more advanced industrial-grade 3D printers. Thanks to the high temperature extruder and closed chamber, this machine can print consistently good results on both PEEK and PEI. The extruder is heated up to 500°C, and the platform - up to 200°C, constantly maintained temperature in the chamber - up to 120°C.

It also has a low filament sensor to alert the user when the filament is about to run out. In addition, it is equipped with the function of baking the product directly in the build chamber. The printer has an impressive build area of ​​300x300x400 mm.

AON3D M2 2020

Aon-M2 2020 is one of the largest printers, the build area has dimensions of 454x454x640 mm and allows you to print complex tooling, cases and many other large format products. nine0003

Aon-M2 2020 is designed for printing on high performance thermoplastics such as PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM. It is compatible with many material brands including Solvay, Sabic, DSM, Infinite Material Solutions and more and comes with proven print profiles for them. This printer has two independent extruders, one for printing polyetheretherketone (PEEK) parts directly, the other for printing supports.

Despite its size, the printer is up and running in less than 15 minutes. nine0003

IEMAI Magic HT Pro

Another Chinese-made printer. The unit has all the necessary kit for printing PEEK plastic and fits easily on the desktop. The printer is also the most budget-friendly in the line of high-temperature printers. The size of the construction area is 310x310x480 mm, with a maximum temperature in the chamber up to 120° C.

The unit is perfect for the production of product prototypes.

TSAR 3D TS547-PEEK

Another domestic printer, which, according to the manufacturer, allows you to print PEEK plastic. The printer has an impressive build area and supports the ability to print with any plastic available on the market. nine0003

The printer stands out with a patented extruder change mechanism that allows you to change the extruder in less than a minute. You can even add a pellet extruder to the printer.

Tractus T850P

The Dutch company Tractus 3D specializes in the development of Delta printers. In fact, the T850P is the only delta printer on the market that prints with engineering plastics. This FDM printer has a build area of ​​550x476x1140mm and is great for the office. It can process materials such as PLA, PEEK and ULTEM. The T850 extruder heats up to 450°C and the platform heats up to 175°C. According to the manufacturer, the extruder requires less than 90 seconds to warm up to operating temperature. The T850P can print at speeds up to 450 mm per second with a resolution of 10 microns.

The printer is equipped with a filament dryer, which is also unique to delta printers.

Stratasys F900 Pro

The F900 is an industrial 3D printer manufactured by FDM patent holder Stratasys. Currently the largest PEEK printer. The printer works only with Stratsys materials, but it gives the user guaranteed print quality right out of the box, there is no need to test and configure the printer for each new spool. nine0003

The printer software provides a preview of the model. The printer has a built-in video camera with which you can monitor printing in real time. The build chamber size is 914x609x914 mm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that despite the apparent similarity, each printer has its own unique set of functions and purpose. This once again proves that the printer must be selected based primarily on the planned tasks. nine0003

If you have any questions about printing PEEK plastic, we will be happy to answer them.

Buying a PEEK printer in our company you get 20% discount on filament. You can choose a printer at the link: https://topstanok.ru/oborudovanie_dlya_3d_pechati/professionalnye_3d_printery/f/materialpechati-2098/

At TopStanok you can order not only equipment for printing with engineering plastics PEEK and ULTEM, but also printing products from engineering plastics. plastics to order. Turning to our company, you get an engineering study, assistance in the selection and operation, as well as an official manufacturer's warranty! nine0003

Read our other articles about engineering plastics and PEEK printing:

• Features of printing with PEEK plastic
• Printing with PEEK and ULTEM (PEI) engineering plastics

For all questions, our specialists will be happy to advise you, you can contact them in any convenient way:

• By e-mail: Stanok@topstanok.

  ---

  Learn more

  • 
    Mooz 3d printer laser cnc
  • 
    How to make a 3d printer at home cheap
  • 
    3D scanner brands
  • 
    3D laser scanner drone
  • 
    3D print build surface
  • 
    3D print owl
  • 
    Zombie 3d print
  • 
    3D printer bed not sticking
  • 
    Note 10 3d scanner
  • 
    3D printer dropshipping
  • 
    Destiny ghost 3d printed