Materialsfor pellet3D printing

• Increased stiffness in suitable formulations.
• Reinforcement changes shrinkage and mechanical behavior.
• Printed-part properties depend on load direction.

Housings, mounts, fixtures and other technical products subject to mechanical loads.

Glass-filled polyamides are well established in engineering processing; specialized printing grades exist. An example is Fiberon PA6-GF25 with 25% glass fiber by mass.

Glass fiber is abrasive, so an appropriate nozzle is required. Drying is needed, and the conditions under which the manufacturer obtained the stated properties, including possible annealing, must be checked.

A “low shrinkage” claim for one formulation does not apply to all PA-GF materials. Moisture content and interlayer strength must be considered in part design.

• Combines low weight, flexibility and elastic recovery.
• Suitable grades retain flexibility at low temperatures.
• Mechanical behavior depends on the segment ratio and formulation.

Sports footwear, flexible sporting components and technical products where resilience and repeated deformation performance matter.

A specialized engineering elastomer, known mainly for high-performance products rather than as a mainstream desktop filament.

This reference article describes the family, not verified printer compatibility for every grade. Direct extrusion requires selecting a formulation and separately verifying process stability.

Properties of a foamed footwear component cannot be transferred to a solid 3D-printed part. Density, part structure and test conditions matter.

• May increase viscosity and the melt's ability to retain shape.
• Helps process polyesters that have lost some molecular weight.
• Affects extrusion stability and foaming behavior.

A typical example is PET and other suitable polyesters. Each matrix requires appropriate reactive groups and conditions; this is not a universal thickener for PP, PE or any recycled plastic.

Modifying recycled polyester feedstock and preparing melts for processes requiring greater shape stability.

Reactive oligomers and concentrates in a compatible carrier.

For FGF, assess pressure, allowable flow and bead stability. The reaction depends on drying, residence time and temperature; simply adding pellets to the hopper is not enough.

An excess can cause inhomogeneity and gels. The additive does not remove contaminants or return every degraded material to its original condition.

• The fiber changes stiffness and dimensional stability.
• Behavior depends on the filler percentage and the matrix formulation.
• The properties of ordinary PETG do not fully describe the filled material.

Models, prototypes, tooling and large-format engineering parts, provided the selected grade suits the task.

Pellets specifically intended for large-format additive extrusion are available. A documented example is PolyCore PETG-1013 with 30% glass fiber.

For a pellet system, check the requirements for drying, pellet geometry, the nozzle and the extrusion path. The availability of an LFAM product does not establish compatibility with every desktop printer.

The price or properties of PETG-GF cannot be applied to unfilled PETG. When selecting equipment, check separately whether it can handle the abrasive filler.

• Water solubility in compounds designed for that purpose.
• Sensitivity to moisture during storage.
• Sensitivity to prolonged or excessive heating.

Removable supports for complex geometries. The polymer is also used outside 3D printing, but non-printing grades are not equivalent to printing grades.

Known in multi-material FDM/FFF printing; special pellet compounds are available.

Supports made from another material require a separate feed system. Check temperature compatibility and adhesion to the main part; dry storage is important for stable operation.

The inclusion of PVA in the reference guide does not mean FGF PRO has a second extruder. Remove supports and handle the solution according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

• The filler changes the color, texture and surface finish.
• Sanding and decorative finishing are possible.
• Appearance and mechanical properties depend on the particle content and size.

Decorative elements, scale models, interior objects and artistic models.

Available in the decorative filament segment; pellet compounds are also offered by printing-system manufacturers.

Particle size must suit the selected nozzle, otherwise clogging may occur. Heating conditions and residence time need attention; an unfilled PLA profile may be unsuitable.

A wood-like texture does not mean greater strength. For a load-bearing or heated part, check the properties of the specific composite.

• Changes the rate and onset temperature of crystallization.
• May increase stiffness and heat resistance of the resulting structure.
• Affects shrinkage and optical properties; not all nucleating agents have a clarifying effect.

PP and suitable PA, PET, PBT and PLA grades. The same crystallization-control mechanism does not apply to amorphous ABS and PC.

Compounds with specified structure, dimensions and cooling behavior.

Powders, compacted mineral products, concentrates and ready-made nucleated pellets.

For FGF, faster solidification is not always better: shrinkage and the time available for bead bonding change. Check chamber temperature, cooling and interlayer adhesion.

A nucleating agent does not guarantee a heat-resistant PLA part without a suitable structure-development process. Data on a shorter molding cycle do not mean an equivalent printing speed increase.

• Combines properties of two base polymers.
• Can provide a useful balance of stiffness, impact resistance and heat resistance.
• Specific performance depends on the formulation.

Electronics housings, automotive interiors, panels and technical components where mechanical properties and surface quality matter.

Used in industrial molding; dedicated filaments and suitable pellet formulations are available.

Use the blend documentation for setup rather than averaging PC and ABS profiles. Check feedstock preparation, shrinkage, bed adhesion and interlayer bonding.

Flame-retardant grades and conventional grades must be considered separately. A material's stated flammability rating does not automatically apply to every printed product.

• May reduce charge accumulation and dust attraction.
• Allow the compound's electrical resistance to be tailored.
• Some systems depend on humidity; others work through a different mechanism.

Such compounds are developed, for example, using PE and PP for packaging and ABS, PC and PA for engineering products. Select a compatible carrier and active component; mechanical properties, color and required resistance determine the choice.

Packaging and tooling for electronics, housings and products where dust and static-charge accumulation are undesirable.

Masterbatches, conductive fillers and ready-made functional compounds.

For FGF, measure the printed part's resistance in the required directions and humidity conditions. Layered structure and filler distribution affect the result.

Black color and the presence of carbon fiber do not confirm ESD properties. Determine the required electrical behavior by measurement, not by the material's name.

• Helps distribute color and small additive quantities evenly.
• Reduces the need to handle individual powders.
• Allows coloring, UV protection and other compatible functions to be combined.

Select the carrier for the matrix: PE/PP, styrenic plastics, polyesters, PA, TPU and high-temperature materials require different solutions. A “universal” label does not confirm compatibility with every polymer.

Product coloring, special visual effects, and incorporation of stabilizers and fillers.

Usually pellets; micro-pellets and other forms suitable for controlled dosing are also available.

Direct blending requires uniform feeding and sufficient melt mixing. For a stable shade, check color and properties across a series of specimens.

Concentrate dosage and active-content fraction are different quantities. The carrier, temperature and compatibility with other additives affect part strength and surface finish.

• Better weather and UV resistance than conventional ABS.
• Combines stiffness with impact resistance.
• Properties, color stability and allowable temperature depend on the grade.

Outdoor housings, automotive components, garden equipment, signage, technical parts and prototypes for outdoor use.

Used in industrial processing and available among FDM/FFF materials; pellet printing requires a suitable formulation.

Shrinkage remains significant. Large parts in particular require control of cooling, bed adhesion and chamber conditions. An ABS profile cannot automatically be treated as an ASA profile.

Weather resistance does not remove limitations relating to load, temperature or chemical exposure. Ventilation and compliance with the safety data sheet are required.

• Retains mechanical properties at elevated temperatures; permissible conditions depend on the grade and load.
• Resists many chemicals, but compatibility must be checked for the specific substance and temperature.
• Combines stiffness with wear and creep resistance; fillers change material properties.

Load-bearing engineering parts, tribological components, seals, electrical components and products for transport and energy applications.

A specialized high-performance polymer. Supplied as pellets for industrial processing; also used in high-temperature extrusion 3D printing.

PEEK requires suitable thermal conditions and feedstock preparation. A high nozzle temperature alone is insufficient: bed heating, chamber conditions and layer bonding matter. Select settings for the specific grade and equipment.

This article does not mean PEEK has already been tested on FGF PRO. Grade compatibility with the current printer configuration must be checked separately; pellet properties cannot automatically be applied to a printed part.

• Supports made from suitable compounds can be removed with water.
• The material is moisture-sensitive.
• Dissolution rate depends on the formulation, geometry and conditions.

Supports in cavities and complex areas where conventional breakaway supports are difficult to remove.

A specialized multi-material printing consumable; pellet versions for direct extrusion have also been described.

Choose a compatible pairing of part and support materials, then check processing temperatures and adhesion. A separate feed system for the support material and compliance with drying requirements are necessary.

The advantages of one BVOH product over one PVA product do not establish a universal ranking of the families. Support printing with this material on FGF PRO has not been separately validated.

• Provide a characteristic texture and color while reducing the polymer fraction.
• May increase stiffness if the filler is well bonded to the matrix.
• Increase moisture sensitivity and limit permissible heating.

Wood-polymer compounds are often based on PE or PP; PLA is also used for decorative 3D printing. These are different formulations: select the compatibilizer and thermal profile separately.

Decor, scale models, interior elements and wood-polymer profiles.

Prepared flour, short fiber, granulate and ready-made WPC compound.

Fine flour is usually easier to use than coarse shavings with small nozzles. Drying, freedom from lumps and limited residence time in the hot extruder are important.

Unspecified sawdust has inconsistent particle sizes and moisture. Overheating darkens and degrades the wood. Filling does not automatically make the product biodegradable.

• LDPE is usually more flexible; HDPE is stiffer.
• Many grades are characterized by ductility and impact resistance.
• Chemical resistance and behavior when heated require grade-specific verification.

Films, packaging, containers, pipes and technical products. The specific application depends on the polyethylene type and formulation.

Widely used in conventional processing. Pellets are available in different types, but this does not guarantee equal suitability for printing.

PE is listed among materials used for pellet extrusion printing. Before selecting a profile, identify the type, flow characteristics and feedstock preparation requirements, then check shape retention and interlayer bonding on samples.

PE, HDPE and LDPE are not synonyms. Recycled feedstock of unknown composition should not be considered equivalent to a documented virgin grade.

• Combines PPS properties with the stiffness provided by reinforcing filler.
• Suitable formulations resist heat and chemical exposure.
• Dimensional stability depends on the specific grade and processing conditions.

Engineering mounts, tooling, housings and components exposed to elevated temperatures and chemicals.

A specialized group of additive manufacturing materials. One filament example is Fiberon PPS-CF10 with 10% carbon fiber.

A high-temperature material path and a wear-resistant nozzle are required. Drying, chamber and annealing requirements must be checked for the grade: easier conditions for one product are not a general rule.

Numerical properties must be assessed in the context of the test conditions, including heat treatment and specimen orientation. Chemical resistance must be verified for the specific medium; it is not universal.

• Increases stiffness; strength depends on fiber length, orientation and adhesion.
• May reduce thermal expansion and part deformation.
• Can increase electrical conductivity; black color alone does not confirm it.

PA, PC, PBT, ABS and other thermoplastics with suitable sizing. High-temperature matrices, such as PEI, require special fiber grades. Fiber for epoxy resin is not equivalent to fiber for a thermoplastic.

Rigid brackets, tooling, housings and parts where dimensional stability matters under weight constraints.

Chopped or milled fiber, a concentrate, or ready-made reinforced pellets.

For FGF, uniform fiber distribution and fiber size relative to the extruder channels and nozzle are important. A prepared compound gives more predictable feeding than a dry blend.

The fiber is abrasive. Increased stiffness does not guarantee impact strength or interlayer strength: test these on printed specimens.

• Flexibility and softness depend on the grade and formulation; the name EVA does not specify a single hardness.
• Suitable grades offer impact resistance and resistance to repeated bending.
• Used where adhesion and a low heat-sealing temperature are needed; thermal properties are determined by the formulation.

Footwear soles and cushioning elements, packaging films, hot-melt adhesives, cable compounds and sealing materials.

A widely used industrial feedstock for extrusion, molding and compounding. Grades with different properties and purposes are available.

Developing pellet printing starts with a documented thermoplastic EVA grade. Pellet feeding, melt stability, layer bonding and shape retention during cooling must be checked. Printing settings for FGF PRO have not yet been validated.

A foam sheet, a footwear component and an adhesive stick are not equivalent to printing pellets. Additives and processing change material behavior; foam properties cannot be applied to a solid printed part.

• High transparency in suitable unfilled grades.
• Suitable for decorative and optical applications.
• Color, additives and the surface significantly affect appearance.

Lighting elements, automotive lighting parts, signage, decorative panels and display models.

Well known as a sheet, molding and extrusion material. Pellet 3D printing with PMMA has been described by a manufacturer of the relevant equipment.

For layer-by-layer manufacturing, assess not only the original transparency but also layer boundaries, pores and surface condition. Optical applications require a separate sample and possibly finishing.

A printed product cannot be equated with optical sheet or a molded lens without verification. Processing parameters must come from the documentation for the specific grade.

• Good impact resistance for many housing applications.
• Can be machined and surface-finished after printing.
• Conventional grades have limited resistance to prolonged sunlight exposure.

Instrument housings, household appliances, automotive interior components, functional prototypes and assembly fixtures.

Widely used in molding and extrusion, with a long history in FDM/FFF. Available in pellets, including modified and filled formulations.

Prone to shrinkage and warping when cooling is uneven. For large parts, a stable temperature around the part and first-layer adhesion are especially important.

Printing requires emission controls in accordance with the SDS. The absence of a strong odor does not establish that the air is safe. For outdoor products, the grade's UV resistance must be checked separately.

• Used where part stiffness and strength are important.
• The material's state and structure depend on its formulation and thermal history.
• Processing requires feedstock quality control and preparation.

Bottles, packaging, fibers and technical components. In 3D printing, functional parts made from specifically selected grades and formulations.

A high-volume polymer in packaging and textiles. Its widespread use in packaging does not mean that every bottle grade is easy to print.

Pellet printing with PET has been described by extrusion system manufacturers. A consistent result requires separate selection of the grade, feedstock preparation and thermal conditions; PET and PETG are separate entries in this guide.

Printing with shredded bottles requires sorting, preparation and testing. The shape, contamination and history of recycled feedstock affect process repeatability.

• Fiber can significantly increase stiffness.
• Properties depend on the matrix, fiber content and print orientation.
• The polyamide matrix’s moisture sensitivity remains important.

Rigid brackets, assembly tooling, functional prototypes and technical components.

Available in engineering filament printing. One documented product example is Fiberon PA6-CF20 with 20% carbon fiber; this is not a specification for all PA-CF materials.

A wear-resistant nozzle and compliance with drying requirements are needed. If TDS properties are given after annealing or conditioning, comparing an untreated part with those values is inappropriate.

An increase in stiffness does not mean an equal increase in strength in every direction. XY and Z properties must be checked separately. Filament profiles cannot be transferred to pellets without verification.

• Low density helps reduce product weight.
• Resistant to many chemical environments, but not all.
• Suitable grades withstand repeated bending.

Packaging, containers, automotive parts, lids with living hinges, laboratory accessories and chemically resistant components.

A high-volume molding and extrusion material. Used less often than PLA and PETG in desktop 3D printing because of adhesion and shrinkage requirements.

The main difficulties are warping and adhesion to conventional build surfaces. An appropriate surface and cooling settings are needed; switching from filament to pellets does not itself eliminate shrinkage.

Resistance must be checked for the specific substance, temperature and contact duration. The properties of a molded living hinge cannot automatically be applied to a hinge printed across layers.

• Help slow cracking and embrittlement.
• Help preserve color and mechanical properties.
• Effectiveness depends on thickness, coloring and operating conditions.

HALS are widely used in polyolefins, including PP and PE. UV absorbers and combined systems are also selected for styrenic plastics, polyesters and other matrices according to compatibility.

Outdoor housings, garden and interior products, and parts near UV sources.

Individual stabilizers, blends and concentrates, including combinations with colorants.

For FGF, first check tolerance of the processing temperature. Assess durability on the printed compound: the presence of an additive alone does not establish service life.

Light stabilization does not replace heat resistance, moisture resistance or a suitable matrix. A single concentrate does not make any PLA equivalent to a weather-resistant engineering plastic.

• Reduce viscosity changes caused by oxidative degradation.
• Help preserve color, elongation and impact properties.
• May increase the compound's resistance to repeated thermal cycles.

Stabilizer systems are selected for most thermoplastics, including PP, PE, styrenic plastics and engineering matrices. Temperature, solubility and the existing stabilizer package are important.

Processing virgin and recycled feedstock, heated parts and materials with more demanding service-life requirements.

Powders, pellets, stabilizer blends and masterbatches.

In FGF, account for melt residence time in the extruder and repeated remelting. Compare color, flow and specimen properties after the same thermal history.

Antioxidants do not automatically increase a polymer's service temperature or eliminate the need for drying. They do not prevent hydrolysis or every other cause of material degradation.

• Allows material density to be reduced through a cellular structure.
• Changes surface finish, stiffness and strength; the balance depends on cell size.
• May change thermal insulation properties and compressive behavior.

Choose a product with an activation temperature and carrier suited to the specific thermoplastic. Common matrices are PP, PE and PS; engineering plastics require appropriate additive grades. Melting alone does not establish suitability for foaming.

Lightweight parts, decorative products and materials with a cellular structure.

Chemical concentrates and prepared foamable pellets.

In FGF, melt expansion affects bead width and material consumption. A separate profile and checks of weight and dimensions are needed; solid-printing settings do not automatically apply.

Lower weight does not guarantee unchanged strength. Moisture and accidental gas release during overheating are not controlled foaming.

• Higher impact resistance than unmodified polystyrene.
• Well suited to rigid housing and packaging components.
• Usually opaque; properties depend on the modifier content.

Packaging, appliance parts, toys, models and prototypes. In some 3D printing processes, it is used as a removable support material.

Used in molding, extrusion and thermoforming. In 3D printing, it is known both as a main material and as an auxiliary material.

Pellet extrusion printing with HIPS has been documented by an equipment manufacturer. For support printing, check compatibility with the part material and the removal method. A separate feed system is required for the support material.

Soluble supports require a suitable solvent, compatibility with the main part and safe handling. Processing settings must be selected for the specific grade.

• Low friction and good wear resistance.
• Rigidity and creep resistance.
• Suitable for a range of precision mechanical applications.

Gears, bushings, snap fits and mechanism components. Usually known from molded and machined parts.

A common engineering plastic, but not a universal material for an ordinary desktop printer.

An equipment manufacturer describes its use in pellet extrusion printing. Thermal conditions, bed adhesion and part accuracy require independent verification.

Strictly follow the grade’s documented limits for melt temperature and residence time. Determine ventilation and safe processing requirements from the SDS.

• High resistance to heat and many chemical environments.
• Suitable for technical and electrical insulation applications.
• Some unfilled grades can be relatively brittle.

Chemical equipment components, electrical parts, housings and other components operating at elevated temperatures.

A specialized high-performance polymer. Both unreinforced and reinforced formulations are available in additive manufacturing.

Appropriate extrusion temperatures and control of cooling, crystallization and shrinkage are needed. Recommendations for a particular printing composite cannot be applied to every unfilled PPS grade.

Heat resistance, chemical resistance and allowable load are different parameters. Select a grade and test the part for service rather than relying only on the family name.

• Holds its shape well during printing and warps comparatively little.
• Fairly stiff, but conventional unfilled grades can be brittle.
• Standard grades have limited heat resistance; modified formulations must be considered separately.

Mockups, prototypes, decorative objects, housings and other parts without significant impact or thermal loads. Suitable for both small components and large models.

One of the staple materials of desktop FDM/FFF printing. Available as filament and pellets in various grades.

Used in filament and pellet extrusion printing. Feedstock preparation and sufficient cooling for the specific geometry are important. Settings for high-speed, impact-modified and conventional grades may differ.

Not every PLA grade is suitable for a load-bearing part inside a hot car. Compostability depends on specific conditions and certification of the formulation, not just the PLA designation.

• Combines heat resistance and impact toughness.
• Suitable grades offer high hydrolysis resistance.
• Compounds for repeated steam sterilization cycles are available.

Specialized equipment, technical and medical components made from approved grades.

A specialized material for demanding applications; printing compounds are used on suitable high-temperature equipment.

Drying, high processing temperatures and stable chamber conditions matter. Large temperature differences can cause warping and delamination.

A feedstock grade’s sterilization resistance does not establish the suitability of every printed product. Geometry, porosity, cleaning and the number of cycles require verification.

• May reduce damage from impact and dropping.
• Can improve behavior at low temperatures.
• Affects stiffness, transparency and processing; check the balance separately.

One example is specialized PET and PETG modifiers. Select solutions for other matrices separately; a PETG additive is not universal for PLA, PA or PP.

Housings, protective elements, packaging and parts subject to impact loads.

Individual modifiers, concentrates and ready-made impact-resistant polymer grades.

In FGF, compare specimens with the same geometry and print orientation. In addition to impact behavior, check layer bonding and dimensions.

Improved impact toughness is not the same as increased tensile strength. Transparency retention in one product is not a property of the entire modifier group.

• High impact resistance in suitable grades.
• Higher heat resistance than many common plastics.
• Unfilled grades can be transparent.

Protective housings, electrical components, mechanical parts and functional prototypes requiring resistance to impact and heat.

A common engineering plastic. Specially modified PC-based formulations are frequently used in FDM/FFF.

Check extrusion temperature capability, chamber conditions, feedstock preparation and bed adhesion. Pure PC can be substantially more demanding than a specially developed printing blend.

Maximum nozzle temperature alone does not establish the ability to print a chosen grade consistently. The entire thermal process and product geometry must be considered.

• Lower moisture absorption compared with PA6 and PA66.
• A good balance of ductility and mechanical properties.
• Suitable for engineering parts that require dimensional stability.

Precision mechanical components, drive elements, functional parts and prototypes.

Known in engineering applications and additive manufacturing. PA12 powder, filament and pellets must not be treated as the same feedstock.

Extrusion requires a suitable grade in the appropriate form. Even with lower moisture absorption, raw material preparation and storage requirements still apply.

Results from powder-based PA12 printing do not establish equivalent properties for an extruded part. Composition, layer orientation and processing conditions matter.

• May increase compound stiffness while changing density and flow.
• Allows the polymer fraction in the formulation to be reduced.
• Particle color and size affect the surface; a decorative effect is not guaranteed.

PP and PE with a prepared mineral filler are potential matrices for development. Polyesters and other matrices require suitable particle surfaces, moisture levels and formulations.

Decorative parts, interior products and mineral-filled compounds with specified weight and texture.

Powders and size-classified granules; filled pellets are also used for processing.

In FGF, the largest particle and agglomerate size is critical. Small nozzles require an appropriately fine fraction in a uniform compound.

Construction-grade chips are not a ready-to-use printer additive. The word “marble” on a plastic may refer only to coloring, without any real marble.

• They serve as temporary patterns removed during mold production.
• Pattern accuracy and compatibility with the casting process are important.
• Wax and burnout polymer are not the same feedstock.

Jewelry and other expendable patterns for producing metal castings.

Long used in pattern making. Specialized Solidscape and 3D Systems 3D printers print with wax materials.

Available sources document wax printing on specialized systems but do not establish that the same formulations suit screw-based pellet extrusion. Processing settings and compatibility with FGF PRO are not claimed here.

This article does not establish that an arbitrary pattern wax or household wax is suitable for the printer. Process development requires a documented formulation, defined equipment requirements and separate testing.

• Rubber-like elasticity and a soft surface.
• Hardness and shape recovery depend on the formulation.
• Compounds for sealing and vibration isolation are available.

Grips, soft pads, flexible parts and sealing elements. Critical seals require separate checks of long-term deformation and the service environment.

Used as the base for various thermoplastic elastomer compounds. Specialized filaments and pellets for 3D printing are available.

Recreus offers SEBS in both feedstock forms. Settings must be selected for the specific compound: the family name does not define hardness, flow behavior or adhesion.

Properties of one SEBS compound cannot be extended to all materials bearing this name. A printed part’s resilience also depends on walls, infill and load direction.

• May improve phase and filler distribution.
• Help transfer load between matrix and reinforcement.
• Can reduce delamination and stabilize compound properties.

Applicable to specifically selected thermoplastic blends and filled systems. PP or PE with wood, a blend of two plastics, and a glass-filled PA matrix require different solutions.

Preparing composites, polymer blends and selected sorted recycled streams.

Functionalized polymers, concentrates and other coupling additives suitable for controlled dosing.

For FGF, assess the effect after thorough mixing. Good phase bonding within a pellet does not guarantee strength between beads: check both structural levels.

A compatibilizer does not make any waste blend printable. Known components, a controlled ratio and checks of melt stability are needed.

• Good abrasion resistance.
• Used in engineering components that carry loads.
• Moisture affects its properties, as with other hygroscopic polyamides.

Mechanism components, automotive and electrical parts, bushings and components requiring wear resistance.

Common in engineering injection molding, including filled grades. 3D printing requires a grade suited to the specific system.

An equipment manufacturer describes pellet extrusion of PA66. Check the system’s temperature capability, drying requirements and dimensional stability of a test part.

PA66 is not unconditionally “better than PA6”: compare specific grades, material condition and operating conditions. Fillers and additives can substantially change the result.

• Adds fragrance as a distinct product feature.
• Intensity and duration depend on the formulation, product shape and storage.
• Can be combined with color in one concentrate.

Solutions exist for PE, PP, PET, as well as PS, PC, PBT, PLA, EVA and PA. Check each fragrance and carrier for the chosen matrix: compatibility of one range does not extend to all fragrances.

Decorative objects, accessories, sporting goods and certain types of packaging.

Pelletized fragrance concentrates and prepared formulations.

In FGF, check fragrance retention after heating, feeding uniformity, surface finish and part properties. A long residence time in the extruder may change the result.

Fragrance does not remove degradation products or make them safe. Perfume and essential oil are not substitutes for an additive intended for thermoplastic processing.

• Elevated heat resistance.
• Good electrical and mechanical properties in suitable grades.
• Grades for hot-water contact and repeated sterilization are available.

Technical components, hot-water system parts, electrical applications and specialized equipment.

A niche engineering material compared with ABS or PETG; industrial processing grades and specialized filaments are available.

Drying and temperature control around the part are required. Warping and internal stresses limit printing without a suitable thermal system.

Water, food or medical approval must be verified for both the grade and the finished product. This reference guide does not establish compatibility with FGF PRO.

• Combines rigidity with resistance to elevated temperatures.
• Used in electrical and other critical components.
• Flammability characteristics and approvals depend on the grade.

Technical housings, electrical assemblies, transport components and specialized parts.

Used in high-performance industrial processing and specialized additive manufacturing systems.

A material with demanding thermal requirements. The ability to heat a nozzle to a specified temperature does not replace checking the bed, chamber, drying and layer bonding.

Using PEI does not automatically make a product suitable or certified for aerospace or medical use. Certification applies to specific materials, processes and products.

• High heat resistance.
• Rigidity and electrical insulation properties.
• Specialized grades and modified compounds are available.

Electrical applications, technical components for transport and domestic equipment, specialized products.

A high-performance family for industrial use; pellet extrusion printing is described by a manufacturer of the corresponding systems.

Grade selection and verification of the entire thermal system are necessary. PSU or PPSU settings cannot be treated as ready-to-use PESU profiles.

Numerical properties and processing parameters are specified in the grade’s technical data sheet. Maximum extruder temperature is only one factor in equipment suitability.

• Increases stiffness and may improve dimensional stability.
• Affects shrinkage and thermal expansion.
• Promotes crystal formation in suitable polymers.

Common in PP; grades are used for PA6, PA66, PBT and ABS/PC. Talc is also used as a nucleating agent in PLA and PET. Selection depends on the specific matrix and the required property balance.

Rigid housings, automotive elements and compounds where dimensions and crystallization rate matter.

Micronized powder, compacted forms for feeding, or a ready-made compound.

In FGF, assess changes in shrinkage and bead solidification rate separately. Faster crystallization may require different chamber heating and cooling conditions.

Increased stiffness may be accompanied by changes in impact strength and flow. Results for molding do not automatically transfer to layer-by-layer printing.

• Can repeatedly deform and recover its shape.
• Hardness and resilience vary considerably between grades.
• Suitable for wear-resistant and shock-absorbing products.

Pads, protective elements, dampers, flexible joints, footwear components and functional prototypes.

One of the best-known flexible FDM/FFF materials. Pellets for direct extrusion are available, including soft formulations.

In filament printing, softness makes feeding the strand difficult. A pellet system avoids this particular limitation, but pellet feeding, drying, melt flow and cooling requirements remain.

A Shore value without its scale is incomplete: Shore A and Shore D cannot be compared as a single scale. Oil resistance, hydrolysis resistance and UV resistance must be checked for the specific TPU chemistry.

• Good wear resistance and mechanical properties.
• Suitable for a range of parts subjected to friction and repeated loads.
• Moisture absorption changes dimensions and mechanical behavior.

Gears, bushings, mechanical assemblies, housings and functional prototypes. Service humidity must be considered when designing load-bearing parts.

One of the widely used engineering polyamides; unfilled, glass-filled and carbon-filled grades are available.

Prepare and store feedstock according to the grade requirements. Control shrinkage and layer bonding during printing; a dry sample and a part after moisture uptake have different properties.

High strength in injection-molded PA6 does not guarantee the same strength across printed layers. Reinforced versions are covered in separate articles.

• May reduce equipment load and facilitate flow.
• Help distribute pigments and fillers when correctly selected.
• Can improve the surface; the effect depends on the material and conditions.

Choose products explicitly intended for the thermoplastic being used. PP and PE have their own solutions; PET, PA and high-temperature matrices require another compatible product.

Compounding filled formulations, manufacturing concentrates and optimizing extrusion.

Powders, pellets, wax-like products and ready-made concentrates.

In FGF, assess bead bonding as well as smooth feeding. Excess additive at the surface can impair subsequent adhesive bonding, painting and interlayer bonding.

Improved slip does not mean reduced molecular weight. Household oil or an arbitrary wax is not a substitute for a processing additive with known compatibility.

• Usually less brittle than standard PLA.
• Good interlayer adhesion with appropriate settings.
• Relatively little warping makes larger parts easier to print.

Housings, holders, fixtures, functional prototypes and general-purpose parts. Use is not restricted to a particular part size.

One of the common FDM/FFF materials. Pellet formulations specifically offered for large-format extrusion printing are available.

Stringing between features and melt buildup on the nozzle can occur. Feedstock moisture, temperature, flow rate, travel settings and cooling need to be controlled. Excessively strong adhesion to the build surface can also be a problem.

A specific part's strength depends not only on the material but also on orientation, walls and layer adhesion. PETG should not replace heat-resistant engineering plastics without verification.

• May reduce flow resistance and help fill thin sections.
• Allows the processability of suitable feedstock to be adjusted.
• Also changes melt strength and other compound properties.

This mechanism is used for PP. The same additive and dosage cannot be transferred to PE, PET, PA or TPU: the chemical reactions and results differ. Select a specialized solution for another matrix.

Preparing PP for a specified process, adjusting flow and processing suitable recycled streams.

Specialized reactive additives, concentrates or already modified pellets.

In FGF, a more fluid melt is not always better: check oozing, bead shape retention, retraction and finished-part strength.

Lubricating channel walls and reducing the polymer's own viscosity are different effects. Dilution with a solvent is not a substitute for a rheology modifier.

• High stiffness in suitable printing formulations.
• Combines heat resistance with resistance to a range of chemical media.
• Electrical insulation properties depend on the formulation and the product.

Brackets, electrical housings and other technical parts subject to thermal and chemical loads.

A specialized composite. An example printing grade is Fiberon PPS-GF20 with 20% glass fiber.

Temperature headroom and a wear-resistant nozzle are needed. Drying and heat-treatment conditions come from the specific formulation’s documentation, not an averaged PPS table.

A grade's flammability classification is not certification of the finished product. For a load-bearing part, strength in the print directions and operating conditions must be checked separately.

• Elastic recovery after deformation.
• Resistance to repeated bending in suitable grades.
• A broad range of hardness levels and specialized formulations.

Protective boots and bellows, flexible air ducts, dampers, resilient couplings and other parts subject to repeated loads.

A specialized family of engineering elastomers. Arnitel is an example of a product range; its grades differ in application and processing requirements.

Included in this guide to support material research and feedstock selection. The availability of an injection molding or extrusion grade does not mean that a ready-to-use FGF PRO profile exists: feeding, melt behavior and printed samples must be tested.

Cyclic-load durability cannot be assessed from hardness alone. Data for the specific grade and testing of the part under actual operating conditions are required.

• May increase stiffness and opacity.
• Allows polymer consumption and formulation economics to be adjusted.
• The effect on impact strength and elongation depends on particle size, surface and dosage.

Often used in PP and PE; PS-based concentrates and specialized PA solutions are available. PET requires specifically selected products: ordinary filler and excess moisture may damage the material.

Filled engineering parts, sheets, films and compounds with specified opacity.

Fine powder, including surface-treated grades, or a pelletized concentrate.

A compatible concentrate with a specified mineral content is more convenient for trials. Calculate the active-content fraction from the concentrate formulation, then check flow and interlayer bonding.

Mineral filling can increase density: a lower price per kilogram does not necessarily mean a lower cost for a part of the same volume.

• May increase stiffness, strength and creep resistance.
• Helps retain shape under load when heated, within the matrix's capabilities.
• Fiber orientation makes properties and shrinkage direction-dependent.

PA6-, PA66- and PP-based compounds are common. Fibers are available for PE, PET/PBT, PC/ABS and high-temperature matrices, including PPS and PEI. Select the sizing and coupling components for the matrix, not merely for the GF designation.

Housings, mounts, engineering elements and tooling where high stiffness and reasonable cost are required.

Chopped strands, fiber concentrates and ready-made glass-filled pellets.

Control residual fiber length and distribution during compounding. For printing, account for nozzle wear and check strength along the beads and between layers.

Glass filling usually increases density relative to the base polymer. It does not automatically eliminate warping or replace thermal-profile tuning.

• Used as an electrical insulating material.
• Combines mechanical properties with heat resistance.
• Chemical resistance and dimensional stability depend on the grade.

Electrical connectors, instrument parts, automotive and other technical components.

Well known in engineering injection molding, often with fillers. Choosing a formulation for 3D printing requires a separate assessment.

For pellet extrusion, following raw material preparation requirements is particularly important. Determine print settings from the TDS and test samples, not from the generic PBT designation.

Do not transfer PET or PETG settings to PBT. Data for the specific manufacturer and grade are needed, including drying, processing and permissible heating duration.