Polypropylene (PP) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic: widely used in industrial injection molding (such as packaging, automotive parts, medical devices, etc.). iSANMATE optimized its material formula, changing the situation that it was difficult to print on ordinary desktop machines in the past, making this material expected to be common and widely used in the FDM printing industry.
Key Advantages
- Lightweight & Durable – Very low density with strong mechanical properties.
- Excellent Chemical Resistance – Resistant to acids, bases, and organic solvents.
- High Impact Strength – Withstands shocks and drops without breaking.
- Flexible with Good Fatigue Resistance – Suitable for living hinges and bendable parts.
- Low Moisture Absorption – Maintains properties even in humid environments.
- Food-Safe (when certified) – Can be used for packaging and storage applications.
PP vs. PP CF Filament Comparison
| Feature / Property | PP (Polypropylene) | PP CF (Polypropylene Carbon Fiber) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very lightweight (low density) | Lightweight but slightly denser than PP due to CF |
| Strength | Good strength with flexibility | Much higher stiffness and tensile strength |
| Flexibility | High flexibility, suitable for living hinges | Lower flexibility, more rigid due to carbon fibers |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent resistance to acids, bases, solvents | Excellent (retains PP’s chemical resistance) |
| Impact Resistance | High impact resistance | High impact with added rigidity |
| Moisture Absorption | Very low | Very low |
| Surface Finish | Semi-translucent / glossy | Matte, premium-looking surface |
| Warping Tendency | Can warp without adhesion solutions | Reduced warping compared to pure PP |
| Applications | Living hinges, food containers, packaging, medical devices | Automotive, aerospace, industrial parts, engineering prototypes |
| Printability | Requires special adhesion (PP tape/glue) | Easier than pure PP but still needs good bed adhesion |
👉 In short:
- Choose PP Filament if you need flexibility, food-safe applications, or living hinges.
- Choose PP CF Filament if you need rigidity, strength, and dimensional stability for industrial or automotive parts.
