3DXSTAT™ ESD-Safe PEKK 3D Filament

PEKK (PolyEtherKetoneKetone) is one of the highest-performance polymers in world. Developed in partnership with Arkema - a leading supplier of ultra-performance materials.

Aerospace-Grade Performance. This compound was created for extreme the most demanding applications where tightly controlled electrical properties, static dissipation, thermal, mechanical, and chemical resistance properties are required.

Print 3DXSTAT™ ESD-PEKK parts with Gearbox™ HT2 High-Temp 3D Printer. Check it out HERE.

3DXSTAT™ ESD-PEKK has a wider processing window than PEEK and typically prints with extruder temps between 360-390°C, whereas CF-PEEK often requires extruder temps above 400°C. 3DXSTAT™ ESD-PEKK has a lower rate and degree of crystallinity than PEEK, which aids in its ease of printing. However, once printed and annealed, PEKK parts exhibit superior performance vs. PEEK. Easier to print + superior performance!

Print PEKK on open-source printer! You do not need to purchase a Stratasys® Fortus® printer to print PEKK. This polymer is one of the easier to print ultra-polymers and is suitable for printing using many of the high-performance open-source 3D printers now on the market.

3DXSTAT™ ESD-PEKK product attributes include

Substantially easier to print than PEEK
Continuous Use Temperature (CUT) of 260°C, and higher for short duration
Glass Transition Temp (Tg) of 162°C (20°C higher than PEEK)
Melt Temp (Tm) of 335°C (allows for lower print temps than PEEK)
10^6 to 10^7 ohm surface resistivity on 3DP sample using concentric ring test method
Consistent surface resistivity and low particulate contamination
Inherent flame resistance
Long-term hydrolytic stability
Excellent dimensional stability (low creep sensitivity and low, uniform coefficient of thermal expansion) and highly reproducible part-to-part dimensions
Exceptional strength and modulus, even at elevated temperatures
Good resistance to a broad range of chemicals, such as automotive fluids, fully halogenated hydrocarbons, alcohols, and aqueous solutions
Stable dielectric constant and dissipation factor over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies

Typical applications include:

Semi-con / Electronics: HDD Components, Wafer Handling, Jigs, Fixtures, Casings & Connectors
Industrial: Conveying, Metering, and Sensing applications

Filament Specifications:

Diameter: 1.75mm (+/- 0.05mm)
Larger reels and diameters available upon request

Surface conductivity as a function of extruder temperature:

The surface resistance of the printed ESD-safe part will vary depending on the printer's extruder temperature. For example, if your testing indicates the part is too insulative, then increasing the extruder temperature will result in improved conductivity. Therefore, the surface resistance can be 'dialed-in' by adjusting the extruder temperature up or down depending on the reading you receive on your part.

Recommended Print Conditions:

Extruder Temp: 355 - 385°C
Bed Temp: 120 - 140°C
Bed Prep: Ultem™ Tape is the ideal build surface, glue stick on clean glass is suitable
Enclosure temp (if your printer is equipped): 70 - 140°C

Annealing (post crystalizing) 3D Printed PEKK Parts: Parts printed with PEKK may be annealed after printing to ramp-up the crystallinity in the resin. This will maximize mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance properties. Printed parts will be transparent golden in color and then turn an opaque tan color once annealed (see picture above). If you do not post-crystallize the PEKK parts, then the maximum use temperature is 150°C. If you do post-crystallize, then the maximum use temperature is 260°C. So you can choose which route to go depending on the needs of your part.

Step 1: Place part in an oven and raise the temperature to 160c, allow to remain at that temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Raise the oven temperature to 200c and allow the part to remain their until it turns a uniform tan color. Timing will depend on the temperature uniformity and circulation of the air inside the oven. Allow to cool prior to handling part.