Let's take a deep dive into Bambu’s PPA CF filament—an incredibly durable and versatile material that comes with a hefty price tag. This filament, priced at $150 for just 750 grams, raises the question: is it worth the investment for your 3D printing projects? Let’s break it down.
A Premium Price for Premium Features
At $150 per roll, the PPA CF filament stands out as Bamboo’s most expensive offering. With only 750 grams of filament per roll, it’s significantly less than the standard 1kg rolls many of us are accustomed to. So, what makes it so special?
The PPA CF boasts metal-like strength, industrial-grade precision, and stable performance even in humid conditions. Unlike other filaments, it resists moisture absorption, a common challenge for 3D printing materials. Additionally, it can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for specific industrial or engineering applications.
Challenges of Working with PPA CF
While the material has impressive properties, it comes with unique challenges:
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Drying Requirements:
To achieve optimal results, this filament must be dried before use. Bambu Lab recommends drying it in a blast drying oven at 100–140°C for 8–12 hours. Alternatively, the filament can be dried on the heat bed of a printer at 110–120°C for 12 hours, though this is less effective. Regular filament dryers or the drying function in printers like the Bambu X1 struggle to reach the necessary temperatures, which can lead to subpar prints. -
High Printing Temperatures:
The filament requires a nozzle temperature of 280–310°C and a bed temperature of 100–120°C. Additionally, it cannot be used with AMS systems and demands a hardened steel nozzle for durability. -
Slower Printing Speed:
If you plan to use PPA CF frequently, investing in proper drying equipment is essential. Drying the filament at 90°C for an extended period (e.g., 18 hours) might suffice, though results may vary. Always keep the filament in a dry box during and after the printing process to maintain its quality.
The maximum volumetric speed for PPA CF is 8mm³/s, significantly slower than common materials like PLA. This makes prints more time-consuming but ensures precision and quality.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The PPA CF filament is undoubtedly a premium product with unique advantages. Its resistance to humidity, high-temperature tolerance, and exceptional strength make it suitable for demanding applications. However, it also demands a significant investment in both cost and preparation.
If you’re tackling industrial or engineering projects that require the properties of PPA CF, it’s worth the price. For occasional or casual use, you may want to explore other options unless the specific qualities of this filament are indispensable.