Main site nadinmacht.deDeutsch

Glossary · Filament

3D printing

PP (polypropylene)

A lightweight, chemical-resistant printing material, as used in many household containers. It adheres poorly to ordinary print plates.

Explained in more detail

Polypropylene. Printing temperature 220 to 270 °C, bed 85 to 100 °C. Very good chemical resistance, low density, resistant to repeated flexing and therefore good for living hinges. Strong shrinkage and very poor adhesion to common surfaces; special PP build plates or PP tape are required.

Where does the term come from?

Polypropylene is made from propene (propylene), hence the name. The regularly structured polypropylene common today was first produced by Giulio Natta in 1954.

In practice

  • PP hardly sticks to PEI; a PP build plate or PP tape is needed.
  • Use a brim of 5 to 10 mm; PP warps strongly.
  • Keep part cooling at 0 to 15%; an enclosed printer is recommended.
  • PP usually does not need drying; dry storage is enough.
  • With a density of about 0.9 g/cm³, you get significantly more filament per kilogram than with PLA at 1.24 g/cm³.

Not to be confused

Not every household container is made of PP; some are made of PE or PET. The recycling symbol with the number 5 indicates PP.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't PP stick to the print bed?

PP hardly adheres to common surfaces, but adheres well to PP itself. That is why it needs a PP build plate or PP tape on the plate.

What is PP filament suitable for?

For chemical-resistant containers, lightweight parts and living hinges that have to bend often, for example on box lids.

Printers that can process PP

According to manufacturer specifications, from the 5 printers in the wiki: