PPA-CF vs PA6-CF?

Does anyone have experience printing PPA-CF and PA6-CF? I had read that “PPA-CF is 48% stronger” than PA6 if you get good layer adhesion, but I’m seeing conflicting info regarding impact resistance. Anyone have input who’s printed and used both?

  • 300blkFDEEnglish
    1·
    2 days ago

    I don’t know buddy, because its letting me post and comment and like stuff but doesn’t let people click on my name.

    • RenegadeSCEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      It’s definitely odd, but at least you can use the account.

      Out of curiosity, how are you drying nylons and keeping them dried in storage? I’m about to pick up a P1S and have your settings saved, mainly looking at PA6-CF and PET-GF initially. I’ve seen lots of suggestions for drying, ranging from a goodwill airfryer up to a vacuum chamber. Im looking at the Sunlu E2 as it can reach 110C to be used for annealing as well, but $360 is a bit steep for it.

      Also, with the finished PA6-CF being susceptible to moisture and losing some of its strength, do you ever seal it, or is it strong enough over time without needing to? I was wondering if cerakote would be a good choice for keeping moisture out, but I haven’t found much on the topic.

      • KopsisEnglish
        2·
        24 hours ago

        At 5% moisture content (about as high as you’ll get unless the part is literally submerged), Polymaker PA6-CF still has 50% more tensile strength and 165% more impact strength than their PLA Pro. Layer adhesion is weaker (63%) and stiffness is slightly lower (85%). Most designs that will work in PLA+/PLA Pro will work fine in moisture conditioned PA6-CF.

        Coatings like Cerakote can slow moisture absorption, but when you consider the cost and effort, you’re far better off just printing in something like PPA-CF.

        • RenegadeSCEnglish
          1·
          16 hours ago

          Appreciate the info, Im still entirely new to 90% of these materials as I only have experience with standard PLA and PETG. I just pulled the trigger on a P1S so let the learning curve begin.

          Filaments I’m starting with: Polymaker - PA6-CF, PLA Pro, and ASA Siraya Tech - PET-CF and PET-GF Overture - PLA Pro, TPU 95A

          Ended up getting the AMS 2 combo with hardened steel nozzles and hotends. Im gonna just look around for an air fryer at local thrift stores as the Sunlu E2 seems to be the only filament dryer that can reach 90C+ and $360 for it is a bit insane.