IEMAI3D launches high-performance 3D printing PEKK material in China

In October 2024, IEMAI 3D launched high-performance 3D printing PEKK filaments based on Arkema’s Kepstan^® PEKK, which are now available to users on their platform. The 3D-printed parts with PEKK provide better dimensional stability and high Z-axis strength as compared to PEI or PEEK filaments.

Mr. Pierre Gonnetan, Global 3D Printing Market Manager for Arkema's High-Performance Polymers Division, stated, "We are thrilled at Arkema to see our Kepstan® PEKK material being recognized for its outstanding performance in FDM 3D printing technology. Kepstan® PEKK offers exceptional ease of processing and superior mechanical and fire properties, making it an ideal material choice for a wide range of high-performance applications, from aerospace to industrial challenging use cases. We are committed to continuing our innovation in advanced materials to support the evolving needs of the 3D printing industry.

Mr. Allen Jiang, General Manager of IEMAI, stated, “We are excited to announce that Arkema’s high-performance Kepstan® PEKK is now available on IEMAI's 3D platform to address the key material challenges such as weak longitudinal mechanical properties in 3D printed parts, a long-standing issue in FDM technology.”

Outstanding performance proved by tests

Using IEMAI3D high-temperature series 3D printer for Arkema's Kepstan® PEKK underwent compatibility testing and obtained excellent performance reports and user experience. This material exhibits excellent printability and dimensional stability during printing. The slower crystallization enhances interlayer adhesion during printing and results in higher Z-axis performance of printed parts, as illustrated in the table.

In addition, due to the high-temperature resistance and mechanical performance requirements of IEMAI3D's new equipment, after testing, IEMAI3D used the PEKK material to make tooling fixtures and prototypes for its new equipment to improve the efficiency of R&D iterations and reduce processing costs.

Test items	Method	Typical value
XY Tensile Strength (MPa)	ISO 527	81.16 MPa
XY Elongation at Break (%)	ISO 527	6.49 %
Z Tensile Strength (MPa)	ISO 527	79.6 MPa
Z Elongation at Break (%)	ISO 527	6.36 %