Copolyester CPE filaments for 3D printers

With countless advantages, CPE Copolyester filaments are ideal for both functional prototypes and mechanical parts. With better chemical resistance than other materials, Copolyster CPE filaments are ideal for their versatility.

what it is CPE copolyester

CPE copolyester is a chemically resistant and tough material with good dimensional stability. It is suitable for both functional prototypes and mechanical parts, presenting numerous advantages for 3D printing. Easy to dye and difficult to break, CPE copolyester filaments have multiple benefits that transform the additive manufacturing process.

CPE Copolyester 3D Filaments – Properties:

CPE copolyester 3D filaments have a number of properties relevant to the additive manufacturing process:

Very high heat resistance: up to 110 degrees Celsius

• • Grease resistance

• • Oil resistance

• • Alcohol resistance

• • It has no styrene in its composition

• • Excellent chemical resistance

• • Rigidity similar to that of a PC

• • Excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation;

• • Printing temperature: 255-275 degrees Celsius.

Advantages and disadvantages

What are the advantages of CPE copolyester filaments

Among the advantages of CPE copolyester filaments are:

• • The hardness

• • Dimensional stability

• • Excellent chemical resistance

• • Excellent adhesion between layers

• • Transparent color option

• • It allows the printing of very large pieces

• • Excellent resistance to high temperatures.

The filaments CPE copolyester – disadvantages

When we talk about 3D printer filaments made from CPE Copolyester, we don’t have many disadvantages. The only weakness of this material is that it cannot be finished with acetone.

When is it recommended to use 3D filaments from CPE copolyester

3D copolyester CPE filaments have countless uses, being very versatile in the additive manufacturing process. Their main uses are:

In environments where chemical resistance is required

One of the main advantages of 3D printing is the ability to identify a needed device and quickly design and produce it. For everyday items, most standard filaments are fine for this purpose. However, some circumstances require more robust materials that can withstand harsh environments and chemicals.

For example, a typical plastic filament would be a poor choice for printing a funnel or a fuel tank cap. Other 3D printed items may be used in an environment where they may be exposed to corrosive chemicals such as detergents and solvents.

CPE and CPE+ filaments have excellent chemical resistance, making them the ideal choice for printing parts that will come into contact with aggressive substances.

For functional prototypes

Prototyping is an essential step in product design, giving creators the opportunity to put a design into motion and identify potential problems. This task requires 3D prints that make the machine function as closely as possible to the original design.

Fortunately, CPE filaments exhibit incredible dimensional stability, meaning that the printed layers reliably maintain their shape both during and after printing. Designers can work on multiple iterations knowing that their prints function as highly accurate prototypes with each new version.

For mechanical components

Between online marketplaces like Etsy and crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, there is a growing number of product designers in need of cost-effective, high-quality production. Often budgets for these projects are too small for traditional options, so 3D printing is a great alternative.

Unlike other 3D printing filaments, CPE offers greater durability, making it a good choice for designers looking to provide customers with a higher quality product. It is also available in a range of vibrant colours, including clear options, ensuring the finished work looks great.

Which 3D printers are the filaments compatible with CPE copolyester

A strong and durable printing material, copolyester CPE filaments are compatible with Ultimaker 3D printers equipped with a heated bed: Ultimaker S5 (Pro Bundle), Ultimaker S3, Ultimaker 3 Extend, but also Ultimaker Original +.

What technologies are needed in the use of filaments CPE copolyester

Ultimaker CPE filaments print reliably, so you don’t need additional accessories like the front housing included in the Advanced 3D Printing Kit unless you’re printing large or thin-walled objects. In this case, the front shell will help avoid layer separation in 3D printing and provide a controlled printing environment for more consistent and reliable results. If you are using an Ultimaker S5, the glass doors help protect the material from unwanted drafts in the printing environment.

To ensure a comfortable and healthy working environment, we recommend 3D printing in a well-ventilated area

Differences between filaments from CPE copolyester and other types of 3D filaments

Copolyester CPE filaments versus PLA

• • CPE has better bending strength than PLA filament;

• • CPE has better chemical resistance than PLA;

• • CPE is less prone to scratches;

• • Printing with PLA is easier than printing with CPE;

• • CPE filaments have a smaller range of colors available;

• • CPE cannot be finished with chloroform, like PLA.

CPE vs. Copolyester Filaments abs

• • CPE is more flexible than ABS filament;

• • CPE is more durable than ABS;

• • Printing with CPE is safer than ABS;

• • CPE cannot be smoothed with chemical vapors (due to its resistance).

The Philipale Coaliester CPE against the Ni Yelon filament

• • Nylon is more abrasion resistant than CPE;

• • CPE and nylon are equally strong and durable;

• • Nylon has a lower coefficient of friction than CPE;

• • Printing with Nylon is easier than printing with CPE.

Copolyester vs. CPE Filaments SO

• • CPE is cheaper than ASA;

• • Both ASA and CPE require ventilation;

• • ASA has better UV resistance than CPE;

• • Both ASA and CPE are durable, strong and versatile.

The CPE CPE Filtament vs. PET if PET-G

The filaments PET and TG they come from the same class as CPE copolyester filaments, of the copolyester family. These three types of filament have similar characteristics, but manufacturers can choose to modify the plastic to have different properties depending on what they want to print. The main difference is that PET and PET-G have a shinier, velvetier texture that requires a lower printing temperature.

CPE filtering CPE compared to PP

• • PP polypropylene filaments are particularly dedicated to flexible parts, being more flexible than CPE;

• • CPE filaments have the same chemical resistance as PP;

• • PP polypropylene filaments are more difficult to work with than CPE;

• • CPE filaments require a higher printing temperature than PP.

CPE copolyester filaments versus PC polycarbonate

• • PC polycarbonate filaments have better heat resistance than CPE copolyester;

• • PC polycarbonate filaments are more flexible than CPE;

• • While CPE is found in both colored and transparent versions, PC Polycarbonate is exclusively transparent;

• • Both PC Polycarbonate and CPE are resistant and long-lasting;

• • Printing with polycarbonate PC is easier than printing with CPE.

Copolyester CPE filaments and metallic filaments

• • Metallic filaments have a greater design possibility;

• • Metal filaments allow for better optimization;

• • Metallic filaments can also be used for jewellery, given the aesthetic finish;

• • Printing with CPE is easier than printing with metal filaments;

• • Printing with metallic filaments does not require a heated bed.

Copolyester CPE filaments and flexible filaments

• • Flexible filaments have better malleability;

• • CPE filaments are stronger than flexible ones;

• • Printing with CPE filaments is easier than printing with flexible filaments;

• • The heated bed is optional with flexible filaments;

• • CPE and flexible filaments are equally convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions about 3D Filament by CPE copolyester

Are CPE copolyester filaments biodegradable?

Copolyester CPE filaments are not biodegradable, but they are recyclable.

Can CPE copolyester filaments be used in the food industry?

Yes, copolyester CPE filaments are safe and approved for use in the food and medical industries.

How are CPE copolyester filaments stored?

It is ideal for storing CPE Copolyester filaments in dry places, away from direct sunlight.

What is post-processing of 3D printed objects with copolyester CPE filaments

In post-processing of objects 3D printed with copolyester CPE filaments we can use heat to smooth the surface of our object. Likewise, CPE Copolyester is chemically resistant and can be dyed with acid-based textile dyes, but cannot be smoothed with acetone.