PCTG is a thermoplastic polyester that offers a good balance of strength, durability, chemical resistance, and food safety compliance. Its good mechanical properties make it suitable for a wide range of functional and aesthetic applications.
Material Details
PCTG (Poly - Cyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a thermoplastic polyester that offers a favorable combination of strength, durability, chemical resistance, and food safety compliance. It is commonly used in 3D printing due to its ease of printing and good mechanical properties, making it suitable for a wide range of functional and aesthetic applications.
One of the notable advantages of PCTG filament is its compliance with FDA regulations for food contact. It is considered food-safe and can be used to print objects that come into direct contact with food and beverages. However, it's important to note that while the material itself is food-safe, the FDM printing process may introduce contaminants, so proper care and hygiene practices should be followed.
PCTG has a low tendency to warp or shrink during the printing process, making it easier to achieve accurate and consistent prints. It exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and impact resistance, making it suitable for functional prints that require strength and durability. Additionally, PCTG has good chemical resistance, providing resistance to a wide range of chemicals, oils, and solvents.
However, it's worth mentioning that PCTG has a lower glass transition temperature (Tg) compared to materials like ABS or Polycarbonate. Therefore, it may not be suitable for use in high-temperature environments.
Technical Properties
The technical properties of PCTG are as follows:
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 45 - 65 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 1800 - 2300 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation | 3 - 5% |
| Flexural Strength | 65 - 75 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 2000 - 2500 MPa |
| HDT (0.45 MPa) | 65 - 80°C |
| HDT (1.8 MPa) | 55 - 70°C |
Please note that the values provided for the technical properties are approximate ranges and can vary depending on specific formulations, manufacturing processes, and testing conditions. It's always recommended to refer to the manufacturer's documentation or data sheets for precise and up-to-date technical specifications for the specific brand and formulation of PCTG filament.