Victrex launches VICTREX AM PAEK filament optimised for additive manufacturing

Jakob Sigurdsson, Victrex CEO comments: “This new generation of Victrex additive manufacturing PAEK filament represents an important step forward for Victrex and we are excited now to work closely with INTAMSYS. Due to excellent cooperation with companies and institutions that pursue innovation in additive manufacturing, such as INTAMSYS, as well as Victrex´s continued research, we have been making sustained progress toward creating truly innovative components based on the design freedom of additive manufacturing, combined with the high performance of PAEK polymers."

The PAEK-based new VICTREX AM filament has been designed and optimised specifically for additive manufacturing. The excellent mechanical properties of PAEK are in demand for high-performance parts. However, until now they were difficult to be fully realised in 3D printed parts with existing choices such as PEEK and PEKK. For example, repurposing injection moulding PEEK into filament fusion additive manufacturing, typically results in weak parts because of poor interlayer bonding. This new material is designed to address this weakness in printing PEEK. According to INTAMSYS´ experience using its manufacturing equipment, the VICTREX AM 200 filament has a higher Z-axis strength and has shown to date up to 80% strength in the XY direction with a better fused filament forming (FFF) printing adaptability than the existing PAEK materials.

INTAMSYS has conducted physical and mechanical performance tests on the new VICTREX PAEK filament material. The tests were performed on different printers including the smart dual nozzle FUNMAT PRO 410 3D Printer. This industrial-grade, high-temperature 3D printer can print parts up to 305*305*406mm, can handle a variety of complex structures, and can print a variety of materials such as PEEK, PEEK-CF, PEKK, PC, PC-ABS and other high-performance materials. 

Charles Han, Founder and CEO at INTAMSYS details: “Our test results to date have shown that the VICTREX AM 200 filament has a better interlayer adhesion than other PAEK materials on INTAMSYS´ machines. Compared with unfilled PEEK, it is designed with slower crystallisation, lower melt temperature, and a viscosity finetuned to the filament fusion process, such as easier flow in the build chamber after leaving the nozzle. Higher flow in open air (low shear rates) also promotes interlayer bonding and stability during printing. All of this contributes to an improved interlaminar adhesion, easier printing (less shrink and warp), and a better suitability for FDM 3D printing, compared to other similar options, based upon the testing we have done at INTAMSYS up to this point.” 

INTAMSYS is also the first company to be part of Victrex´s proposed filament fusion network supporting this new filament. The network aims to facilitate the use of the innovative high-performance VICTREX AM materials based on PAEK polymers and includes further material solutions specifically developed for use in additive manufacturing technology. These materials are designed for high temperature resistance requirements with excellent mechanical properties for AM parts.

Victrex´s new PAEK AM filament has been developed to support a variety of demanding applications because of its very high wear resistance, high temperature resistance, fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance to fluid/chemical, which when combined have the potential to increase design freedom and production cost efficiency.


Find out more about Victrex´s portfolio on www.victrex.com and https://www.victrex.com/en/products/peek-parts/additive-manufacturing

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About INTAMSYS
INTAMSYS is a world-leading high-tech company that provides high-performance 3D printing materials, direct additive manufacturing solutions and software. Co-founded by a team of engineers with years of precision equipment development and high-performance material research, the company is headquartered in Shanghai. Currently, it has established a complete marketing and after-sales service system covering the whole world, with 2 European and American marketing and technical service centers, respectively located in Germany and in the United States. INTAMSYS focuses on aerospace, automotive, electronic manufacturing, consumer products, medical, scientific research and other industries, providing complete additive manufacturing solutions, from functional test prototyping, tooling fixture manufacturing to customized mass production. For further info please visit www.intamsys.com


About Victrex
Victrex is an innovative world leader in high-performance PEEK and PAEK polymer solutions focusing on the strategic markets of automotive, aerospace, energy (including manufacturing and engineering), electronics and medical. Every day, millions of people use products and applications containing our materials – from smartphones, aeroplanes and cars to oil and gas operations and medical devices. With over 40 years‘ experience, we are developing world leading solutions with PEEK and PAEK-based polymers and selected semi-finished and finished parts which shape future performance for our customers and our markets and drive value for our shareholders. Find out more at www.victrex.com