PLA is the most common material used to achieve a good result. PLA has a low-cost entry point and is easy to handle on any FDM 3D printer. But for the purpose of printing large functional parts with a material that has much better temperature and impact resistance properties, ABS would be a good choice for many closed platform printers.
However, BigRep offers another option at a price from €52.50/kg, its high-performance PRO HT filament, which is suitable for open machines. PRO HT has various advantages over ABS which make it a candidate of ABS replacement choice.
BigRep PRO HT
With 3D printers that have an open or otherwise unheated build chamber, low printing temperature is the limiting factor when it comes to producing heat-resistant prints. PRO HT was developed by BigRep and our filament producers to answer the need to produce large parts with improved mechanical properties for functional testing on such machines. PRO HT is composed of 100% renewable and naturally pure raw materials, is CO2 neutral, and exhibits excellent adhesion to the print bed.
Key Points – BigRep PRO HT
•Meets all requirements of European regulation for food contact
•Extrudes very well between 195°C and 205°C
•Has very low “warping effect”
•Withstands temperatures of up to 115°C
•Is compatible with BigRep’s Power Extruder with 0.6, 1 and 2 mm nozzles
•Produces no smell issues during extrusion
•Price from €52.50/kg
Key Characteristics of BigRep PRO HT, BigRep PLA and ABS
|
Characteristic |
PRO HT |
PLA |
ABS |
|
Temperature Resistance (VST) |
115°C |
60°C |
100°C |
|
Material |
BioPolymer |
BioPolymer |
Oil-based |
|
Tensile Strength |
44 MPa |
60 MPa |
44 MPa |
|
Impact Strength |
216 KJ/m2 |
7.5 KJ/m2 |
58 KJ/m2 |
|
Flexural Modulus |
2600 MPa |
3800 MPa |
2030 MPa |
|
Density |
1.3 g/cm3 |
1.24 g/cm3 |
1.1 g/cm3 |
|
Finish |
Matt |
A range: from Matt to Gloss |
Gloss |
|
Price/kg |
From €52.50 |
From €28.12 |
N/A for BigRep machines |
Summary
BigRep PRO HT seems to be the perfect, cost-effective solution for printing large parts with high performance characteristics on an open platform machine. It may also often be the optimal material to carry out similar tasks on closed platform machines as well. It has great environmental features, a great matt finish available in several colorways, and is easy to print with on the BigRep ONE and BigRep STUDIO 3D printers, as well as many others.
