PA6 Low Warp GF30™ | Spectrum
Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30™ is another in our range of composite materials based on technical nylon 6. This time we opted for glass fibre filling, which is finding great success when used as an additive to modify the properties of plastics. The use of this type of filler is typically applied to increase mechanical refinement in terms of tensile and compressive strength.
Technical informations
Thermal properties | |
| HDT-A | 65 °C |
| HDT-B | 180 °C |
Filament properties | |
| Country of origin | Poland |
| Filament density | 1.34 g/mm3 |
| Diameter tolerance | 0.03 mm |
Spool weight and dimensions |
How to store filaments
Humidity and UV light can decrease the filament quality and weaken its mechanical properties. We strongly recommend storing open filaments in a dry and dark place. You can find a complete guide on how to properly store your filament here
Where to throw print fails and supports?
We kindly ask our customers to cope with plastic waste responsibly. Failed prints, support material, rafts, or brims should be liquidated according to the local guidelines. Paradoxically, in most cases, it is better to throw this waste in the regular trash can, as most of the material waste created in 3D printing is not identified, which causes more problems than benefits in the waste sorting facilities.
PA6 Low Warp GF30™ | Spectrum
Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30™ is another in our range of composite materials based on technical nylon 6. This time we opted for glass fibre filling, which is finding great success when used as an additive to modify the properties of plastics. The use of this type of filler is typically applied to increase mechanical refinement in terms of tensile and compressive strength.
When were trying to choose the ingredients for the composite, we wanted to bring out the full potential of glass fibres as a performance-enhancing additive, which is why we decided to go for an uncompromised blend with up to 30% glass firbe content. Much like with just about any type of polymer-glass composites, we used a functionalised version of the fibres with a less aggressive geometry, reducing degradation of the printer nozzle.
Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30™ is a filament for users who are most concerned with high mechanical performance, high hardness and heat resistance from their models. With the high glass fibre content, this is a filament with very low processing shrinkage. What’s interesting, when it comes to thermal resistance, Spectrum PA6 Low Warp GF30™ filament is not inferior to the HDT – 180°C (0.45MPa) properties of the version with carbon fibre filling, which places it in the top-tier materials dedicated to desktop 3D printers in this respect.
General information about CF/GF :
Thermoplastics are plastics that can change their state without a change in chemical properties. They're popular 3D printing materials since they're simple to melt, extrude layer by layer, and cool into a shape. However, the features that make them suitable for 3D printing make them poor candidates for engineering-strength applications: many of these thermoplastics have a low melting point and aren't particularly strong or stiff. This is where composite materials come to help.
Composite filaments are filaments made from regular material (like PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, etc..) manufactured and co-extruded with additional 5-10 micrometers wide fibers like carbon fibers (CF), glass fibers (GF), or sometimes even kevlar. Composite materials usually benefit from enhanced strength, stiffness, heat resistance, and durability. This strength advantage over more standard thermoplastics used in 3D printing, such as ABS or PLA, allows 3D printing applications to expand alongside these new materials and their attributes. The ratio of fiber to filaments usually ranges from 10% to 30%.
An often less visible property that greatly impacts the final strength of the filament is the fiber length and type of extrusion used during the filament production process. Some manufacturers use only milled fibers, extruded in a random way, others use extrusion methods where fibers are aligned following the axis of the material, which provides better mechanical properties to the filament.
Carbon fibers
Carbon Fiber is a stiff and sturdy fiber that behaves similarly to 6061 aluminum, making it ideal for lightweight components that can bear heavy loads.
Glass fibers
Fiberglass is a sturdy, versatile, and low-cost reinforcing material. It increases part strength beyond that of plastics and is an excellent starting point for printing with reinforcement.
Kevlar fibers
Kevlar has high toughness and shock resistance, making it ideal for high-impact shock-loading conditions. It bends instead of breaking.
Pros & cons of composite filaments
+ Increased strength and stiffness
+ Very good dimensional stability, less prone to warping
+ Lightweight
+ Increased heat resistance
+ Beautiful matt surface finish of printed parts
- Most composite filaments are abrasive and require at least a hardened steel nozzle for printing
- Increased oozing when printing & higher tendency to clog
Browse all carbon and glass fibre filaments (CF/GF) in stock in our warehouse in Senec, Slovakia. For comparison, see also Nylon and PETG.
Spectrum is one of the largest filament manufacturers in Poland, with one of the broadest portfolios of 3D printing materials. It covers everything from easy desktop PLA to engineering polymers and fibre-reinforced composites. JustCreate3D stocks over 30 Spectrum products in its warehouse in Senec, Slovakia, ready for fast dispatch.
Spectrum selects its raw materials carefully and uses modern production lines that let it colour filaments while keeping their key mechanical properties. Every spool comes with an individual quality report from Spectrum's own Verify Your Spool system. The range is split into three segments: easy-to-use desktop materials, industrial-grade engineering thermoplastics, and high-performance compositions for professional users.
Spectrum filaments at JustCreate3D
- PLA – PLA MATT, PLA SILK, PLA Glow in the Dark, PLA Carbon and GreenyHT™, a PLA with higher heat resistance.
- PETG and PCTG – PETG Premium, PETG MATT, PET-G Glitter, PETG Glow in the Dark, PETG HT100™, PETG FX120™, PETG 10% PTFE, PETG Carbon and PCTG.
- ASA and ABS – ASA 275, ASA Kevlar, ASA-X CF10™, ABS Kevlar and ABS Medical.
- Engineering materials – PA6 Low Warp™, PA6 Low Warp CF15S, PA6 Low Warp GF30™, PA6 CS20 FR V0, PC-PTFE and PPS AM230™.
- 5PACK sets (5 × 0.25 kg) – ASA 275, Carbon Set, Material Mix 1 and 2, PCTG Premium and PLA SILK, handy for testing several materials or colours.
Who is Spectrum for?
Spectrum is a good choice for beginners who want reliable PLA and PETG in many colours, and for advanced users who need technical materials such as low-warp nylon, ASA for outdoor parts or PPS. The 5PACK sets are a practical way to try a new material before buying a full spool.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Verify Your Spool report?
It is Spectrum's own quality system: each spool has an individual report with its quality data, so you can check the batch you received.
Which Spectrum filament should I start with?
Start with PLA (MATT or SILK for a nicer surface) or PETG Premium for tougher parts. For outdoor use, ASA 275 is the usual next step.
Do Spectrum composites need a hardened nozzle?
Yes. Carbon, glass fibre and Kevlar filled materials are abrasive, so use a hardened steel nozzle with them.
Browse all Spectrum filaments in stock.