PVDF

PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is a fluoropolymer filament for parts that have to withstand aggressive chemicals, weather and continuous load. It is aimed at engineers and experienced users printing technical parts for chemical, automotive or outdoor applications. We stock Fillamentum Fluorodur, made from Kynar® PVDF by Arkema, in our warehouse in Senec, Slovakia.

Properties of PVDF

Chemical resistance – resists car fluids, halogenated hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, bases, ozone and water; according to Fillamentum, resistance to chemicals is kept up to about 110 °C.
Temperature resistance up to 150 °C.
Self-extinguishing and excellent weather resistance.
Rigid and tough – high impact strength, good creep and abrasion resistance, great layer adhesion.
Other – low moisture absorption, low gas permeability, good electrical insulation and a low-wetting, non-stick surface.
High density of 1.79 g/cm³, so a spool of the same weight holds less filament than PLA.

Print settings (Fluorodur)

Nozzle about 260 °C, bed about 100 °C.
Part cooling 0–15 %.
Print speed 20–40 mm/s.
Enclosure recommended.
Drying: 80 °C for 2 hours.

Typical uses

Fittings, housings and holders that come into contact with fuels, oils or laboratory chemicals, parts for outdoor use and components that must keep their shape under long-term load.

Pros and cons

Pros: chemical and weather resistance far beyond common filaments, self-extinguishing, tough and stable over time.
Cons: needs high temperatures, slow printing and preferably an enclosure; the non-stick character of the material makes bed adhesion more demanding.

Frequently asked questions

Is PVDF resistant to every chemical?

No material is. Resistance depends on the substance, temperature and exposure time. Fillamentum recommends printing a small test object and checking it under your real conditions.

Do I need an enclosure?

It is recommended. A stable, warm environment and low cooling help layer adhesion and dimensional accuracy.

See PVDF filaments in stock. For technical parts with lower chemical demands, compare Nylon or PP.