FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you don’t see the answer to your question – please feel free to contact us at support@3dxtech.com and we’ll do our best to get you the answer you need.  

Do we make our own filaments?

Yes.  We manufacture our filaments at our plant just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan using state-of-the-art equipment, including Labtech extruders and high-precision Beta Lasermike dual axis lasers.  3DXTECH’s owner, Matt Howlett, has over 20 years of experience in the high-performance polymer industry and works to leverage that experience to make some of the most advance materials in FDM/FFF printing.  

Do we make custom filaments?

Yes.  We welcome the opportunity to work with our customers to create new and innovative products.  Contact us at support@3dxtech.com for more information and to start a project with us.  

Will 3DXTECH filament work in my printer?

Great news – our filaments work in practically all desktop printers!  If your printer accepts 1.75mm, 2.85mm, or 3.0mm filaments – there’s an excellent chance your can use our filaments.  Our filaments can be used with practically all desktop 3D printers, including Makerbot, Airwolf, Ultimaker, Up! Afinia, Makergear, Solidoodle, Lutzbot, Flashforge – and many many more.  Please contact us if you have any questions whether or not our filament will work in your printer.  

Which diameter filament does 3DXTECH supply?

We supply filament in 1.75mm and 2.85mm diameter.   

Can I use 3DXTECH filament with my Stratasys FDM printer?

If you own a commercial printer (i.e., Stratasys) – there are ways to use our filament in these systems.  We have several large corporate users who purchase our specialty filaments for use in their Stratasys printers.  Therefore, if you have a Stratasys printer – there’s a good chance you can figure out how to use many of our high-quality 1.75mm filaments at a substantial savings.  Contact us at support@3dxtech.com to discuss.  

Will using 3DXTECH filament void my printer’s warranty?

In a word – NO.  In the USA, you are protected by the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (View Wiki).  Which states:  A Warrantor cannot require that only Branded parts be used with the product in order to retain the warranty. It is illegal for a company to refuse warranty work due to the use of third party products.

Essentially, a warrantor cannot require a customer to exclusively purchase their OEM Materials for their printer by threat of voiding the machine warranty.  

Therefore, you can use 3DXTECH with Stratasys, Makerbot, Zortrax, and other printers that threaten to void your warranty.  Their lawyers know that the threat is toothless, but they are betting you don’t know! 

Can I use Carbon Fiber Filament in my printer?

Bottom line – YES.  If your printer accepts 3rd party filament (open source), then it can print with our carbon fiber filaments.  If you can print with PLA, then you can print with our Carbon Fiber PLA.  If you can print with ABS, PETG, or Nylon (you have a heated bed), then you can print with our Carbon Fiber ABS, PLA, and Nylon grades.  But – carbon fiber is abrasive and will wear out a brass nozzle – see below.  

What type of nozzle should I use when printing with Carbon Fiber filament?

We recommend an orifice size of at least 0.4mm to prevent clogging.  Furthermore, we recommend using either stainless steel or hardened steel nozzles to reduce / minimize nozzle wear.  Brass nozzles can be used, but they should be changed after 1kg of filament (give or take).  The good news is that brass nozzles are cheap and should be considered as a consumable if you choose to take advantage of high-performance grades reinforced with carbon fiber.  Need a hardened nozzle?  Make sure to check out our A2 Hardened Steel Nozzles – HERE.  Our A2 hardened steel nozzles have 20X the wear resistance of brass! 

What are the recommended drying instructions for different filaments?

For materials like PEEK, it is recommended to dry at 120°C for 4 hours. For materials such as ESD-PETG, the drying temperature is lower at 65°C for the same duration of 4 hours.

What are the ideal printing settings for high-performance filaments like PEEK?

The ideal extruder temperature range for PEEK is 375-410°C, bed temperature should be between 130-145°C, and if possible, a heated chamber should be used at 70-140°C to ensure optimal results.

How can I achieve the best bed adhesion when using materials like PEEK and ESD-PETG?

Nano Polymer Adhesive is recommended for materials like PEEK to ensure proper bed adhesion. For ESD-PETG, Magigoo Bed Prep is suggested to enhance bed adhesion during printing.

What support materials are recommended for complex high-temperature materials?

Break-Away Support is generally used for complex, high-temperature materials, ensuring that the supports can be easily removed after printing without damaging the part.

Are there specific benefits to using materials like PEEK and ESD-PETG?

PEEK is known for its flame resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent dimensional stability. ESD-PETG offers superior chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and essential electrostatic discharge protection for sensitive applications.

What types of filaments does 3DXTECH offer?

3DXTECH offers a wide range of filaments, including high-performance materials like PEEK, PEKK, and Ultem™ (PEI), as well as specialty filaments such as carbon fiber composites, ESD-safe materials, and glass fiber reinforced plastics. They also provide Stratasys-compatible materials and alternatives to Markforged ONYX filaments.

Can I use 3DXTECH filaments on any 3D printer?

While many of 3DXTECH’s filaments are compatible with standard FDM 3D printers, some high-performance materials require specific printer capabilities like high-temperature extruders and heated print beds. It is recommended to check the material specifications for compatibility details or consult their technical support for advice on printer settings.

What are the shipping options and policies for 3DXTECH?

3DXTECH offers international shipping with a focus on fast and reliable delivery. Customers are advised to review the shipping policy on their website to understand the specific terms, delivery timelines, and costs associated with their order.

Does 3DXTECH provide technical data sheets and safety data sheets for their filaments?

Yes, 3DXTECH provides technical data sheets (TDS) and safety data sheets (SDS) for their products. These documents are available on the product pages and offer detailed information about the material properties, recommended print settings, and safety precautions.

How does 3DXTECH support sustainability in 3D printing?

3DXTECH focuses on sustainability by offering recycled materials like EcoMax r-PETG and ensuring that their products, such as certain specialty filaments, are developed with environmental considerations in mind. They also encourage responsible usage and recycling of 3D printed parts and filament spools.

I have other questions – what do I do?

Please contact us at support@3dxtech.com and we will be happy to answer your questions.