CR-3D has presented PP GF25, a polypropylene filament with 25% glass fibre, in its FibCR line of glass-reinforced materials. At 1.07 g/cm³ it is the lightest glass-filled grade in the range, and it takes up almost no moisture. It targets parts that get wet, are cleaned with chemicals or are used outdoors.
What are the material properties of PP GF25?
PP GF25 is polypropylene with 25% glass fibre. CR-3D gives a tensile modulus of 3,500 MPa, a density of 1.07 g/cm³ and heat deflection up to 128 °C (HDT/B). The material is UV resistant and has a silky matt surface that the maker likens to wax, so housings and covers need little finishing. It comes in black and natural, with the same properties in both.
How does it resist chemicals and moisture?
CR-3D rates the material in the best resistance class for all 14 media it assessed, from water and salt solution to isopropanol, acetone and concentrated hydrochloric, phosphoric, nitric and sulphuric acid. The values are guides at room temperature, and the maker advises testing on the actual part for permanent media contact. Because polypropylene absorbs hardly any water, drying is not needed if the spool is stored dry and returned to a sealed box after printing.
How is it compared with other grades and how is it printed?
Against the company's flame-retardant PP GF15 UL V-0, PP GF25 is stiffer (3,500 versus 3,200 MPa) and tougher (34 versus 21 kJ/m² notched impact). It is about 16% lighter per volume than PETG or PA6 GF20. Starting values are a hardened nozzle of at least 0.5 mm at 250 °C, a bed at 90 °C with Powder PEI or FR4 plus PP glue stick, and an enclosed build space. Spools come in 0.5, 1, 2.1 and 10 kg, plus a 50 g sample.
What it means
For small and mid-sized manufacturers, PP GF25 is a low-cost option for jigs, covers and handling parts exposed to cleaners or moisture, where lightness matters more than high temperature performance. All figures are maker data, so a test on the real part is needed, particularly for long chemical exposure. The hardened nozzle and enclosed chamber requirement rules out many entry-level machines. It sits alongside the flame-retardant PP GF15 UL V-0 grade in CR-3D's FlameX line reported earlier.
Frequently asked questions
What printer setup does PP GF25 need?
CR-3D recommends a hardened nozzle of at least 0.5 mm at 250 °C, a bed at 90 °C with Powder PEI or FR4 and PP glue stick, and an enclosed build space.
Does PP GF25 need drying before printing?
No, if the spool is stored dry, because polypropylene absorbs hardly any moisture. The spool should go back into a sealed box after printing.
How does PP GF25 differ from PP GF15 UL V-0?
PP GF25 has more glass fibre, higher stiffness, impact toughness and UV resistance. PP GF15 UL V-0 is flame retardant to UL 94 V-0, halogen free and electrically insulating.
