CR-3D has added PC-ABS UL V-0, a flame-retardant polycarbonate and ABS blend for FFF printing, to its FlameX line. The material reaches UL 94 V-0 and keeps an impact strength of 43 kJ/m², close to the 45 kJ/m² of the company's standard PC-ABS. It targets housings, clips and frames that must survive knocks and meet a fire requirement.
What are the material properties?
The filament combines polycarbonate toughness with the processability of ABS. CR-3D quotes 43 kJ/m² impact strength, 60 MPa tensile strength, 50 % elongation at break and a tensile modulus of 2,500 MPa at a density of 1.2 g/cm³. Tensile strength is 6 MPa higher than in the unflamed PC-ABS.
How does it print?
Nozzle and bed temperatures match PC-ABS: 280 °C and 110 °C, in an enclosed build chamber, with parts left to cool slowly. The difference is the nozzle: a hardened one from 0.6 mm is required, while standard PC-ABS runs on a 0.4 mm nozzle. The material absorbs moisture, so it should be dried for 16 hours at 90 °C and stored dry. It ships in black on spools of 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2.1 kg.
Where is it meant to be used?
CR-3D names handheld and measuring device housings, clips and holders in vehicle and rail interiors, frames for displays and controls, housings for connectors, power supplies and chargers, and cable holders for mobile equipment. Within FlameX it is the impact-tough grade.
What it means
The rating applies to the material, not to a printed part, so wall thickness, infill and orientation of the real part still need checking against any fire requirement. The hardened nozzle and enclosed chamber are modest extra demands for companies already running PC-ABS. Figures are supplier data; comparable values should be confirmed on parts printed the way they will be produced. This continues CR-3D's grouping of four UL 94 V-0 filaments in FlameX.
Frequently asked questions
How does PC-ABS UL V-0 differ from CR-3D's standard PC-ABS?
It adds UL 94 V-0 flame retardancy and 6 MPa more tensile strength, with impact strength of 43 kJ/m² against 45 kJ/m². It needs a hardened nozzle from 0.6 mm.
Is the part itself certified to UL 94 V-0?
No. The rating is a material test and not a UL listing, so a printed part with a fire requirement must be checked in its own wall thickness, infill and orientation.
What printing conditions does it need?
280 °C nozzle, 110 °C bed and an enclosed chamber, with drying for 16 hours at 90 °C beforehand.
