PP (polypropylene) is a commonly used polymer in the industry. Properties of Ultimaker PP include exceptional layer bonding and relatively good adhesion to the build plate, especially when using adhesion sheets.

Note: The information provided here applies to Ultimaker PP, similar quality cannot be guaranteed with third-party filaments.

Compatibility

Ultimaker PP can be printed on the Ultimaker S5, Ultimaker S3, Ultimaker 3, and Ultimaker 2+ (Connect), but is not compatible with all nozzle sizes. We don’t officially support printing PP with a 0.25 print core / nozzle. If you use this material on printers that use a print core, make sure to use an AA print core.

Note: Ultimaker PP is not supported on the Ultimaker 2 Go, Ultimaker 2 (Extended), Ultimaker Original+, and Ultimaker Original

Ultimaker PP has optimised settings for the Ultimaker Pro Bundle, Air Manager and Material Station. This ensures a good end of filament and end of print experience in the Material Station and an optimal build environment with the Air Manager. Please make sure to use the latest version of Ultimaker Cura and ensure the firmware has the latest update.

PP doesn’t adhere well to other materials, and therefore it is only officially supported for single-extrusion prints. Experimental use of PP with both extruders on the Ultimaker S5 or Ultimaker 3 can be done. Results are dependent on the model type that is used.

Recommended settings and configuration

Note: Always use the latest version of Ultimaker Cura and make sure that your 3D printer is updated with the latest firmware version to include the correct material profile for Ultimaker PP.

Temperatures

Ultimaker PP prints at a nozzle temperature between 205 and 220 °C. The build plate temperature is between 85 or 100 °C, depending on the selected configuration and profile.

Note: The correct temperatures are automatically used based on the printer, nozzle size, and profile you select in Ultimaker Cura.

Adhesion

Ultimaker PP is prone to warping. Therefore, the use of the adhesion sheets (available separately or in the Advanced 3D Printing Kit for the Ultimaker 2+ or Ultimaker 3) is strongly recommended when printing with Ultimaker PP. This ensures optimal adhesion to the build plate. 

Alternatively, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of Magigoo PP to the glass plate to minimize warping when printing more complex prints with Ultimaker PP. 

Caution:  The addition of glue is recommended to improve adhesion and thereby prevent the chance of print failure and printer damage. Additionally, the use of glue can prevent overadhesion that can lead to damage to the build plate.

All default profiles for PP in Ultimaker Cura use a large brim (20 - 25 mm) as a build plate adhesion type. A brim is made of several extra printed lines around the initial layers of the 3D print to ensure successful adhesion to the build plate and to avoid warping. Please note that this brim will reduce the printing area of your build plate.

Once your 3D print has finished, wait for the print to cool down before removing it from the build plate.

Print environment

To prevent warping, we also recommend using the front enclosure included in the Advanced 3D Printing Kit (for the Ultimaker 2+ or Ultimaker 3). This will remove possible air draft and keep the temperature inside the 3D printer at around 45 °C. Thereby it provides a higher print success rate, better quality, and better performance of the printed parts. On the Ultimaker S5 glass doors are integrated with the printer, so additional accessories are not necessary.

Health and safety

Ultimaker PP is safe to print when using the recommended temperature settings in Ultimaker Cura. To ensure a comfortable and healthy working environment, we recommend 3D printing in a well-ventilated area.