Xenia launches bio-based PPA carbon-fiber filament for high-stress 3D printing applications
The Italian composites manufacturer expands its 3DF Materials portfolio with a new FFF-grade material targeting automotive, aerospace, and industrial production tooling
Italian reinforced thermoplastic composites manufacturer Xenia Materials has released XECARB PPA-CF, a fused filament fabrication (FFF)/fused deposition modeling (FDM) filament built on a bio-based polyphthalamide (PPA) matrix reinforced with 20% carbon fiber.
The material has been developed for technically demanding applications where mechanical performance, stiffness, dimensional stability, and elevated temperature resistance are required, and carries a density of 1.21 g/cm³ and a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of up to 235°C.
Carbon fiber reinforcement reduces shrinkage and warpage during printing, contributing to process repeatability and dimensional accuracy in finished components. The material has also demonstrated resistance to solvents, oils, and greases — properties the company stated are essential for chemical compatibility requirements in industrial settings.
Tooling and structural components
The filament is being positioned for the production of lightweight structural parts across automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors, with target applications including production tooling such as jigs, assembly masks, drilling guides, and robotic gripping systems.
“XECARB PPA-CF delivers high mechanical, thermal and dimensional performance, which are key requirements for the production of structural components via FFF 3D printing,” stated Stefano Azzolin, Account Manager of Xenia’s 3DF Materials division.
“The material is used in production tools and fixtures such as jigs, assembly masks, drilling guides and robotic gripping systems, as well as in technical components for high-stress industrial environments where resistance and operational reliability are critical.”
Portfolio expansion
The new filament extends Xenia’s 3DF Materials lineup, which already includes a wide range of carbon-fiber reinforced grades.
Its XECARB PA11-CF-SL is a bio-based PA11 grade reinforced with 15% carbon fiber, and the XELIGHT PEBA offers an ultra-light flexible filament for weight-sensitive applications.
XECARB PVDF-CF is a chemically resistant and electrically conductive grade reinforced with 10% carbon fiber, XEGREEN PETG-CF uses recycled PETG and recycled carbon fiber, and XECARB PA12-CF-ST is a PA12-based grade with 15% carbon fiber and impact-resistance modification.
