3DXTech ThermaX — High-Temp PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM & PPSU Filament
ThermaX is 3DXTech’s ultra-high-temperature line — the PAEK and high-performance polymers that replace metal in aerospace, medical, energy and chemical parts. PEEK and PEKK for strength, wear and chemical resistance; PEI/ULTEM 9085 for aerospace FST-rated parts; PPSU for steam-autoclave and hydrolysis resistance; and TPI (Extem) for the highest continuous service temperatures. All 1.75 mm, made in the USA, with matched high-temp break-away supports. This page compares the grades so you can match the polymer to the part.
- Up to ~250 °C continuous
- UL94 V-0 grades
- Aerospace & medical
- US stock
Choosing a 3DXTech thermax machine
The decisions that actually matter for this class of machine — size them to your parts, not to a spec sheet.
Service temperature
Match the polymer to the heat: PEEK runs to ~250 °C continuous; PPSU and TPI hold the highest heat-deflection (190–237 °C HDT); PEI/ULTEM 9085 is the aerospace standard. All need a high-temp printer with a heated chamber and a ~400 °C hot end.
Strength vs printability
PEEK and PEKK-A are semi-crystalline with the highest strength (98–105 MPa) and the best chemical/wear resistance; PEI, PPSU and TPI are amorphous — easier to print dimensionally, with flame/smoke and sterilization advantages.
Certifications
PEI/ULTEM 9085 is the go-to for aerospace FST; PEKK-A, PPSU and TPI are UL94 V-0; PPSU withstands repeated steam autoclave, EtO and gamma sterilization for medical and fluid-handling parts.
Supports & printer
High-temp prints need matched supports — ThermaX HTS1/HTS2 break away cleanly from ULTEM/PEEK/PEKK/PPSU, and MTS1 supports PC/ABS. We confirm your printer (heated chamber + ~400 °C hot end) can run a grade before you buy.
Compare the thermax lineup
| Specification | ThermaX PEEK | PEKK-A | PEI 9085 (ULTEM) | PPSU | TPI (Extem) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polymer | PEEK | PEKK-A (PAEK) | PEI — SABIC ULTEM 9085 | PPSU | TPI (polyimide) |
| Glass transition (Tg) | ~143 °C | 162 °C | 186 °C | 230 °C | 247 °C |
| Heat resistance | ~250 °C continuous | 150 °C HDT (~260 °C cont.) | 158 °C HDT | 190 °C HDT | 237 °C HDT |
| Tensile strength | ~98 MPa | 105 MPa | 54 MPa | 55 MPa | 74 MPa |
| Flammability | Low smoke/toxicity | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 (aero FST) | UL94 V-0 | UL94 V-0 |
| Best for | Wear, chemical, implant-grade | Lower-temp PEEK alternative | Aerospace FST parts | Steam autoclave & hydrolysis | Highest-temp service |
| Price (from) | $173.80 | $192.50 | $88.00 | $137.50 | $195.00 |
Specs as published on each Rev1 product page / 3DXTech TDS. All 1.75 mm, made in the USA. ThermaX PPE/PS and the high-temp supports (HTS1/HTS2/MTS1) are listed below.
3DXTech ThermaX printers we sell & support
Built for the work you already do
Frequently asked questions
Which ThermaX material should I choose?
Match the polymer to the part: PEEK for strength, wear and chemical resistance; PEKK-A when you want PEEK-class performance at a lower print temperature; PEI/ULTEM 9085 for aerospace FST-rated parts; PPSU for steam-autoclave and hydrolysis resistance; and TPI (Extem) for the highest continuous service temperature. Tell us the part and environment and we’ll recommend the grade.
What printer do I need to run these?
ThermaX grades need a high-temp printer — a heated chamber and a hot end that reaches ~400 °C (PEEK prints at 380–420 °C). We confirm your machine can run a specific grade before you buy, and can recommend one if you need it.
Is ULTEM the same as PEI 9085?
Yes — ULTEM is SABIC’s brand of PEI (polyetherimide). ThermaX PEI 9085 is genuine SABIC ULTEM 9085, the aerospace FST-rated grade used for flight-interior and rail components.
What’s the difference between PEEK and PEKK?
Both are PAEK polymers. PEEK has the highest strength and chemical/wear resistance but prints hotter (380–420 °C). PEKK-A prints at 345–375 °C and is a bit easier to run while still delivering high strength and UL94 V-0 flammability.
Do you stock these in the US with support?
Yes — 3DXTech ThermaX filaments are made in the USA and ship from US stock. Rev1 is an authorized 3DXTech reseller with US-based application support and printer guidance. Call (248) 707-2950.
Can’t find your answer? Browse the support knowledge base for setup, calibration and troubleshooting guides, or open a support ticket.
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