TPI FILAMENT • 3DXTECH • REV1 TECH
3DXTech ThermaX™ TPI EXTEM Thermoplastic Polyimide — 247°C Tg · 420–445°C · Made in USA
EXTEM Thermoplastic Polyimide — 247°C Tg · 420–445°C · Made in USA
3DXTech’s ThermaX TPI, formulated with Sabic EXTEM thermoplastic polyimide resin, delivers the highest Tg of any 3DXTech filament at 247°C — maintaining structural integrity 30°C above ULTEM 1010 and 100+°C above PEEK. Requires a printer capable of 420–445°C extrusion and 180–220°C bed temperature. For the most demanding aerospace, defense, and industrial applications where no other FFF filament can survive.
Lead time varies. Contact Rev1 to confirm availability.
WHY TPI
247°C Tg. Highest in Catalog. Inherent UL 94 V-0.
ThermaX™ TPI is 3DXTech’s thermoplastic polyimide filament — formulated with Sabic EXTEM resin for the highest Tg of any 3DXTech filament, inherent UL 94 V-0 flame resistance, and exceptional chemical resistance for the most extreme aerospace and defense applications.
Highest Tg — 247°C
The highest glass transition temperature of any 3DXTech filament. TPI stays fully rigid 30°C above ULTEM 1010 and over 100°C above PEEK — for applications where thermal failure is not an option.
Inherent UL 94 V-0
Flame resistance is built into the polyimide backbone — no halogenated additives. Excellent resistance to aerospace fluids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, and chlorinated solvents.
Extreme Hardware Required
420–445°C extrusion requires an all-metal hotend rated for 450°C+, a high-temp bed at 180–220°C, and a heated chamber. Not compatible with standard FFF hardware.
Made in USA
Produced in-house at 3DXTech’s Grand Rapids, MI facility under ISO 9001:2015 certification. Lot traceability and process controls throughout.
PRINTING WITH TPI
TPI — Expert-Only High-Temperature Processing
ThermaX TPI is an expert-only material. It requires specialized printing hardware not available on standard desktop FFF printers. A printer rated for sustained 450°C extrusion (e.g., Apium, AON3D, Roboze 400 series) with a heated chamber is mandatory. Contact Rev1 Tech to discuss hardware compatibility before ordering.
- Extruder Temp 420–445°C — requires 450°C+ rated all-metal hotend
- Bed Temp 180–220°C — PEI or garolite build surface
- Chamber Temp Heated chamber REQUIRED — not optional; actively heated enclosure mandatory
- Nozzle Hardened steel, ≥0.4mm — no brass nozzles; extreme sustained temperatures
- Drying 150°C / 4+ hr minimum before every print session — extended drying critical for TPI
- ⚠ End-of-Session Purge nozzle with a high-temp purge filament before cooling. Residual TPI degrades in melt zone if left to cool — purge fully before shutdown.
THERMAL DATA
247°C Tg — Highest of Any 3DXTech Filament
Four thermal milestones that define ThermaX™ TPI’s operating envelope — verified against 3DXTech ThermaX TPI Technical Data Sheet v1.
247°C Tg — the highest of any 3DXTech filament. TPI (EXTEM) maintains structural integrity at temperatures that soften PEEK (143°C Tg) and ULTEM 1010 (217°C Tg). For applications where sustained >200°C operating temperature is a hard requirement.
HDT at 0.45 MPa. Structural load-bearing capability at temperatures that exceed every other 3DXTech filament, with excellent resistance to thermal cycling in aerospace and defense environments.
Sustained continuous-use temperature under structural load. The 237°C HDT and 247°C Tg define the practical ceiling — substantially above any other FFF filament in the 3DXTech catalog.
Required before every session. TPI is hygroscopic — extended drying at elevated temperature is critical. Print from the dryer. Residual moisture at 420–445°C extrusion is severely damaging.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
Polyimide Backbone — Broad Resistance to Harsh Chemical Environments
ThermaX™ TPI’s amorphous thermoplastic polyimide backbone resists a broad range of aggressive chemicals — including aerospace fluids, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, and chlorinated solvents. Excellent for demanding aerospace, defense, and industrial process environments.
Consult TDS for complete chemical compatibility data before use in fluid-contact applications.
SPECIFICATIONS
ThermaX™ TPI — Full Technical Data
Source: 3DXTech ThermaX™ TPI TDS v1. Specifications at 1.75mm diameter, natural color.
Material Properties
| Polymer | Thermoplastic Polyimide (TPI) — Sabic EXTEM |
| Diameter | 1.75mm |
| Color | Natural (500g only) |
| Glass Transition (Tg) | 247°C |
| Heat Deflection (HDT) | 237°C |
| Continuous Use Temp | 220°C |
| Flame Rating | UL 94 V-0 (inherent, no additives) |
| Tensile Strength | 95 MPa (ASTM D638) |
| Flexural Strength | 165 MPa (ASTM D790) |
| Tensile Modulus | 3,500 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus | 3,700 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation | 5% |
| Density | 1.33 g/cm³ |
Print Parameters
| Extruder Temp | 420–445°C |
| Bed Temp | 180–220°C |
| Chamber Temp | REQUIRED — heated enclosure mandatory |
| Drying Protocol | 150°C / 4+ hr minimum |
| Min. Layer Height | 0.10mm |
| Nozzle Type | Hardened steel, ≥0.4 mm |
| Min. Nozzle Diameter | 0.4mm |
| Hot End Requirement | All-metal, rated ≥450°C+ |
Availability & Pricing
| Spool Sizes | 500g (only) |
| Color | Natural (only) |
| 500g Price | $195 |
| Lead Time | Varies — contact Rev1 to confirm |
| Quality Standard | ISO 9001:2015 Certified |
| Origin | Grand Rapids, MI, USA |
SPOOL SELECTION
500g Natural — Single Spool Configuration.
ThermaX™ TPI is available in 500g natural only. For custom color or volume requirements, contact Rev1 Tech for availability.
- Reel #2–#7 — 198mm dia.
- Color: Natural
- EXTEM thermoplastic polyimide — highest Tg in catalog
PRINT QUALITY
Production-Grade Output on the Right Equipment
ThermaX™ TPI produces parts with excellent surface detail and strong interlayer adhesion when printed on a properly configured specialist platform with an all-metal hot end rated to 450°C+ and a heated chamber.
COMPATIBLE PLATFORMS
Requires 450°C+ Specialist Hardware
ThermaX™ TPI demands an all-metal hot end rated for sustained 450°C+ operation and a fully heated build chamber. Only a small number of specialist platforms globally are rated for this operating range.
Apium P-Series
Designed specifically for ultra-high-temperature polymers including TPI and PEEK-OPTIMA. Validated for sustained 460°C+ extrusion with heated chamber. Purpose-built for polyimide-class materials.
TPI CapableAON3D Machines
Industrial open-material platforms with dual independent extruders, rated for 500°C+ nozzle temperature and 120°C+ chamber. Validated for TPI, PEEK, and ULTEM processing.
TPI CapableRoboze 400-Series
Purpose-built high-temperature FFF platform with 450°C+ extruder rating and heated chamber. Designed for aerospace-grade polymers including polyimide-class materials.
TPI CapableSpecialist Open Platform
Minimum: 450°C+ rated all-metal hot end • 180–220°C heated bed • fully heated enclosure (required) • hardened steel nozzle ≥0.4mm. Contact Rev1 before ordering.
WHERE IT WORKS
Six Industries Where No Other FFF Filament Can Survive
When sustained operating temperature exceeds 200°C, inherent UL 94 V-0 is mandatory, and hardware limitations of standard FFF must be overcome — ThermaX™ TPI is the answer.
Aerospace
Structural components in engine-adjacent environments, ducting, and instrumentation housings requiring sustained >200°C operating temperature and flame resistance.
Defense
Guidance system components, actuator housings, and structural elements in military systems operating in extreme thermal environments.
Automotive / EV
Electric motor components, power electronics housings, and under-hood parts requiring sustained high temperature beyond PEEK capability.
Industrial
High-temperature fixture tooling, mold components, and jigs for processing environments exceeding 200°C continuous operation.
Oil & Gas
Wellhead instrumentation, downhole sensor housings, and valve components requiring extreme thermal and chemical resistance.
Electronics
Microelectronics packaging, PCB fixtures, and high-temperature process tooling where standard materials fail.
MATERIAL CARE
Moisture Is the Enemy. A Proper Protocol Eliminates It.
TPI is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture readily. Printing with undried filament at 420–445°C produces severe defects, bubbling, and catastrophic layer adhesion failure. Extended drying at elevated temperature is non-negotiable. Follow this protocol every session.
Dry Before Every Session
150°C minimum / 4+ hours minimum. No exceptions — even a sealed spool that has been open for a few days requires a full drying cycle before TPI printing.
Print From the Dryer
For best results, print directly from a heated dry-box or dryer system. Ambient humidity will re-absorb into the filament during extended print runs.
Store Sealed With Desiccant
Return unused filament to an airtight bag or container with fresh desiccant immediately after printing. Long-term storage in original sealed packaging is acceptable.
Recognize Wet Filament Symptoms
Popping or crackling during extrusion, rough surface texture, reduced layer adhesion, and visible bubbling in the melt are signs of moisture contamination. Re-dry and restart.
HOW IT COMPARES
ThermaX™ TPI vs. Commonly Evaluated High-Temperature Alternatives
Buyers evaluating TPI typically compare against ThermaX PEI 1010 (ULTEM) for a lower-temperature option, ThermaX PEEK for maximum stiffness, and ThermaX PPSU for high-impact applications. TPI is the top of the thermal stack.
3DXTech / Rev1 Tech
3DXTech
3DXTech
3DXTech
3DXTECH QUALITY
Manufactured in Michigan. Certified to ISO 9001:2015.
Every spool of ThermaX™ TPI is produced in-house at 3DXTech’s Grand Rapids, MI facility under ISO 9001:2015 certification. Sabic EXTEM thermoplastic polyimide resin with inherent UL 94 V-0 and full lot traceability throughout filament fabrication.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Production under a certified quality management system. Lot traceability and process controls throughout filament fabrication.
Made in Grand Rapids, MI
Filament extruded and wound in-house at 3DXTech’s Michigan facility. Direct factory quality control — not overseas commodity production.
Technical Data Sheet Available
Full processing parameters, mechanical properties, UL 94 V-0 compliance data, and chemical resistance published in the ThermaX™ TPI TDS v1. Available for download below.
RESOURCES
Downloads & Technical Support
Everything you need to qualify and print ThermaX™ TPI with confidence. UL 94 V-0 compliance data, processing parameters, and technical support from Rev1.
WHY REV1 TECH
Authorized 3DXTech Reseller. Industrial AM Specialists.
Rev1 Technologies is an authorized 3DXTech reseller headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI, with direct technical expertise in high-performance FFF materials and the printers that run them.
Authorized Reseller
Every spool ships direct from the authorized channel. MAP pricing guaranteed. Single-channel license compliance — not a grey-market distributor.
Platform Expertise
Rev1 carries the industrial printers validated for TPI-class materials. If you need guidance on which specialist platform to match with ThermaX TPI, our team can advise on compatibility before you invest.
Pre-Sales Technical Support
Questions about print settings, printer selection, or qualifying TPI for a specific application? Contact Rev1 before you order — that conversation is free. TPI is an expert-only material; we prefer you succeed before you spend $195.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
ThermaX™ TPI — Buyer & Engineer Questions Answered
What is ThermaX TPI?
ThermaX TPI is 3DXTech’s thermoplastic polyimide filament, formulated with Sabic EXTEM resin. It delivers the highest Tg (247°C) of any 3DXTech filament, with inherent UL 94 V-0 flame resistance and exceptional chemical resistance. It requires a printer capable of 420–445°C extrusion with a heated chamber.
What hardware does ThermaX TPI require?
TPI requires: (1) an all-metal hotend rated for sustained 450°C+ operation; (2) a heated bed capable of 180–220°C; (3) a fully heated build chamber. Compatible printers include Apium P-Series, AON3D machines, and Roboze 400-series. Standard desktop printers — including most hardened-hotend upgrades — are not rated for sustained 440°C operation. Contact Rev1 Tech before ordering.
Why is TPI so much more expensive than PEEK or ULTEM?
The EXTEM TPI base resin is significantly more costly than PEEK or ULTEM 1010, and the production process for maintaining 1.75mm diameter tolerance at TPI’s high processing temperatures adds manufacturing complexity. At $195 / 500g, TPI is positioned for applications where no other material can meet the performance requirement — not as a cost-competitive alternative to PEEK.
What is the difference between TPI and PEEK?
TPI (247°C Tg) vs PEEK (143°C Tg): TPI operates 100°C hotter than PEEK. TPI has amorphous structure and inherent V-0 flame resistance; PEEK is semi-crystalline with higher base stiffness and established biocompatibility. Choose TPI when sustained operating temperature exceeds PEEK’s capability. TPI also requires a 420–445°C extruder vs PEEK’s 375–410°C.
What is the difference between TPI and ULTEM 1010?
TPI (247°C Tg) vs ULTEM 1010 (217°C Tg): TPI maintains structural integrity 30°C above ULTEM 1010. Both are amorphous polyimide-class polymers with inherent V-0 flame resistance, but TPI requires 420–445°C (vs 370–390°C for ULTEM), placing it firmly in specialist-hardware territory. ULTEM 1010 is the right choice for medical/food-contact applications; TPI for extreme thermal environments where ULTEM fails.
Is TPI autoclavable?
Yes. At 247°C Tg, TPI remains fully rigid at steam autoclave temperatures (134°C) with substantial margin. It is resistant to EtO and gamma radiation. However, for standard medical sterilization applications, PPSU or PEI 1010 are the established choices — TPI is overkill for sterilization alone and better justified when the operating environment also exceeds 200°C.
Why does TPI require hardened steel nozzles specifically?
At 420–445°C, brass nozzles soften and deform rapidly. Stainless steel nozzles can discolor and lose dimensional accuracy over extended high-temperature cycles. Hardened steel (or ruby/sapphire-tipped) nozzles rated for sustained 450°C+ are required. Always verify your nozzle manufacturer’s rated continuous temperature before attempting to print TPI.
What if I want to order but don’t have compatible hardware yet?
Contact Rev1 Tech before purchasing. We can advise on compatible printer platforms, recommended hotend upgrade paths, and whether TPI or a lower-temperature alternative like ULTEM 1010 (217°C Tg) better matches your application. Ordering TPI for an incompatible printer is a costly mistake — we prefer to help you succeed.