Functional 3D Printing with

PPS-CF & PPS-GF

See how Pat designed, tuned, and 3D printed a PPS CF helicopter part using the Vision Miner 22 IDEX. Learn why tuning, materials, and real-world testing matter for functional additive manufacturing.

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Beyond Prototyping

When most people think of 3D printing, they picture prototypes or hobby projects. But with the right materials and machines, additive manufacturing becomes a serious solution for permanent, functional parts.

 

Patrick walks through how he designed and printed a PPS CF (carbon-fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulfide) headset mount for his helicopter—covering every step from CAD to flight test.

Designing the Mount

The project started with a simple problem: there was no good place to mount a headset in the cockpit. Off-the-shelf mounts weren’t working, so Pat measured the space and designed a custom part in CAD. By laying the design flat, he avoided support material and achieved strong, clean layers.

Tuning PPS CF on the 22 IDEX

Next came material tuning. The manufacturer recommended 315–350°C, but real-world layer adhesion required closer to 390°C with a hardened steel nozzle.

 

This highlights why tuning is critical for functional additive manufacturing. Temperature, pressure advance, and flow rate all directly affect part strength and surface quality.

Results with PPS CF and PPS GF

At 390°C, the PPS CF part bonded like metal—strong, rigid, and resistant to breakage. Pat also tested PPS GF (glass-fiber reinforced), which printed well at lower temperatures but struggled with bed adhesion.

 

With Nano Polymer Bed Adhesive, even PPS GF stayed flat and produced clean results without brims or messy workarounds.

Real Flight Testing

Once printed, the PPS CF mount was installed in the helicopter and tested in real flight conditions. It held strong during maneuvers, carrying multiple headsets without flex or failure. The PPS GF version also served as a solid backup.
 

This wasn’t just about making a convenient mount—it proved that aerospace-ready parts can be printed and used immediately in demanding environments.

Why PPS CF and PPS GF?

Both are high-performance thermoplastics prized for chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and mechanical strength. They’re widely used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial equipment.

 

With the 22 IDEX and proper tuning, these materials move 3D printing beyond prototyping—into permanent, functional parts.

The Bigger Picture

3D printing isn’t just about speed or cost savings. It’s about freedom to design, test, and produce parts that meet real engineering demands.

 

Whether you’re in aerospace, motorsports, or manufacturing, PPS CF and GF are worth considering for strong and reliable components.

The Bigger Picture

At Vision Miner, we specialize in Functional 3D Printing with high-performance plastics like PEEK, ULTEM, PPSU, PPS, CFPA, and more. We also provide advanced 3D scanning solutions and a full range of equipment and materials.

Interested in using functional 3D printing in your business?


Call 833-774-6863 or email contact@visionminer.com—we’ll help you choose the right solution.

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