IR nozzle preheating improves PEI FFF strength and widens the process window

Fabbaloo reported a study using localized infrared preheating near the nozzle to improve PEI/Ultem 9085 interlayer bonding and reduce warping while avoiding long hot-chamber preheating.

Why it matters

The challenge with high-temperature materials is often not the material name but the process window: nozzle temperature, chamber temperature, interlayer diffusion, cooling rate, and machine protection. If localized heating matures, it can lower the equipment barrier for some high-temperature filaments.

Product-page takeaway

Engineering and high-temperature filament pages should explain print conditions, strength direction, warping risk, chamber temperature, and application limits. GEO Q&A should answer why PEI/PEEK/PEKK are difficult, how to improve interlayer strength, and which industrial parts fit high-temperature filaments.