In recent years, 3D printing has evolved from a niche technology to an essential tool in fields such as engineering, medicine, education, industrial design — and even crafts. One of the key drivers of this transformation has been the development of increasingly high-performance thermoplastic materials, tailored for specific needs and complex working environments.
Among these, polypropylene (PP) — an industry-iconic material known for its lightness, chemical resistance and versatility — is finding a new role in 3D printing thanks to the innovative SUNLU PP filament, designed to deliver high performance across a wide range of applications.
In this article, we’ll explore the technical characteristics, practical benefits and real-world uses of SUNLU PP — and explain why it’s becoming a preferred choice for makers, engineers, designers and professionals.
1. What is Polypropylene (PP) and Why It Matters in 3D Printing
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermo-formable thermoplastic widely used in industrial manufacturing for producing containers, pipes, automotive components, technical fabrics and more. It is valued for its low density, chemical resistance, light weight, and good mechanical strength in demanding environments.
Until recently, printing in PP using FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology was considered a challenge due to poor bed adhesion, a tendency to warp (thermal deformation), and difficulty finding consistent, high-quality filaments. SUNLU addressed those challenges by developing an optimized PP filament explicitly designed for 3D printing in both home and industrial settings — preserving all the core qualities of the original material while improving its printability.
2. Lightweight Design: Reduce Weight Without Sacrificing Functionality
One of the most revolutionary features of SUNLU PP is its low density: only 0.9 g/cm³, compared to about 1.23 g/cm³ for standard PLA. That means approximately a 27% reduction in weight — a significant advantage in many real-world applications.
Why this matters:
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Lower weight translates into reduced energy consumption in mobile devices.
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Improved efficiency in mechanical systems.
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Less stress on structural components.
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Greater portability for everyday objects.
Typical applications include: -
Components for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
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Portable tools and ergonomic accessories.
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Mechanical or artistic models where weight affects stability or user experience.
Thanks to this lightness, SUNLU PP enables you to create structures that are strong yet ultra-light — ideal for projects where weight is a critical factor.
3. Food-Safe Certification: Perfect for Dishes, Containers and Toys
A major strength of SUNLU PP is its compliance with food-contact safety standards, making it ideal for printing objects intended to touch food or beverages, such as:
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Cutlery, bowls, plates and other containers.
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Food-packing prototypes.
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Educational toys for children.
Note: Although the material itself is certified for food contact, it is always recommended to verify that the printing accessories used (rollers, build plates or adhesives) are also free from toxic substances.
This feature makes it a safe choice for families, educators, food-industry startups and designers who want to create functional and safe solutions.
4. Chemical Resistance: Ideal for Harsh Environments
PP is renowned for its remarkable resistance to a wide range of chemicals — including acids, bases, alcohols, solvents and salts. SUNLU PP inherits this quality, delivering:
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Excellent corrosion resistance.
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Protection against dissolution by chemical agents.
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Maintenance of mechanical properties over time, even in hostile environments.
Practical applications include: -
Chemical containers or labware.
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Bottles for detergents or industrial solutions.
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Tools exposed to aggressive substances.
This chemical resistance makes it a reliable choice in industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, agriculture and industrial maintenance.
5. Toughness & Impact Resistance: Withstanding Mechanical Stress
Unlike many thermoplastics that are rigid or brittle (such as ABS or PETG), SUNLU PP stands out for its high toughness and flexibility. It can withstand sudden impacts and mechanical stresses without cracking or breaking.
With an impact strength (notched Izod) of up to 40 kJ/m², it offers a high level of protection against accidental shocks or dynamic loads.
Ideal uses include:
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Mechanical components subject to vibrations.
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Protective housings for equipment.
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Accessories for sports or outdoor activities.
This characteristic also makes it suitable for applications where resistance and durability are fundamental.
6. Fatigue & Long-Term Durability: Performance Over Time
Another standout attribute of SUNLU PP is its resistance to fatigue and crack formation under repeated loads or prolonged stress. Even after intensive use, friction or exposure to mechanical stress, it retains structural integrity and its appearance.
Perfect for:
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Frequently used implements.
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Mechanical parts subjected to continuous motion.
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Objects exposed to physical wear or weathering.
This resistance makes it a cost-effective choice in the long term — reducing the need for maintenance or replacement.
7. Professional Applications: Where SUNLU PP Really Shines
Thanks to the combination of light weight, chemical resistance, safety certification and durability, SUNLU PP finds application in many professional sectors:
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Mechanical engineering: fixings, structural supports.
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Medicine & orthopaedics: non-invasive devices, biocompatible prototypes.
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Food packaging: hygienic and safe containers.
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Chemical & industrial fields: tools resistant to solvents and corrosive agents.
Each of these sectors can benefit from a material that isn’t just high-performance but also safe and easy to print.
8. Printing Settings & Practical Tips
To achieve the best results with SUNLU PP, here are the recommended settings:
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Printing temperature: 210–230 °C
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Printing speed: 30–50 mm/s
Additional tips: -
Use a build surface suitable for PP or apply a PP-specific adhesive.
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Set the part-cooling fan to around 10% to reduce the risk of warping.
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Print in an enclosed chamber or controlled environment to minimise deformation.
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Use a skirt around the model to improve bed adhesion.
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Avoid dense, regular infill patterns (e.g., rectangular) to prevent stress from crystallisation.
Following these guidelines will help you fully exploit the performance potential of SUNLU PP.
Conclusion: Why Choose SUNLU PP?
SUNLU PP is not just another 3D printing filament — it’s an advanced technological solution designed for those who seek high performance, safety and versatility in a single material. Whether you are a hobbyist, engineer, educator or a professional designer, SUNLU PP gives you the freedom to create lightweight, resistant and safe objects suited to a wide range of practical applications. With proven performance, guaranteed safety and a real-world use case portfolio, SUNLU PP represents a smart choice for those who want to take their creativity and professionalism to the next level.