Material Compatibility Chart
Quick-reference chart covering material compatibility, recommended nozzle types, temperature ranges, and moisture sensitivity for all common filament polymers. Essential desktop reference for filament extrusion.
What You'll Learn
- Processing temperature ranges for all common filament polymers
- Nozzle material selection — brass, hardened steel, ruby, and tungsten carbide
- Moisture sensitivity ratings and drying protocols for every material
- Cross-contamination compatibility matrix and purging procedures
- Material-specific processing tips, challenges, and troubleshooting notes
- Nozzle diameter recommendations for standard and high-viscosity materials
Required Equipment
- Any Noztek extruder (model-specific notes included)
- Digital calipers for diameter monitoring
- Dehydrator or drying oven (material dependent)
- Desiccant storage containers for moisture-sensitive materials
Your Essential Material Processing Reference
Successful filament extrusion begins with understanding your material. Each polymer family has unique processing requirements: temperature ranges, moisture sensitivity, nozzle compatibility, and potential cross-contamination issues. This comprehensive chart consolidates that critical information into an easy-to-use reference you'll return to constantly.
Whether you're processing commodity thermoplastics (PLA, PETG) or engineering polymers (Nylon, PEEK), this guide provides the processing parameters you need at a glance. Bookmark this page and keep it open in your workspace.
How to Use This Guide: Start with the master compatibility table to identify your material's processing category, then jump to the relevant section for detailed parameters. Each material includes temperature ranges, nozzle recommendations, drying protocols, and common issues.
Master Material Compatibility Chart
At-a-glance processing parameters for all common filament materials.
| Material | Processing Temp Range | Nozzle Material | Moisture Sensitivity | Drying Protocol | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA / PLA+ | 180–220°C | Brass, Steel, Any | Moderate | 50°C, 2–4 hrs | Easy |
| PETG | 230–260°C | Brass, Steel | High | 65°C, 3–4 hrs | Easy |
| ABS | 230–260°C | Brass, Steel | Moderate | 80°C, 2–3 hrs | Moderate |
| ASA | 240–270°C | Brass, Steel | Moderate | 80°C, 2–3 hrs | Moderate |
| TPU / TPE (Flex) | 210–240°C | Brass, Steel | Moderate | 60°C, 2–3 hrs | Moderate–Hard |
| Nylon (PA6/PA12) | 250–280°C | Hardened Steel | Very High | 80°C, 4–6 hrs | Hard |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | 280–310°C | Hardened Steel | High | 120°C, 3–4 hrs | Hard |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 220–250°C | Brass, Steel | Low | Usually not needed | Moderate |
| PEEK / PEI | 380–420°C | Hardened Steel | Extreme | 150°C, 3–4 hrs | Expert |
| PVA (Support) | 190–210°C | Brass, Steel | Extreme | 45°C, 4+ hrs | Moderate–Hard |
| CF-Composites (any base) | Base +10–15°C | Hardened Steel/Ruby | Same as base | Same as base | Hard–Expert |
| GF-Composites (any base) | Base +15–20°C | Hardened Steel/Ruby | Same as base | Same as base | Hard–Expert |
🟢 Easy Materials
Beginner-friendly. Forgiving temperature ranges, low moisture sensitivity, compatible with standard brass nozzles. Ideal for learning extrusion basics.
🟡 Moderate Materials
Require attention to temperature control and drying. Some challenges with adhesion, warping, or fume management. Hardened nozzles recommended for composites.
🔴 Hard/Expert Materials
Demand precise process control, specialized equipment, proper drying protocols. High-temperature capability required. Not recommended for beginners.
Nozzle Material Selection by Polymer Type
Nozzle material selection impacts wear rate, thermal performance, and cost. Choose the right nozzle without over-specifying.
| Nozzle Material | Max Temp | Wear Resistance | Cost | Best For | Avoid For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brass | 300°C | Poor | £/$5–15 | PLA, PETG, ABS (unfilled) | Any composites, Nylon, PC, PEEK |
| Hardened Steel | 500°C | Good | £/$25–50 | CF/GF composites, Nylon, PC, all polymers | None (universal) |
| Stainless Steel | 500°C | Moderate | £/$30–60 | Abrasive materials, corrosive polymers | High-volume CF composites |
| Ruby-Tipped | 500°C | Excellent | £/$100–200 | Continuous CF/GF production, abrasives | Unfilled polymers (overkill) |
| Tungsten Carbide | 600°C | Very Good | £/$80–150 | PEEK, high-temp composites | Standard materials (expensive) |
Decision Tree: Which Nozzle?
If processing unfilled PLA/PETG/ABS:
→ Brass nozzle (cheap, excellent thermal conductivity, adequate lifespan)
If processing Nylon, PC, or TPU (unfilled):
→ Hardened steel (higher temps, more durable than brass)
If processing any CF or GF composite:
→ Hardened steel minimum, ruby-tipped for production volumes
If processing PEEK or high-temp polymers:
→ Hardened steel or tungsten carbide (ruby not necessary — PEEK not abrasive)
Nozzle Diameter Recommendations
For 1.75mm filament production, nozzle diameter affects back pressure, surface finish, and throughput:
1.75–1.9mm diameter:
Standard for unfilled PLA/PETG/ABS. Good surface finish, moderate pressure.
2.0mm diameter:
Better for Nylon, PC, high-viscosity polymers. Lower back pressure, faster throughput.
2.5mm+ diameter:
PEEK, composites, or high-throughput applications. Minimizes pressure and motor load.
Rule of thumb: Nozzle diameter should be 3–4× the maximum particle/fiber size in composites to prevent clogging.
Moisture Sensitivity & Drying Protocols
Moisture absorption is the silent killer of filament quality. Even materials rated "low sensitivity" benefit from proper drying.
| Material | Hygroscopic Rating | Drying Temp | Duration | Target Moisture | Symptoms if Wet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA / PLA+ | MODERATE | 45–50°C | 2–4 hours | <0.05% | Bubbles, stringing, brittle filament |
| PETG | HIGH | 65°C | 3–4 hours | <0.02% | Severe bubbling, cloudy appearance, oozing |
| ABS | MODERATE | 80°C | 2–3 hours | <0.05% | Surface blemishes, reduced strength |
| TPU / TPE | MODERATE | 60°C | 2–3 hours | <0.03% | Bubbles, poor elasticity, surface defects |
| Nylon (PA6/PA12) | VERY HIGH | 80°C | 4–6 hours | <0.02% | Massive bubbling, hydrolysis, brittle filament |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | HIGH | 120°C | 3–4 hours | <0.02% | Bubbles, haze, reduced clarity and strength |
| Polypropylene (PP) | LOW | — | Usually not needed | N/A | Minimal impact (non-hygroscopic) |
| PEEK / PEI | EXTREME | 150°C | 3–4 hours | <0.02% | Voids, hydrolytic degradation, mechanical failure |
| PVA (Support) | EXTREME | 45°C | 4+ hours | <0.05% | Severe degradation, non-extrudable if very wet |
🟢 Low Sensitivity
Materials: Polypropylene, some specialty polymers
Can often be processed without drying. However, if material has been stored open for months, a brief drying cycle still recommended as preventive measure.
🟡 Moderate Sensitivity
Materials: PLA, ABS, ASA, TPU
Drying recommended for best results, mandatory if stored open >1 week. Symptoms appear gradually — filament becomes brittle, surface quality degrades, bubbles form during printing.
🔴 High/Extreme Sensitivity
Materials: Nylon, PETG, PC, PEEK, PVA
Mandatory drying before every extrusion run. Absorbs moisture in hours. Wet material causes immediate quality failure and potential material degradation (hydrolysis).
Material-Specific Processing Notes
Quick reference notes on challenges and best practices for each material family.
● PLA / PLA+
Pros:
- Easy to process, forgiving temp range
- Low warping, good surface finish
- Biodegradable, low odor
Challenges:
- Low heat resistance (softens >60°C)
- Brittle under UV exposure
- Can thermally degrade if too hot (>230°C)
Tips:
- Increase temp if surface is matte/rough
- Decrease if filament darkens/smells burnt
- PLA+ variants have modified formulations for strength
● PETG
Pros:
- Excellent layer adhesion
- Good chemical resistance
- Impact resistant, durable
Challenges:
- Very hygroscopic — mandatory drying
- Stringing/oozing if too hot
- Can crystallize if cooled too slowly
Tips:
- Dry religiously — bubbles ruin quality
- Watch for crystallization (whitening) in filament
- Increase cooling if diameter varies
● Nylon (PA6/PA12)
Pros:
- Excellent strength and toughness
- Wear resistant, low friction
- Chemical resistant
Challenges:
- Extremely hygroscopic — absorbs moisture rapidly
- Difficult bed adhesion when printing
- High shrinkage/warping
Tips:
- Always dry 80°C for 4–6 hours
- Use dry hopper if possible (reabsorbs fast)
- Hardened steel nozzle minimum
● TPU / TPE (Flexible)
Pros:
- Excellent elasticity and rebound
- Abrasion resistant
- Good chemical resistance
Challenges:
- Can stick/drag in screw flights
- Lower throughput due to elasticity
- Difficult to wind (springback on spool)
Tips:
- Reduce screw speed 20–30% vs rigid polymers
- Increase tension on winder
- Check for pellet bridging in hopper
● PEEK / PEI (High-Performance)
Pros:
- Exceptional temperature resistance (250°C+)
- Chemical resistance, biocompatible
- Aerospace/medical approved
Challenges:
- Requires 380–420°C processing temps
- Narrow processing window (±20°C)
- Mandatory 150°C drying, equipment upgrades
Tips:
- See dedicated PEEK guide for full details
- 750°C heater bands required
- PID control ±3°C accuracy essential
● Carbon Fiber / Glass Fiber Composites
Pros:
- Significantly increased stiffness/strength
- Lower density than unfilled polymer
- Reduced warping vs unfilled
Challenges:
- Extremely abrasive — wears brass nozzles in hours
- Reduced throughput (30–40%)
- Fiber breakage at high shear
Tips:
- See dedicated CF composite guide
- Hardened steel/ruby nozzle mandatory
- Add +10–20°C to base polymer temps
Material Cross-Contamination Guide
Switching materials requires purging to prevent contamination. This matrix shows compatibility and purging requirements when changing from Material A (row) to Material B (column).
| From → To | PLA | PETG | ABS | Nylon | PC | TPU | CF/GF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | — | ⚠️ PURGE | ⚠️ PURGE | ⚠️ PURGE | 🚫 AVOID | ⚠️ PURGE | 🚫 CLEAN |
| PETG | ✓ OK | — | ✓ OK | ⚠️ PURGE | ⚠️ PURGE | ✓ OK | 🚫 CLEAN |
| ABS | ✓ OK | ✓ OK | — | ⚠️ PURGE | ⚠️ PURGE | ✓ OK | 🚫 CLEAN |
| Nylon | ✓ OK | ✓ OK | ✓ OK | — | ⚠️ PURGE | ✓ OK | 🚫 CLEAN |
| PC | 🚫 AVOID | ⚠️ PURGE | ⚠️ PURGE | ✓ OK | — | ⚠️ PURGE | 🚫 CLEAN |
| TPU | ⚠️ PURGE | ⚠️ PURGE | ⚠️ PURGE | ⚠️ PURGE | ⚠️ PURGE | — | 🚫 CLEAN |
| CF/GF | 🚫 CLEAN | 🚫 CLEAN | 🚫 CLEAN | 🚫 CLEAN | 🚫 CLEAN | 🚫 CLEAN | — |
✓ OK — Direct Switch
Materials are compatible at similar temperatures. Small purge (0.5–1 kg) to clear transition zone is sufficient. Minimal contamination risk.
⚠️ PURGE — Thorough Cleaning Needed
Significant temperature difference or incompatibility. Purge with 2–3 kg of transition material or mechanical purging compound. Inspect filament for contamination.
🚫 AVOID/CLEAN — Major Incompatibility
Large temperature gap, degradation risk, or composite contamination. Disassemble and physically clean barrel/screw, or use extensive purging (5+ kg). Dedicated equipment preferred.
Purging Best Practices:
- Temperature transitions: Purge at the higher temperature of the two materials
- Color changes: Light to dark is easy. Dark to light requires 3–5 kg purge material
- Composites: Always use mechanical purging compound when switching away from CF/GF
- High-temp to low-temp: Purge with intermediate material (e.g., PC → PETG → PLA)
- Dedicated nozzles: Consider separate nozzles for composites vs. unfilled polymers
Printable Quick Reference Card
Bookmark this page for quick access, or download our one-page PDF quick reference card for your workshop. Includes temperature ranges, drying protocols, and nozzle recommendations at a glance.
Workshop Poster (A3 Size)
Master material chart formatted for printing. Laminate and hang near your extruder for instant reference during material changes.
Digital Quick Reference
Spreadsheet version with sortable columns and filtering. Perfect for maintaining your own notes and custom material profiles.
Need Material-Specific Help?
For detailed processing guides on specific materials, see our specialized How To articles:
Contact Noztek for Custom Recommendations
Processing an unusual polymer or custom formulation? Our technical team can provide material-specific temperature profiles and equipment recommendations.