Quality Beyond the Limits of 3D Printing

Practical Parts Manufacturing with G-ZERO MP1 and POTICON PEEK

PEEK is a high-performance resin widely used as a super engineering plastic in semiconductors, aerospace, medical, and many other fields. However, there have been various technical challenges in manufacturing parts with 3D printing. To achieve the practical parts that Gutenberg aims for, high-quality 3D printing of PEEK with the highest-level properties was developed in collaboration with Otsuka Chemical and realized with the G-ZERO MP1.With the G-ZERO MP1 enabling high-speed, high-precision printing, and the high-quality POTICON PEEK filament, precise printing that was previously impossible is now achievable.

Strength + Lubricity + Stability

Features of POTICON Composite Material

Ceramic Fiber Reinforced Engineering Plastic

POTICON is a composite material containing TISMO (Potassium Titanate Fiber), a fine fiber about the diameter of glass fiber, manufactured by Otsuka Chemical.These ceramic fibers have a fiber length of 10-20µm and a fiber diameter of 0.3-0.6µm, which are extremely fine compared to carbon fibers and glass fibers. This dramatically improves dimensional stability. Despite being fine, the high aspect ratio of fiber length to diameter enhances the strength and rigidity of plastics.In addition to these properties, POTICON possesses lubricity and wear resistance, and is used in injection molding of mechanical parts such as gears.

Electron microscope comparison of TISMO fibre reinforcement and glass fibre reinforcement

The Difference Between POTICON PEEK and PEEK

The Advantage of POTICON

Enabling High-Precision, Stable PEEK Printing

PEEK filament is considered difficult to print due to warping and distortion caused by shrinkage during printing. Even with fiber reinforcement using carbon or glass fibers, while it makes printing easier, applications are limited in terms of surface roughness, fine feature reproduction, and strength.POTICON PEEK achieves both "printing stability" and "suitability for fine features," which are difficult with standard PEEK materials. This is an essential capability for the high-quality 3D printing that Gutenberg aims for. It provides a new alternative to machining and injection molding for super engineering plastic parts.

Fine lattice part printed with POTICON PEEK

Best-in-Class Heat Resistance

A super engineering plastic with minimal property degradation even in harsh high-temperature environments exceeding 200°C. Also suitable as a replacement for metal parts such as jigs and mechanisms.

Outstanding Impact Resistance

PEEK properties provide high toughness even in interlayer directions. Achieves stable printing that resists breakage even in environments with impact and vibration.

High Dimensional Accuracy

Fiber reinforcement provides dimensional stability and high rigidity, resulting in minimal dimensional change under thermal cycling. Suitable for applications requiring precision such as mating parts and gear components.

Excellent Chemical & Insulation Resistance

Stable even in environments with acids, alkalis, and solvents. Offers high electrical insulation properties, ideal for electrical components.

Performing in Extreme High-Temperature Environments

With POTICON PEEK, produce heat-resistant parts with high precision that won't melt or deform even in environments near 300°C. Manufacture jigs, fixtures, and equipment components in-house within short lead times—parts that previously could only be addressed with metal machining or ceramics. From prototyping to production use, it performs across all phases, expanding applications to areas beyond conventional 3D printed parts.

Industrial robot arm — parts that resist deformation and wear over long-term use

Achieving Both Strength and Reliability

From large-volume parts to components with fine features, it enables the production of high-strength, high-rigidity parts. Resistant to deformation and wear even over long-term use, reducing maintenance costs. Manufacture "usable PEEK parts" in-house that operate reliably even under harsh working conditions.

Laboratory equipment for the chemical and medical fields

Resistance to Chemicals and Radiation

Highly resistant to degradation even in chemical and steam environments, ideal for plant and laboratory equipment components. POTICON PEEK combines chemical resistance, insulation, and radiation resistance, ensuring stable operation even in specialized environments. Realize reliable parts essential for the chemical, medical, and energy fields with 3D printing.

Weight Reduction and Insulation through Metal Replacement

Produce complex shapes and lightweight structures in one piece using FFF technology, which were difficult to achieve with metal. As insulating resin parts with no risk of electrical charging, they demonstrate their potential even in advanced industries such as aerospace and semiconductors. Expand the possibilities of advanced industries with PEEK fabrication that is light, fast, and freely designable.

High-Quality Output Approaching Injection Molding with G-ZERO × POTICON FILAMENT

Among the many filaments available, "POTICON FILAMENT" boasts high printing strength and dimensional stability. Gutenberg collaborates with Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd., which manufactures this product. Through joint research and development to maximize the performance of both, the combination of G-ZERO and POTICON FILAMENT achieves strength and dimensional stability that approaches injection molding.

Gutenberg Co., Ltd. × Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.

Volume production of module parts printed with G-ZERO and POTICON FILAMENT