Nobufil launches recycled polycarbonate 3D-printing filaments

Nobufil has introduced PCx and PCx CF, two new technical 3D-printing filaments made from recycled industrial polycarbonate and produced in Austria. The launch targets engineering and manufacturing users that need stronger, more heat-resistant materials with a lower environmental footprint.

Why it matters: - Nobufil is expanding recycled-material options for industrial 3D printing with filaments designed for demanding engineering use. - The new PCx and PCx CF materials aim to combine performance, reliability and sustainability in one product line. - The company is positioning recycled polycarbonate as an alternative to virgin technical plastics for functional parts and end-use components.

What happened: - Nobufil GmbH introduced PCx and PCx CF, two technical filaments based on modified polycarbonate. - The filaments are made from recycled industrial polycarbonate waste sourced exclusively from Europe. - Nobufil says the materials are produced in Austria. - The launch adds to Nobufil’s broader portfolio of sustainable technical filaments.

The details: - PCx is an unreinforced polycarbonate blend focused on toughness, stiffness and heat resistance. - PCx delivers 45 kJ/m² impact strength, measured unnotched under ISO 180. - The company compares that result with typical standard PC filaments at 30-40 kJ/m². - PCx has a tensile strength of 61 MPa and a flexural modulus of 2,900 MPa. - PCx maintains shape at a heat deflection temperature of 112 C. - PCx CF adds 10% carbon fiber for higher stiffness and dimensional stability. - PCx CF reaches a flexural modulus of 3,500 MPa and a heat deflection temperature of up to 113 C. - PCx CF has a matte surface finish. - PCx CF’s impact strength is about 30 kJ/m² unnotched. - Nobufil says PCx CF is suited to light structural parts such as drone frames, fixtures and brackets. - Both filaments are tuned for common FDM printers. - PCx prints at 275 C plus or minus 10 C with a bed temperature of 110 C plus or minus 10 C. - A heated enclosure is recommended for PCx, but not required. - The formulation is intended to reduce warping and improve layer adhesion. - PCx supports post-processing steps including sanding, drilling, tapping and gluing. - PCx CF requires a hardened steel nozzle because of the abrasive carbon fibers. - A hardened nozzle is recommended, but not mandatory, for long-term use with PCx. - Nobufil also sells carbon- and glass-fiber reinforced versions of PLA, PETG, ASA and PCTG.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects a broader push to make recycled feedstocks practical for higher-stress manufacturing applications, not just prototypes. - The company is trying to narrow the gap between sustainability claims and mechanical performance, which is often a sticking point for industrial buyers. - By emphasizing printability on standard FDM equipment, Nobufil is reducing one barrier to adoption. - The product mix suggests Nobufil is building a family of recycled engineering materials rather than a single specialty filament. - Alexander Datzinger, founder and managing director of Nobufil GmbH, said the company is trying to show that sustainability and technical performance do not have to conflict.

What's next: - PCx and PCx CF are available now in black, 1.75 mm diameter and 1 kg spools. - Technical data sheets and print profiles are available for download on the Nobufil website. - Nobufil is offering a 15% introductory discount on PCx and PCx CF with code NOBUFILPCX. - The company says the new filaments are the start of a broader portfolio built on the same recycling model. - More information is available on the company's LinkedIn page, Instagram account, Facebook page, YouTube channel and TikTok account.

The bottom line: - Nobufil is betting that recycled polycarbonate can meet industrial 3D-printing demands without sacrificing strength, heat resistance or usability.