3D Filkemp PLN – filament for 3D printer

3D Filkemp PLN (also known as PLA-N) is a PLA-based biopolymer developed as a "next generation" material for applications where standard PLA is often too brittle, and ABS requires stricter environmental control. The idea behind PLN is practical: to provide a more stable working process and stronger details for prototyping, jigs & fixtures, and general industrial applications, without complicating the settings of the 3D printer.

Key advantages

• Recommended extruder temperature: 200–215°C.
• Recommended layer cooling fan: 0–50%.
• Nominal diameter: 1.75 
• Annealing: 180°C melting point after annealing (the formulation is for the melting point after annealing).
• Mechanical properties (according to ISO): tensile strength/modulus, flexural strength, and impact (Izod) are specified for the material series.

What PLN is and who it is suitable for

PLN is a PLA-based "technical" material targeted at users who want more predictable 3D printing of functional details: engineers, development teams, laboratories, educational institutions, and workshops. If you work with prototypes that need to withstand assembly/disassembly, loading during tests, or subsequent processing, PLN is a logical choice because it is designed to combine the easier nature of PLA with a more "workshop" strength profile.

Material and behavior in 3D printing: why parameters matter

In PLA-like materials, the quality of the detail is often determined by three things: stable flow (consistent diameter), cooling control, and adequate extruder temperature. For PLN, the manufacturer sets a window of 200–215°C and cooling of 0–50%. This allows for a balance between detail and adhesion between layers without aggressive "freezing" of the lines (which in some geometries can weaken the interlayer bond).

Separately, PLN is positioned as a material that can be annealed to change the thermo-mechanical profile. There is a discrepancy in the available data between sources on whether 170°C or 180°C is cited as a benchmark for increased thermal resistance/melting point after annealing; therefore, it is most accurate to consider the range as a guideline and highly dependent on the actual annealing regime and the geometry of the part.

Performance and workflow: how to use it in daily life

Practical starting workflow for PLN:

• Start with the extruder temperature in the middle of the window (for example, 205–210°C) and adjust according to adhesion and surface.
• Set the fan within 0–50% according to the geometry: more cooling for thin walls and overhangs, less for massive functional parts.
• For the bed: the technical sheet provides a recommendation for "plate temperature" (given as 140°F), which is approximately 60°C. Other sources mention 40–60°C. Practically: start from 60°C and decrease if necessary, if there are signs of excessive "softening" of the first layer.
• Keep the filament dry: PLN, like other materials, is sensitive to moisture in terms of unstable extrusion and a rougher surface. The manufacturer specifies vacuum packaging with desiccant; after opening, use a box/bag with a moisture absorber.

Compatibility and ecosystem

PLN is a filament for standard filament extrusion systems (FFF/FDM). The most important compatibility is that the diameter of 1.75mm matches the extruder of your 3D printer. If you use external spool holders, keep in mind that larger spools may require a more stable holder with low friction (a practice often discussed in the community).

Design, packaging, and daily work

According to the technical sheet, all filaments are delivered in vacuum packaging with desiccant. This is important because the fresh state of the filament directly affects the stability of the extrusion and the risk of "cracking"/micro-porosity when exiting the nozzle. During daily work, take 30 seconds for two things: to secure the end of the filament (to prevent it from unraveling) and to store it in a closed container after use.

Professional scenarios where PLN makes sense

• Functional prototypes – fewer compromises between speed and strength in iterations of housings, covers, and mechanical elements.
• Jigs & fixtures – guides, stops, assembly templates that are used repeatedly and must maintain size and shape.
• Small series auxiliary tools – pads, holders, organizational elements in a workshop/laboratory where impact resistance is important.
• Post-processing details – the technical documentation states that the material is machinable after appropriate processing, which is useful for fitting.
• Training and engineering grade – a material that remains close to PLA in terms of processing but is aimed at more functional results.

Limitations and best practices

• Annealing: improves thermomechanical properties but may worsen dimensional accuracy. If the part is “dimensionally critical,” test with sample geometry and allow for tolerance.
• Moisture: store in a closed volume with desiccant. If artifacts (roughness, micropores) appear, first check humidity/storage.
• Adhesion to the bed: if issues arise, start from a clean and degreased surface and adjust the bed temperature within the available data.
• Cooling: do not fix “to maximum” by habit; operate in the range of 0–50% according to geometry.

Technical specifications