A new type of filament from the manufacturer Stronghero 3D combines two established materials in FDM printing: PLA on the outside, PETG on the inside. The design is reminiscent of a coaxial structure, with around 60% of the cross-section consisting of PLA, according to the manufacturer. The aim of this combination is to combine the positive properties of both materials – with PLA as a protective outer shell against moisture and PETG as a mechanically more robust core.
Developer and maker Dr. Igor Gaspar has tested the material extensively. He imported a roll from the USA and carried out pressure and load tests on a Bambu Lab P1P. The first difficulties became apparent at the start of printing: finding the optimum combination of extruder and bed temperature proved to be complex due to the different requirements of the two components. The adhesion of the first layer also caused problems, which was attributed to the PLA surface.
The test results were mixed. The layer adhesion of the hybrid material lagged well behind that of pure PLA or PETG. In tensile and shear stress, however, the material showed usable values. The filament even performed better than pure PETG, particularly in torsion. Under impact loads, it was noticeable that PETG reacted more brittle, but the hybrid material offered an average performance between the two base materials. Unsurprisingly, the performance in terms of heat resistance also lies between PLA and PETG.
Visually, the material creates interesting effects due to its two-tone structure, which can be attractive for decorative applications. However, its practical use for technical applications is limited. If you are specifically looking for certain properties such as flexural rigidity or temperature resistance, you are often better off with pure materials. For the time being, the hybrid approach therefore remains more of a technical gimmick than a real alternative for functional components.
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