FDM Materials Guide – Tips for 3D Printing with 9085 Support

Filament 9085-support for 3d printers Fortus

Let’s face it — support materials rarely get the spotlight, but without them, even the best high-performance prints would collapse under their own weight. When you’re working with Ultem™ 9085, Ultem™ 1010, or other high-temp thermoplastics, you need a support material that can keep up. That’s where 9085 Support comes in — a purpose-built companion that enables complex geometries, sharp overhangs, and clean cavities on industrial FDM parts.

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes 9085 Support unique, why it’s critical for successful prints with engineering-grade materials, and how to use it effectively. We’ll talk hardware, practical printing tips, and a few hard-earned lessons I’ve picked up along the way. Whether you’re building aerospace brackets or high-heat enclosures, this support material might just be your new best friend in the print room.

Ready to take your prints to the next level? Let’s dig in.

Hardware Requirements

Don’t skimp on the setup — 9085 Support plays in the big leagues

If you’re planning to use 9085 Support, your printer needs to be fully equipped for high-temperature materials. This isn’t a plug-and-play spool for hobby machines.

Here’s what your system must have:

  • Dual-extrusion industrial FDM printer
    Think Stratasys Fortus 450mc or similar. You’ll need a second extruder that can match the high-temp output of the primary nozzle.
  • Nozzle temperature up to 360°C
    9085 Support typically prints around 340–360°C, depending on the system and print geometry.
  • Heated build chamber
    A chamber temperature of at least 90–110°C is necessary to prevent warping and support delamination.
  • Heated build plate
    Stick to a bed temperature in the 140°C range. It ensures adhesion and stability for both support and model materials.
  • Compatible slicing software
    You’ll need to finely tune your support density, separation layers, and interface settings for best results with Ultem™ 9085 or Ultem™ 1010.

Best Practices for 9085 Support

Support that sticks when it matters — and detaches when it should

The magic of 9085 Support lies in how well it works with high-performance materials while still being removable. But to get that perfect balance, you need to dial in your print settings carefully.

Follow these best practices:

  • Match shrinkage rates
    The support must expand and contract similarly to Ultem™ 9085 or Ultem™ 1010 during cooling, or else your part could warp or delaminate.
  • Use sparse support with smart interface layers
    A dense support structure is overkill. Use sparse infill with a few solid interface layers to reduce FDM material use and improve post-processing.
  • Calibrate nozzle offsets
    Any misalignment between your primary and support extruders will mess up layer registration. Take time to fine-tune your calibration.
  • Cool gradually
    Just like the model material, 9085 Support must cool slowly inside the chamber. Rushing this leads to cracks or stubborn removal.

Tips from the Field

Lessons I’ve learned the hard way (so you don’t have to)

  • Don’t underestimate drying
    9085 Support is hygroscopic like PEKK or Nylon 12 CF. Always dry the spool at 80–90°C for 4–6 hours before use.
  • Print supports for removal, not just for stability
    Design support zones with removal in mind. Leave access channels and cutouts so you can get a tool in there.
  • Be patient with removal
    This isn’t breakaway support like with ABS or ASA. Use controlled force — prying too soon or too hard may damage the part.
  • Combine with soluble support when needed
    For extremely complex designs, consider a hybrid support strategy with PC Support or another water-soluble material — but only if your printer can handle it.

 

Related Materials

If you’re using 9085 Support, chances are you’re working with high-grade thermoplastics. Here are the most common compatible materials:

  • Ultem™ 9085 – The obvious pair, known for aerospace-grade toughness and flame retardancy.
  • Ultem™ 1010 – For even higher heat deflection and biocompatibility.
  • PEKK – Another extreme-performance polymer that may benefit from hybrid support solutions.
  • PC-ABS FR UL94 V0 – Flame-retardant blend that prints best with rigid support options.
  • PC-ABS and Polycarbonate PC – Use support carefully due to shrinkage mismatch risks.
  • ABS, ABS-ESD, and ASA – These can work with simpler support strategies, but not typically with 9085 Support.

Conclusion

9085 Support isn’t your average support filament — it’s a specialized tool engineered for the demanding world of high-temp FDM printing. When you’re pushing the limits with materials like Ultem™ 9085 or Ultem™ 1010, this support ensures your geometry holds true and your final part doesn’t warp or collapse mid-print.

Its thermal compatibility, stability at chamber temperatures, and clean removal (with the right techniques) make it a no-brainer choice for aerospace, defense, and automotive applications. Of course, it demands precise hardware, careful planning, and some trial-and-error. But once you’ve nailed the workflow, it opens up a whole new level of design freedom.

So if you’re serious about functional, complex parts — especially with overhangs or internal channels — 9085 Support is an essential part of your FDM toolkit. Use it wisely, and you’ll unlock true production-ready performance from your high-end filaments.

Looking to order 9085 Support for your next project? We offer industrial-grade spools fully compatible with Fortus-class FDM systems. Get in touch today to discuss your material needs or place an order — your complex parts deserve the support they need to succeed.

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