materials | 3D printing
used to 3D print a number of parts for a pedal cycle to prove the technology.
A number of other speciality compounds are currently
in development, according to Rouleaux. “We are currently looking at dissolvable support materials, an entire high temperature portfolio for different applications such as a high temperature carbon reinforced material, flexibles, more metal-filled materials, and materials that meet certain specific approvals for the automotive industry, for example,” he says. Meanwhile, DSM has formed a partnership with
Above: Eastman’s Amphora copolyesters provide a broad processing window in 3D print applica- tions
100°C and good toughness and durability,” claims Rouleaux. According to ColorFabb, nGen is produced with
Amphora AM3300 polymer using its own specific colour concentrates to achieve a good opaque quality and highest possible brightness. Amphora AM3300 3D polymer is a low-odour, styrene-free material suitable for applications requiring the flexibility to print within a wide processing temperature range. It is claimed to display good flow properties through the printer nozzle at lower temperatures than some other polymers require. This makes AM3300 more workable over a wider range of temperatures, producing more reliable results and resulting in less waste. Amphora AM3300 can be made into filaments that exhibit advanced overhang ability, good aesthetics and a wide printing temperature range. ColorFabb_HT is a low-odour and styrene-free
material suitable for advanced 3D printing applications where good durability, toughness and high temperature resistance are required. The material is formulated with Eastman’s Amphora HT5300 3D polymer.
Below: Several parts in this cycle were printed in carbon fibre reinforced XT-CF20 copolyester from ColorFabb
Carbon compounds Other recently introduced products include ColorFabb XT-CF20, which is a copolyester-based composite material filled with 20% carbon fibre. Compounded by Witcom, the companies say that combining carbon fibres in filament material is not a new idea in itself. However, they claim to have been able to develop a product with an optimal blend of performance charac- teristics, including a high flexural modulus (6.2 GPa) that is twice as stiff as PLA, as well as a moderate strain at break (8-10%). The material also offers a high glass temperature (80°C), high melt strength and viscosity, and good dimensional accuracy and stability. XT-CF20 is a low odour and styrene- free product that is claimed to be easy to process and has an attractive matt black surface. It was recently
20 COMPOUNDING WORLD | May 2016
Nexeo Solutions, the global chemicals and plastics distributor, to provide 3D printing filaments for use in fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. DSM is now offering an end product as a filament, instead of its typical raw materials in the form of plastic granules. The companies say that the partnership allows the two companies to leverage their respective strengths - DSM’s materials technology and application know-how with Nexeo’s global distribution network and strong customer relationships. DSM has developed two filament grades - Arnitel ID
and Novamid ID. The company says that Arnitel ID is a flexible thermoplastic copolyester for use in electronics, sports and other high-end applications. The filament is claimed to have good UV and chemical resistance compared with other flexible polymers such thermo- plastic urethanes (TPUs) and reaches elongation at break up to 400%. It exhibits no buckling and is claimed to offer a higher print speed than existing thermoplastic elastomers on the market, as well as good layer-to- layer adhesion when compared with the available ABS, PLA and TPU filaments. Novamid ID is a polyamide developed as a specialty
product line to meet the high service level demands of the automotive and electronics industries. DSM says that it is a ductile and strong polymer that can withstand harsh environments and temperatures of up to 150°C. It is claimed to offer good layer-to-layer adhesion, strength and toughness while the high crystallinity of the polymer allows for build designs with overhangs.
Printing polycarbonate Polymaker, a producer of filaments for extrusion-based desktop 3D printers, has worked with Covestro to develop a new line of polycarbonate-based 3D printing materials – Polymaker PC. The companies say the development will open up a wider range of applications for polycarbonate in the 3D printing market. The first two products are Polymaker PC-Plus and PC-Max. Covestro says that the new materials have been made possible by lowering the printing temperature of the PC from 300-320°C down to a more moderate 250-270˚C,
www.compoundingworld.com
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