3D PRINTING | INNOVATION


high-volume application – the material itself has been created specifically for 3D printing. We’re looking at what is actually possible with 3D printing. We’re looking from the monomer to the polymer to the filament to the part. “In sixth generation materials, we’ll be seeing


credible manufacturing option for functional components,” says Ernst Poppe, New Business Development manager EMEA, DuPont.


Bespoke polymers Speciality chemicals company Perstorp recently formed a joint venture called ElogioAM with 3D4Makers, a high-performance 3D printing filament producer. “ElogioAM is bringing the world’s first fifth-generation 3D filament, Facilan, which enables applications previously unobtainable with other 3D printing materials,” Perstorp says. ElogioAM will target applications in medical,


fashion, orthotics, advanced prototyping, model- ling, and demanding industry and consumer markets. “Facilan filaments have been designed to outperform,” says Perstorp. “Facilan C8 3D printed parts, for example, have higher impact and tensile strength than ABS filaments while being based on compostable raw materials. Facilan C8 parts have a soft touch feel and are smoother than PLA parts.” The partners are not disclosing the composition


of Facilan C8 composition while they await approv- als for the JV, says Joris Peels at 3D4Makers. He also explains what is meant by “fifth generation.” “The first generation of materials was ‘whatever


worked’ – a wax for FDM or the only resin that gave a coherent result for SLA, for example. The second generation was of the ‘looking good’ materials; functionality was not important and sorely lacking. The third generation was the ‘semi-functional materials’ such as ABS, polypropylene and the like – familiar but not yet optimised for 3DP. This third generation is where the majority of our industry is functioning at currently. With the fourth generation, we have ‘real life’ materials [which] can be used in very demanding applications; we’re entering an era of qualification, certification, flammability testing, compliance. “With the fifth generation of materials, we’re not just trying to make a pre-existing polymer work in a


www.injectionworld.com June 2018 | INJECTION WORLD 25


more awareness by design and engineering departments with what 3D printing can do. We can expect designers and engineers to go beyond the shape of things to designing a particular part to perform in novel ways.” Facilan PCL 100 is a pure polycaprolactone filament that is being used by researchers in artificial muscles, drug loaded implants, scaffolds and smart materials. Clariant is best known in the plastics industry for additives such as flame retardants, pigments and waxes, as well as for its extensive masterbatch portfolio. But for 3D printing, it is taking a different approach. In December, it unveiled a dedicated 3D Printing business that will supply “premium and customised” 3D printer filaments. It says the new business leverages its long experience in tailoring polymers for a broad range of end market applica- tions with pigments, additives and masterbatches. “Extensive material, application and production


expertise allows Clariant to work closely with customers on polymer, additive and colorant selection to address typical end-use conditions such as weathering (sunlight, UV exposure), flame retardancy and electrical properties,” the company says. Materials are available in flexible lot sizes to meet the specific needs of customers. “At Clariant we have all the capabilities to produce


high-grade ready-to-print 3D printer filaments,” says Richard Haldimann, Head of New Business Develop- ment of Clariant.Clariant can deliver tailored solutions from a global base, he says.


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Below: 3D printed


Clariant logo


Left: Insole in Perstorp’s Facilan PCL 100


PHOTO: VERA DE PONT


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