New Materials in FDM: 3D Printing Evolves

3D printing is becoming a true manufacturing, not just prototyping, process facilitated by new materials. "We are aiming to meet manufacturing requirements for end-use applications," said Bret Bjerken, program manager for material business unit at Stratasys, during Design & Manufacturing Midwest, held in Schaumburg, Ill. this week.

Stratasys is focused on creating new tools and materials for additive manufacturing, Bjerken stressed. He, in part, discussed two new 3D printing materials for FDM applications (versus polyjet applications): Nylon 12 and Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate.

Nylon 12

Nylon 12 is the first semi-crystalline FDM material. Bjerken called it a "next-generation material." Nylon, of course, has been around forever, but Nylon 12 is the first polymer built from the ground up with additive manufacturing in mind; it's not the simple re-use of an existing polymer.

Available only in black, Nylon 12 is isotropic. It is equally strong in the X and Y axis.

RedDOT, a company that designs and builds HVAC systems for mobile vehicle applications is using Nylon 12 to make model prototypes with nearly the same properties of its usual, large, costly injection molding parts.

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)

ASA can replace ABS in many applications, Bjerken said. Its main advantage is its ability to span. Greater honeycombing means savings in weight and a shorter run time. The material also has unique UV stability, making it useful in outside applications.

Stratasys also is creating larger canisters in its 3D printing machines, allowing jobs to run all weekend, if necessary, without the need to refill the materials.

Generally, Bjerken told the audience to expect more development in 3D printing from the ground up -- materials and machines designed specifically for additive manufacturing.

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