9 New 3D Printing Materials Offer Weather and Heat Resistance

3Dynamic Systems says its Carbon Fibre 3D Printer Filament can be used on any conventional Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or fused filament 3D printer. It's made using 15%-22% high-modulus carbon fibers small enough to fit through the nozzle, but long enough to provide the needed extra rigidity and reinforcement. It provides  structural strength of 85MPa and excellent layer adhesion with virtually no warping. Compared to conventional 3D printing filaments, this makes it especially useful for applications in on-demand parts that require superior stiffness, ease of printing, and lighter weight parts. Examples of use cases include low- to no-volume parts, rapid moldmaking, and fixtures for custom processes, for items such as frames, supports, propellers, and working tools. (Source: 3Dynamic Systems)

New Windform FX Black from CRP Technology is a polyamide (PA)-based composite material with superior mechanical properties for professional selective laser sintering (SLS). It has exceptional resistance to repeated bending and torsion, excellent impact resistance even at low temperatures, and a high-quality surface finish. Its consistency and behavior are similar to polypropylene (PP) and ABS injection-molded parts. It can be used to produce flexible components with fine details, and to create accurate, reliable, long-lasting prototypes. Examples include functional applications, parts with living hinges or clip fittings, complex-shaped ducting, and thin-walled connectors with snap-fit systems. (Source: CRP Technology)

New Windform FX Black from CRP Technology is a polyamide (PA)-based composite material with superior mechanical properties for professional selective laser sintering (SLS). It has exceptional resistance to repeated bending and torsion, excellent impact resistance even at low temperatures, and a high-quality surface finish. Its consistency and behavior are similar to polypropylene (PP) and ABS injection-molded parts. It can be used to produce flexible components with fine details, and to create accurate, reliable, long-lasting prototypes. Examples include functional applications, parts with living hinges or clip fittings, complex-shaped ducting, and thin-walled connectors with snap-fit systems.  (Source: CRP Technology)

Launched in June, Dutch company colorFabb's new steelFill desktop 3D printing filament is finally available. It joins the company's earlier bronzeFill, copperFill, and brassFill filaments. Unlike them, though, this one may require you to eventually swap out your printer's brass nozzles for nozzles made of steel or hardened steel, since the new filament can be quite abrasive over time on soft brass. Since the powder is stainless steel, objects made of the new filament won't rust. There's complete information on how to print with the new material on the company's website. (Source: colorFabb)

Hungarian company Philament has released an ESD 3D printing PLA (polylactic acid) filament for use in electronics applications. Conductive Philament ESD produces parts that don't emit an electrostatic discharge (ESD), as commonly happens with many plastics. Philament PLAs are composite materials that contain pigment, lubricant, filler, and impact modifier. Shrinkage is lower than with commonly used filaments. They can be used with all common desktop Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and fused filament 3D printers. (Source: Philament)

Objects printed from traditional PLA (polylactic acid) filament tend to lose their shape and partially melt at temperatures above 60C (140F). Philament Heat Resistant 3D printing PLA filament was developed to overcome this problem. When objects printed with this material undergo heat treating at 80C (176F) to 100C (212F) for 30 to 60 minutes, they can then bear a heat load of 130C (266F). Philament PLAs are composite materials that contain pigment, lubricant, filler, and impact modifier. Shrinkage is lower than with commonly used filaments. They can be used with all common desktop Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and fused filament 3D printers. (Source: Philament)

3DXTech has released a UV-resistant engineering-grade weatherable polymer filament. Compared to ABS, the new 3DXMAX ASA (acrylonitirle styrene acrylate) exhibits lower warp. It also has a low-gloss matte surface finish compared to ABS, PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified), and PLA (polylactic acid). The material's UV stability means it can be used for outdoor applications that will experience intense exposure to the sun and to weather. ASA is frequently used in automotive and marine applications for exterior parts such as mirror housings, cowl covers, radiator grills, and sensor housings. (Source: 3DXTech)

igus' latest wear-resistant Tribo-Filaments for 3D printing is the chemical- resistant iglide C210 printable material. The tribologically optimized filament was created so prototypes and custom small-batch components can be produced and put into contact with chemicals and aggressive cleaning agents. C210 withstands a number of acids and solvents, as well as hydrogen peroxide. It also offers high wear resistance to ensure a long service life for printed components. The material stands up to long-term temperatures as high as 212F (100C), and withstands short-term exposure to temperatures up to 356F (180C). The material's properties are especially useful for hygienically-sensitive applications where high abrasion resistance is required, such as in the food and pharmaceutical industries. (Source: igus)

Specialty ABS producer ELIX Polymers, based in Spain, is working with the Spanish AIMPLAS Plastics Technology Institute to develop a new generation of polymers for fused filament and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing. The aim is to create materials that will produce parts with better mechanical properties, such as resistance to impact, low warpage, dimensional precision, and high resolution. The two organizations have already begun working together in various stages of the project, from developing the ABS product and modifying the formulas, to manufacturing filament using AIMPLAS's own filament extruder, printing and validation of the product, and determining final application requirements. Funding is being provided by the Spanish government-run Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI). (Source: ELIX Polymers)