Henkel, Clariant and MakerBot are just a few of the companies that will be bringing new 3D printing material offerings to Formnext 2019 next week. Henkel and Clariant are expanding market options for flame-retardant materials, while MakerBot has introduced its eighth engineering-grade filament for its METHOD 3D printer.

Materials giant Henkel has introduced the first 3D printable photopolymer that meets fire, smoke and toxicity safety standards of the aerospace industry. The material, which will be on display at Formnext next week, was developed in cooperation with 3D printer manufacturer Origin and is compatible with Origin One DLP 3D printers .

The photopolymer complies with various safety standards issued by the aerospace industry, including UL’s 94V-0 and fire, smoke and toxicity regulations. The material also successfully passed the aerospace industry’s stringent 12- and 60-second burn tests, making it a safe choice for use in the aerospace, automotive and transportation sector.

“The development of our new fire-resistant material is a real breakthrough innovation exceeding the properties of all currently available materials for DLP systems on the market,” said Philipp Loosen, Head of 3D Printing at Henkel. “Our open materials platform was specifically designed to enable a wide range of our resin portfolio for use in additive mass production. Together with Origin we have proven our capabilities to unlock the transformative power of 3D printing towards industrial manufacturing.”

The material was designed for use on Origin’s DLP-based Programmable Photopolymerization (P³) technology, which enables users to control several elements of the print process, including light and temperature, to optimize print quality. The Origin One is also based on an open materials system which has led the company to partner with leading materials companies such as BASF, Royal DSM and Henkel.

Specialty chemicals company Clariant will also be expanding the market for flame-retardant 3D printing materials. At this year’s Formnext, the company will introduce an Exolit-based halogen-free, flame retardant material: PA6/66-GF20 FR LS.

Clariant’s new material is a glass-fiber-reinforced material that uses its flame-retardant Exolit material as a base. The PA6 3D printing material meets fire, smoke and toxicity requirements and is compliant with EN 45545-2, NFPA 130 (ASTM E162, ASTM E662) and SMP 800-C. Clariant will be showcasing a range of rail application parts that highlight the new material’s properties.

At Formnext, the company will also highlight an electric vehicle charger which was 3D printed using a flame retardant 20% glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 using Exolit material. This material can reportedly achieve UL 94 V-0 levels down to 0.4 mm and a glow wire ignition temperature of 750 °C at 3.0 mm thickness.

“Clariant works closely with customers in a collaborative manner to ensure solutions for 3D printing,” said David McCann, Senior Business Architect at Clariant’s 3D printing business. “Our materials are known to have the capabilities customers require for functional parts and Clariant provides the support and expertise needed to ensure the production of these parts. Customers desire certified materials like our newly-developed fire, smoke and toxicity compliant material and we will continue to provide unique solutions like this to customers.”

3D printer manufacturer MakerBot has added a new material to its METHOD portfolio, Nylon. The filament, ideal for functional prototyping and end-use applications, is characterized by high abrasion resistance, as well as high flexural, tensile and impact strength. The Nylon 3D printing material also has good thermal properties, with heat resistance up to 180°C.

With applications in the automotive, industrial and consumer goods verticals, Nylon is especially well suited for 3D printing parts that undergo repetitive motions or applied force, like manufacturing tools and fixtures, articulated parts, snap fits, gears, air intakes and living hinges.

The Nylon material is MakerBot’s eighth engineering-grade release for its METHOD 3D printer , following ABS, ASA, SR-30, PETG, TOUGH, PLA and PVA. The Nylon material, which is sensitive to moisture, can be protected in the METHOD’s sealed material bays. MakerBot has also introduced a new spool drying feature, which will enable METHOD X users to dry out Nylon filament in the printer’s heated chamber.

“Nylon’s unique combination of mechanical properties, accompanied with high heat resistance, opens up a new set of applications for the METHOD platform, such as gears, living hinges, and repetitive motion manufacturing fixtures,” said Nadav Goshen, CEO, MakerBot. “Engineers can also increase efficiencies in the workplace by using Nylon for a range of end-use applications.”

This market study from 3dpbm Research provides an in-depth analysis and forecast of the ceramic additive ma...

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