www.3ders.org

Apr 6, 2016 | By Andre

For 3D printing to really hit the big time in terms of mass adoption I often suggest that print speed, cost, build volume and material science need to be advanced in unison. Well, two brand new filament types, the temperature resistent Novamid ID and the flexible Arnitel ID are set for release in the coming months and this can only be seen as good news for the advancement of 3D printing technology. These new materials are being delivered thanks in-part to a partnership between two already established companies.

The companies, Royal DSM (a materials sciences firm) and Nexeco Solutions (one dealing with filament distribution) have joined forces to broaden the scope of what you can push through your 3D printer. By focusing on high-value and performance for FDM filament based 3D printers, the companies hope the sum of their efforts will produce a better product than if working alone. But why now, and what advantage does their upcoming filament lineup have over the competition?

Well, the way I see it, we’re at such an exciting time in 3D printing that any new development in material science can grow in parallel with today’s arsenal of 3D print material such as ABS, PLA, Ninjaflex, Bronzefill and more. Frederic Petit, Global Business Director at Royal DSM seems to agree by stating that “the 3D printing sector, and particularly its FDM segment, represents an exciting, high-growth market with huge potential."

In terms of what they’re developing, you will find the flexible Arnitel ID on one end and the rigid, temperature resistant Novamid ID on the other.

Already popular in electronics, sports and other high-end applications, the introduction of Arnitel ID as a 3D printing filament brings a level of UV and chemical resistance not currently found in most flexible material choices. By drawing on knowledge gained from working with the wire and cable industry, Arnitel ID is said to provide high print speeds and excellent layer-to-layer adhesion. It is based on 50% renewable content, has an extrusion temperature of 240 degrees and comes in both 1.75mm and 2.85 diameter ranges. As someone that has experimented with just about every filament out there today, it’s always good news when print speed doesn’t need to be sacrificed when playing with new materials.

Novamid ID on the other hand was originally designed to meet the demands of the automotive and electronics industries with its ductile and strong characteristics capable of withstanding extreme external conditions and temperatures. Additionally, the material was specially formulated to deal with overhangs while 3D printing so as to avoid droopy, unpolished 3D prints while working with difficult angles. Just like the flexible material previously mentioned, it will be available in both 1.75mm and 2.85 diameter ranges but requires an extruder capable of reaching 260 - 270 degrees.

Both filaments were tested using direct drive as well as Bowden extruders with popular slicing software such as Slic3r and Cura, so compatibiity with the current desktop 3D printer market shouldn't be an issue.

Naturally, Gianpaolo Armando, VP at Nexeco is equally enthusiastic about his company's involvement with the distribution of the new filament types by stating that “our customers will have access to a brand new range of products specifically developed for 3D printing. As a global distributor, Nexeo Solutions achieves an important innovation milestone on our aim to connect customers and suppliers in simple and unimagined ways.”

So how do you get your hands on these up-and-coming new materials? Unfortunately, in the very-short-term you can’t. Fortunately, in the sort-of-short-term you most certainly can. Nexeo has set up a placeholder page that promotes a new website and e-commerce platform that will handle the distribution of the filaments starting May 2, 2016.

While it’s true that these two new filaments probably won’t revolutionize how the world operates, every advancement in 3D printing materials science is another step to mass-adoption of 3D printing technology. The countdown is on.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Application

 

 

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