Mar.30, 2014

Modern plastics are made from very long and complicated molecules. They are unlike anything found in nature, so the Earth has a very hard time breaking them down.

Mansfield, MA, U.S. based Bioplastics formulator Sierra Resins and 3D Printlife, an online US filament and 3D printer retailer have launched a venture to introduce a 3D printer biofilament.

"Some filament plastics have been criticized for their potential negative impact to the environment," said Buzz Baldwin, Co-Founder of 3D Printlife. "A line of biofilaments will make a valuable contribution to sustainable development in 3D printing, and with the expertise of Sierra Resins, we feel we have the best possible partner to bring a viable biofilament to the consumer."

Modern plastics are a waste of natural resources once they hit the landfill. Sierra Resins provide polymer additives that gives the Earth the tools it needs to break-down the complex plastic molecular structure thereby returning it to a natural state of vital end products such as carbon dioxide, water, salt, and even methane (natural gas), which is one of the cleanest burning and energy efficient fuels known.

The type of bioplastic formula used for initial 3D biofilament test runs is currently in production for film applications and injection-molded products.

"Processability, smoothness, and adherence to tolerances were good," said John Tersigni, President and CEO of Sierra Resins. "We're now going to submit this particular grade of 3D biofilament to an independent ASTM certified biodegradability testing laboratory. We're happy about the initial results, so it's a good sign."

"Also, with 3D Printlife positioned in the middle of this marketplace with their printer and accessory line, we believe we have an ideal partner to distribute and deliver the 3D printer biofilament. They know the market. According to 3ders.org, the 3D printing materials market is forecasted to reach about $408 million by 2018. It's an emerging market worth pursuing," said Tersigni.

"We are very pleased with the initial test results of Sierra Resins' 3D biofilament," said Baldwin. "Our focus has always been about giving options to the consumer and we're extremely excited about delivering a biofilament to our customers – something that can perform like any other high quality plastic."


Posted in 3D Printer Materials

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John O wrote at 3/30/2014 11:01:42 PM:

Recycle is great Sustainable is great. What are the specs on the resin? Temps to print, Tensile Strength etc. Ashby data?



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