Apr. 13, 2015 | By Simon
Since January, 2015 has been shaping up to be an exciting year for those who like to experiment with 3D printing filaments outside of the standard APS or PLA that we’ve learned to become accustomed to for FDM-based 3D printers. Among others, MakerBot announced that they would be releasing their MakerBot Composite PLA materials later this year that consist of limestone, bronze, maple and iron. This means that yes; you’ll be able to 3D print those various scans of ancient sculptures in highly-realistic and stable limestone on a capable FDM 3D printer.
Now, Formfutura has released some exciting news for those that may have previously been wanting to create 3D prints that feature glass-like qualities in the form of their new HDglass filaments that they are releasing today, Monday the 13th of April.
In choosing to only work with manufacturers that share their same vision and desire to only produce quality filaments, the Amsterdam-based company has previously focused on producing an expansive portfolio of other filament materials ranging from wood to sandstone and high-quality ABS to mold-ready filaments designed for creating durable molds for casting processes. Their latest HDglass material is perhaps one of their most unique material releases to date.
The amorphous, high-strength and ultra-transparent modified PETG compounded filament includes consistent high-quality properties when it comes to strength, durability and temperature resistance - the “HD” component of the name even stands for “Heavy Duty”. However instead of other materials that are considered to be heavy duty and are matte in appearance to withstand wear and tear, the HDglass allows 90% of visible light to pass through it and has less than 1% haze. Ultimately, the material allows for heavy-duty glass-like results for 3D printed objects and has many of the same characteristics as other filaments including t-glase and XT but with a unique focus on transparency and 3D printer friendliness.
“Printing with HDglass™ filament is very easy and comfortable as it has a great thermal stability, and superb first- and interlayer adhesion and does not produce any odors during 3D printing,” says Formfutura. “(It) is a perfectly safe material as it does not contain any hazardous substances, is Bisphenol A free, RoHS certified, REACH compliant, and is even FDA food and drink contact approved.”
In total, the new material’s features include FDA food and drink approval, high-gloss 90% transparent, high-durability, odorless processing and printing, excellent first and interlayer adhesion, nearly warp-free, no heat bed required, excellent thermal stability and recyclability. It will initially be available in five colors including clear, transparent red, transparent green, transparent blue and transparent black.
Additionally, the company plans to add even more high-gloss opaque colors and even a carbon fiber-reinforced variant of HDglass in the near future.
The company is taking orders for the new filament beginning today and they can be ordered over at Formfutura.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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Enjoy -10% discount on all Formfutura filaments with the promo code: CULTSFUTURA
Grass wrote at 4/14/2015 6:05:32 PM:
Are you kidding me !? thin wall printing to make you a glass-like ? I can see the spool of filament is not a glass-like anyway.
Sjeltur wrote at 4/14/2015 3:39:43 PM:
"include FDA food and drink approval" I don't think there are any FDA 3d printers on the market. So my food and drink are allowed to touch the UNprinted filament. But once it has been printed.......?
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