Jan 6, 2016 | By Kira
A 3D print is only as functional as its build material allows it to be. That’s one of the reasons why NinjaFlex, a flexible filament for 3D printers, has proved to be so popular throughout the years. The thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is specially formulated to produce flexible 3D prints with high elasticity, excellent abrasion resistance, and strong build platform adhesion and bonding between layers, making it ideal for a range of 3D printing projects that require flexibility or shock absorption—including wearables, light diffusers, and RC car tires, to name just a few.
Now, NinjaTek, the maker of NinjaFlex and SemiFlex 3D printing filaments, and a division of Fenner Drives (itself a division of Fenner PLC, a world leader in reinforced polymer technology), has announced the upcoming launch of two new high-performing 3D printing filaments—one flexible, and one rigid—that exhibit exceptional qualities for use in various industrial 3D printing applications.
The first new 3D printing filament to be introduced by NinjaTek is Cheetah, a flexible polyurethane 3D printing material that prints across all 3D printer types using the same settings as you would for ABS. According to the developers, the key benefits of the Cheetah 3D printing material are that it enables faster 3D printing speeds than other flexible products (up to 60 mm/second), excellent interlayer adhesion, and limited retraction.
These properties make it idea; for 3D printing functional parts that require a high level of detail, such as gaskets, grips, hinges, seals, sleeves, or snap-fit parts. “Now these parts can be produced more quickly and with fewer poor prints, saving the user time and money,” said the company.
The second new NinjaTek 3D printing filament announced today is called Armadillo, which unlike Cheetah, is a rigid material that the developers refer to as “tough and rugged.”
Possessing excellent durability under stress from external sources, as well as resistance to grease, oils, and other industrial chemicals, Armadillo is well-suited to 3D printing functional partsthat require toughness and impact resistance, such as braces, brackets, fasteners, gears, guides, protectiveninja covers and even splints. Armadillo also offers strong bridging capabilities and according to the company, “virtually no warping issues.”
NinjaTek’s Cheetah 3D printing filament will be available for purchase in late January 2016, while Armadillo is set to hit shelves shortly thereafter, in early February. Together, the new products will add to Fenner Drives’ growing line of functional, high-performing 3D printing materials, which currently include the above-mentioned NinjaFlex, SemiFlex, as well as Nylon 654 and Alloy 910 3D printing filaments.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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