Sep 27, 2016 | By Alec
Among hobbyists, PLA is by far the most attractive 3D printable filament for a number of reasons. As a corn-based material, it’s not as detrimental to the environment as other 3D printing filaments, while it is relatively easy to 3D print and compatible with virtually every desktop model out there. Only performance can be a problem, with warping and brittleness being regular issues. In an attempt to overcome these material limitations, Japanese filament developer Verbatim (part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group) has just announced two new filaments with consistent 3D printing quality: PET and high performance PLA.
Those of you who are knowledgeable about Japanese industry circles might be surprised to see Verbatim in the 3D printable filament business, as the company is best known for developing data storage applications and LED lighting products for a very wide range of clients. In fact, they are a world leader in providing optical media products, including in Blue-ray, DVD and CD platforms. But they have far more irons in the fire than just data storage, and entered the 3D printable filament manufacturing sector back in 2014. Right now, they are having a catalogue that includes ABS, PLA, and the flexible PRIMALLOY PET filaments. They are also a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Kagaku Media, which is owned by the Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation – a world leading chemical provider.
As the company revealed, they are planning to bring Japanese-style quality and reliability to 3D printer filament manufacturing, with an eye on both professional and on hobbyist users. They especially see PLA as a material that can be improved upon. Thanks to the inclusion of special Mitsubishi additives in their high performance PLA, they promise to virtually eradicate warpage and brittleness in PLA 3D printing. While most additives make filaments harder, the custom plastic mixture they have developed will, they say, stay soft enough for it to be sandpapered to a smooth finish – just as you would expect from PLA.
But their PET filament is interesting as well, especially because you rarely see the plastic (commonly used for water bottles) used as a 3D printing material. But according to the Japanese material engineers, demand for the material is growing due to its sturdiness (tensile strength of 70Mpa), transparency and 3D printability. “Users will find the printed objects will be relatively smooth, with a ribbon-like texture and an attractive transparent, sparkly appearance,” they say. What’s more, they promise that this PET filament will be (just like their new PLA) completely compatible with all conventional desktop 3D printers, from Ultimaker to Leapfrog, PrintrBot and many others.
3D Printed Pistol
At the same time, users can expect the quality and reliability that Japanese products have become synonymous with, says Verbatim Marketing Director Rüdiger Theobald. “Manufactured in Japan with high quality materials and tight industry standards, the new materials we have introduced use highly evolved and proprietary manufacturing processes to yield the best possible 3D printing results,” Theobald promises. “Consistency is key and Verbatim’s new 3D printing filaments offer consistent quality from spool to spool. The new products also benefit from better tolerances and will extrude effortlessly without risk of jamming or clogging in the 3D printer.”
The two new 3D printing filaments will be demonstrated in public for the first time at Verbatim’s stand at the TCT Show in Birmingham, UK this week. At the same time, two other filaments (that will be released at a later date) will also be showcased: the water-soluble support material BVOH filament and the very tough and flexible PP filament. You can find them at stand H12 in Birmingham NEC (28 to 29 September).
3D Printed Gearbox
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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