July 28, 2015 | By Simon
While PLA and ABS are the most commonly used 3D printing filament types, they are only a very small fraction of the total amount of thermopolymer varieties in existence. Despite the wide variety, PLA has surged in popularity due to its ease of use in 3D printers as well as its bio-based “factor” and ability to be reused easily. While it may not offer the same properties as PLA, ABS plastic offers stronger parts and better layer cohesion for when a 3D printed part may be used as an actual part rather than as a prototype of a part. Now, FDM filament manufacturer Innofil3D thinks PET plastic could be the next ‘big’ 3D printing material on the horizon.
Next month, the company will be launching a campaign to help generate more awareness for PET plastic amongst 3D printing users of all types. The company is so confident about the material that they think that it will not only surge in popularity, but also become the new standard in 3D printing material. Starting with their EPR PET filament on reels of 750 grams, the company will be selling the filament for a similar price as their existing 3D printing materials.
“We strongly believe that our EPR PET has all the characteristics to elevate the 3D-printing experience and bring it to the next level,” says Sharon Woldering, a Material Developer at Innofil3D.
“It has the ease of PLA combined with the strong layer cohesion of ABS, but doesn’t smell bad during printing. EPR PET also enables 3D-printing users to print with a larger operating window which makes it suitable for most 3D-printers and makes printer settings less critical. And last but not least EPR PET presents users the opportunity to show more details in their print.”
As a spinoff of the Dutch research institute Applied Polymer Institute (API), Innofil3D is on the forefront of the latest and greatest in additive manufacturing technologies. In total, the Applied Polymer Institute has over 30 years of experience in developing polymers and the establishment of Innofil3D was based on the results of their research.
Although PET doesn’t have the same bio-based value that PLA has. it is one of the most widely-used plastics in the world and is used for everything from recyclable bottles and athletic sneaker components to packaging materials and pharmaceutical containers. Additionally, it is one of the safest plastics for both food use and children’s toys.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
Maybe you also like:
- Fred the tortoise in Brazil receives a 3D printed replacement shell after original is destroyed in fire
- Maker creates smallest 3D printed plunger from Ninjaflex and wood filament
- Sunny Su develops 3D printed device for easily carrying multiple soft drink bottles
- New IKEA hack lets you create a 3D printer enclosure for cheap
- Australian 3D printed surfboard startup Disrupt considers expanding to California
- KU e-Racing team uses 3D printing to produce race-ready car parts
- Game design veterans launch NecroVirus, 3D printable zombie board game on Kickstarter
- Concept artist Jun Huang uses 3D printing to create impressive anatomical reference models
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
