Sep 14, 2015 | By Kira

This week, Shanghai-based company Polymaker has introduced Polymaker PC-Plus and PC-Max, a brand new line of Polycarbonate-based materials that are designed specifically for use with extrusion-based (FDM/FFF) desktop 3D printers. The company has partnered up with Covestro, a world-leader in high-tech polymer materials manufacturing, to develop the innovative materials, which promise to bring unprecedented properties and functionalites to desktop 3D printing.

Traditionally, extrusion-based desktop 3D printing has relied on ABS or PLA filaments, plastic-derived materials that require relatively low temperatures to melt, allowing for mainstream printers to get the job done. Polycarbonate materials on the other hand, which are much more durable and have widespread applications from, automotive and aircraft components to electronics, construction and even data storage, require extremely high heat and expensive industrial 3D printers, making them out of reach for the majority of designers, engineers and hobbyists.

“Polycarbonate has properites that make it very desirable for the 3D printing community as a whole, and Polymaker PC makes it even better for creative designers and engineers at every state of the production process,” said Dr. Xiaofan Luo, CEO of Polymaker, in a press release. “Its excellent enginnering and functional properties open doors to new projects and applications that were not previously possible to those with desktop 3D printers.

With Polymaker PC-Plus and PC-Max, printing temperatures have been brought down from 300-320 ºC to a moderate 250-270 ºC, a number that is achievable for almost all mainstream 3D printers. In addition to this level of compatibility, the new materials offer several key advantages for designers and engineers that come standard when working with polycarbonate, including optical clarity, extreme durability, flame retardance, resistance to chemicals and solvents, high heat resistance (objects printed with Polymaker PC can withstand temperatures well over 100ºC without warping), and effortless post-processing capabilities.

In addition to this impressive list, Polymaker PC-max offers advanced mechanical properties, such as impact resistance and toughness, making it suitable for mechanically demanding applications. In the video below, the process of blending, melting, extruding, testing and spooling the material is explained in detail. The video also shows a 3D printed mug being filled with boiling water to demonstrate its heat resistance.

In partnering with the Germany company Covestro, Polymaker has tapped perhaps the leading industry resource in polycarbonate manufacturing. Back in the 1950s, Covestro (formerly known as Bayer Science Matierals) was the original creator of polycarbonate, and has since contributed to the research and manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and solutions around the world.“Covestro’s experies, portfolio of products and industry leadership will be invaluable to our mission to provide the industry with the best materials,” said Dr. Luo. “We see the integration of our high-tech polymer materials in the field of 3D printing as a means to drive next-generation design and production solutions. We are very excited to work with Polymaker as we enter this bourgeoning industry,” added SVP of Covestro’s Polycarbonate Business Unit Tim Efthimiady.

Polymaker has global offices in the USA, Netherlands,  Japan, and Shanghai where it is based. Their previous contributions to 3D printing innovation include the world’s first 3D printable foam-based filament, and an easy-to-remove support material known as Polysupport.

The Polymaker PC-Plus filament will be available in October for $39.99 per reel, while the PC-Max version will be available by the end of the year. For a limited time, sample sized packages of 200-300 grams can be purchased directly via Polymaker for only $10, though standard shipping rates still apply. They will also be demonstrating the new materials at various exhibitions around the world this fall, including Euromold in Dusseldorf, the TCT show in Birminhamg, and Makerfaire in New York.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Materials

 

 

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Manfred wrote at 9/14/2015 9:06:04 PM:

Ouch!!!! PC contains BPA (Bisphenol A). Very dangerous and carcinogenic !! Good move



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