Nov 14, 2017 | By Tess
The Dow Chemical Company, a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest chemical companies DowDuPont, has announced its entry into the 3D printing industry with the launch of its EVOLV3D platform for high-performance 3D printing materials.
According to the company, its EVOLV3D family of 3D printing materials will seek to meet customer demands and to overcome existing challenges in prototyping and manufacturing that existing 3D printing materials do not.
Keith Wilson, market segment manager for Dow, said: “The EVOLV3D platform for 3D printing has been developed to respond to the need for versatile, cost-effective and more sustainable materials that effectively address emerging requirements in this fast-growing industry.”
“As a leader in material science, Dow is focused on leveraging our R&D capabilities to develop high-performance materials for 3D printing that will enable greater design freedom, reduce product development cycles and offer unique performance benefits,” he added.
So far, Dow Chemical has announced the first product to be a part of its materials platform: EVOLV3D USM, which stands for Universal Support Material. The new support material can be used in combination with a “broad range” of standard printing filaments (hence the “universal” claim).
The support material, which is water-soluble, enables the printing of parts with large overhangs, complex internal geometries, and deep cavities, says the company. Further, it was developed to retain its structural integrity while the print is in progress—a crucial feature for any support material.
EVOLV3D USM will officially launch early next year.
Dow Chemical Company HQ in Midland, Michigan
“Existing printers use a wide range of technologies and materials,” added Wilson. “Designers are looking for support materials that are easy to use and maximize performance. By taking advantage of the unique properties of EVOLV3DTM USM, it’s easier to create functional, beautiful and high-performing parts using a variety of build materials.”
In addition to its USM material, Dow also announced the development of a 3D printable liquid silicone rubber, which was done in partnership with German RepRap GmbH. Silicone, as we know, is a highly sought after material in the 3D printing industry, and many companies and organizations are working on producing silicone-based or silicone-inspired materials suited for 3D printing.
“More than simply a technological achievement, this material introduces the power and versatility of silicone technology into the realm of 3D printing,” commented Kris Verschueren, the global innovation program manager at Dow Performance Silicones. “Our customers can now combine the uniquely beneficial properties of our silicones with faster prototype development and small series production of highly complex parts.”
For the duration of this week, the Dow Chemical Company will be presenting its new EVOLV3D USM and liquid silicone rubber materials at formnext 2017 in collaboration with German RepRap. Visitors can find the materials being demonstrated at booth D30 in hall 3.1.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
Maybe you also like:
- Unitika's thermo-sensitive 3D printing material can be reworked after printing
- Is filament made from astronaut urine the next giant leap for 3D printing in space?
- BASF Group acquires Dutch 3D printing filament producer Innofil3D
- Carnegie Mellon researchers identify suitable 3D printing alloys with new rapid screening method
- Taiwan's GMTC partners with Thermal Technology LLC to develop metal 3D printing powders
- Airwolf's materials strength test: What is the strongest 3D printer filament?
- Iglidur I150 Tribo filament by Igus approved for 3D printing food
- Singapore researchers use nanoparticles to improve strength of 3D printed Inconel 625 superalloy
- New HSLA steel powder for naval 3D printing applications being developed at Pitt
- Large-scale testing of biological 3D printing filament organized by BioFabNet
- UK startup Fishy Filaments turns old fishing nets into 3D printer filament
- Formlabs launches new ceramic resins and experimental product platform Form X
Dow Chemical is NOT a subsidiary of DuPont , Dow owns DuPont...
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.
