Mar 15, 2018 | By Benedict
Finnish nanodiamond manufacturer Carbodeon and Dutch 3D printing specialist Tiamet 3D have announced an exciting 3D printing innovation: the first nanodiamond-enhanced FDM 3D printer filaments for additive manufacturing.
Diamonds, solid chunks of carbon that have been coveted by humans for centuries, are many things. Diamonds are forever, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and diamonds are now—surprisingly—an FDM 3D printing material.
Using a jointly patented technology, Finnish nanodiamond manufacturer Carbodeon and Dutch 3D printing specialist Tiamet 3D have developed the first nanodiamond-enhanced filaments for 3D printing.
Nanodiamonds, as the name suggests, are tiny diamond particles with a dimension of around five nanometers. They’re far too small to see, but—in certain quantities—still provide many of the mechanical properties of super-hard diamonds.
The two companies making these nanodiamond 3D printer filaments say the presence of the tiny diamond particles within polymers significantly improves the mechanical and thermal properties of 3D printed items, so it’s exciting news not just for those looking to bling up their 3D prints, but also those who want to strengthen them.
“By joining forces, we’ve already developed filaments with a 100 percent increase in tensile strength, improved printability, and better thermal properties,” said Reid Larson, CEO of Tiamet 3D. “Printing also runs more quickly and more reliably with the addition of Carbodeon polymer-tailored nanodiamonds.”
These nanodiamond 3D printer filaments, with their improved performance, purportedly have potential in many manufacturing environments—especially in the electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries.
There are other benefits too. The companies say that, as well as improving the thermal management, conductivity, and tensile strength of the base polymer, nanodiamonds can increase the glass transition temperature of a 3D printed product or component to achieve more robust and reliable polymer products. These diamond-boosted 3D printed products are therefore suitable for “more challenging environments.”
So what kind of filaments will these nanodiamonds be going into? Carbodeon and Tiamet 3D say their first 3D printing material will be a nanodiamond PLA for FDM 3D printers, but higher-performance thermoplastics will soon follow.
The companies have signed a strategic partnership agreement to develop new 3D printer filaments together, which will involve Carbodeon supplying its nanodiamond materials to Tiamet 3D.
“Nanodiamonds offer the potential to make 3D printed components that perform as well as or better than comparable injection moulded components, but with massive cost reductions and production speed improvements, especially for prototype, on-demand and short run production,” said Carbodeon CEO Dr. Vesa Myllymäki, who added that “product development partnerships with innovative companies like Tiamet 3D are a key part of Carbodeon’s global growth strategy.”
No word yet on the cost of these nanodiamond 3D printing filaments, but the early buyers of the 3D printing material might try fabricating this 3D printed replica of Meghan Markle’s engagement ring!
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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Yeah but they have a huuuuuge sale on the half kilo spools, probably cheaper to make with higher volume. buy buy buy
Jake B. wrote at 5/9/2018 3:32:52 PM:
On the Tiamet site the 300g spools have sold out!!!!
David K. wrote at 5/4/2018 6:14:44 PM:
The fastest gear assembly ive made yet, so far holding up well and not getting hot like the old ones.
Tanner Carden wrote at 5/4/2018 11:47:03 AM:
The samples worked for us we printed a new carriage for my Bioprinter! Thanks Tiamet!
Joaris wrote at 5/1/2018 10:01:47 AM:
High strength without having to buy a crazy expensive nozzle???! Thats so nice!
Larry wrote at 4/30/2018 4:02:04 PM:
You mean to tell me that I can have, lets say safely, 5x the current production rate without sacrificing resolution and having the strength of carbon fiber loaded nylon in easy to print PLA? hell yeah! My 3dhubs site just became a lot more profitable!
Diego Mendez wrote at 4/30/2018 3:56:31 PM:
hahaha, yeah Im buying 100 spools for my printer farm!
Oliver wrote at 4/29/2018 9:10:39 AM:
to I.am.magic : 1) it is less corrosive than normal filament!, 2) its inert and nano materials in general are in everything already from car exhaust to lightning striking the ground, to meteors hitting the earth, and even candles produce nano diamonds. The Plastic is biodegradable and a tiny amount of inert nano diamonds will be left behind. Glitter is a different story and its biggest impact is probably when your wife sees it on you face from being at the local gentleman's club. I say good day sir
Reid Larson wrote at 4/29/2018 9:04:07 AM:
Tiamet webshop is live!
I.AM.Magic wrote at 3/16/2018 8:04:51 AM:
1) how much faster will it erode my zozzle? 2) Horrible idea from an environmental perspective (look at what is happening to glitter).
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