3D printer manufacturer MakerBot has announced a new addition for its MakerBot LABS: three new LUVOCOM® 3F materials from provider of high-performance thermoplastics LEHVOSS Group.
The new additions bring the number of materials that can be leveraged on MakerBot 3D printers to 30. MakerBot has succeeded to qualify a diverse range of materials in less than two years – ever since it unveiled its open materials platform.
“We are always evaluating new materials to meet the needs of our customers and their applications. The ability to 3D print additional high-performance materials on the METHOD platform opens more opportunities for those who want to test out different materials with advanced mechanical and thermal properties,” said Johan-Till Broer, VP of Product Development at MakerBot
The new materials, named LUVOCOM 3F PAHT 9825 NT, LUVOCOM 3F PAHT CF 9891 BK, and LUVOCOM 3F PET CF 9780 BK can now be used with the MakerBot LABS GEN 2 Experimental Extruder for both the METHOD and METHOD X 3D printers.
What’s certain with these materials is that, LEHVOSS materials are able to guarantee the same reproducibility for 3D printed parts. Remember TÜV SÜD certified the producer’s Filament and Ultimaker’s 3D Printing Process in 2020.
As far as mechanical properties are concerned, the LUVOCOM 3F materials share the same properties than their compounded versions used for injection molding. They enable operators to deliver strong parts in stiff prints with a high quality surface finish – in a nutshell, parts that are ideal for prototyping, jigs and fixtures, and end-use applications.
“The MakerBot METHOD and METHOD X machines offer unique heated chamber capabilities which allow semi-crystalline materials to have their full properties out of the printer, avoiding the need of post-processes. In addition, its excellent precision and reproducibility in combination with our high-performance LUVOCOM 3F material range brings an exceptional engineering performance to the customers,” said Thiago Medeiros Araujo, Global Product Manager LUVOCOM 3F at LEHVOSS.
Key features of each 3D printing material
As stated in a press release, the qualified LUVOCOM 3F materials include:
- LUVOCOM 3F PAHT 9825 NT – A high-temperature polyamide (also known as nylon) material with continuous service temperature of up to 100°C and the strength of PA/Nylon 6. The material has 50% reduced water uptake and a four-times slower absorption rate compared to PA6. Low moisture absorption can help minimize printing issues as well as property changes of the printed part. This material is optimized for low warpage, high strength and impact resistance, and excellent surface finish for end-use parts, such as flanges and fixtures.
- LUVOCOM 3F PAHT CF 9891 BK – The carbon fiber (CF) filled grade of LUVOCOM 3F PAHT 9825 NT has even lower water uptake and good resistance against harsh chemicals like automotive fluids. The addition of carbon fiber strengthens the thermal and mechanical properties, and has a continued use of up to 150°C while retaining 50% of its mechanical properties. The material is suitable for high temperature environments such as automotive under-the-hood applications, such as housings or engine covers. In addition to its outstanding mechanical performance, the material is easy to print and does not warp.
- LUVOCOM 3F PET CF 9780 BK – A carbon fiber-filled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material that is easy to print, with low warping, and exhibits a superb surface finish straight from the printer, reducing the need for post-processing. It provides high strength, elevated temperature resistance up to 120°C and chemical resistance outperforming PETG.
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