We usually see partnerships between manufacturers & material producers in the additive manufacturing. A partnership between material producers is not usual but can occur as shown by the example “Polymaker & Covestro”. Both suppliers of materials have renewed their collaboration to develop versatile materials for 3D printing.
The first time we heard about their collaboration was two years ago when they launched two TPU- based 3D printing materials. In that partnership, Polymaker used Covestro’s thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resins to develop its material polymers.
A similar process has been used by both companies to develop three new polycarbonate-based 3D printing materials, each with properties required in various industries. Covestro developed blends materials that Polymaker has optimized for 3D printing.
The three versatile materials are Polymaker™ PC-ABS, Polymaker™ PC-PBT and PolyMax™ PC-FR.
The Polymaker™ PC-ABS for instance, is a combination of polycarbonate and ABS. This blend delivers high impact and heat resistance properties to the new material; not to mention that this combination makes it easy to process. As a matter of fact, the polycarbonate is known for its heat resistance and toughness properties while ABS contributes to the good processing properties. The material is ideal for surface finishings like electroplating and metallization, as well as post-processing.
The second material, the Polymaker™ PC-PBT, is a polymer that combines the chemical resistance of PBT with polycarbonate. Created from Covestro’s MakroblendÒ family, both partners said it withstand chemicals, therefore enables the additive manufacturing of parts where resistance to intermittent contact with fuels, oils, lubricants, cleaners is necessary.
As for the PolyMax™ PC-FR, its base material comes from Covestro’s MakrolonÒ family, where the FR stands for flame retardant. Markforged’s ONYX FR and CRP Technology Windform® FR1 may recall you of similar properties related to flame retardant materials – their ability to stop themselves from burning.
All these materials are already ready for commercialization. To date, China Eastern already harnesses the PolyMax™ PC-FR to print broken cabin parts as the material complies with fire rating standards necessary in aerospace.
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