Solvay unveiled a new material for FDM 3D printing processes at Formnext 2019. Named Solef® PVDF, the AM filament is already available for commercialization through the company’s e-shop as well as through Ultimaker‘s Marketplace.
Just like several material producers, the materials and specialty chemicals company is aware of the importance of partnerships to grow in the additive manufacturing industry. Throughout the year, the company has announced partnerships with industry leaders such as Stratasys and newcomers such as Aerosint. Beyond these partnerships, the integration in 3D Printer manufacturers’ material programs is also an interesting approach to expand the reach of new products.
Ultimaker is one of the first companies that launched such an initiative in the industry. The Dutch manufacturer’s vision was (and is still) to meet the growing demand for industrial-grade 3D printing materials while offering free downloads of print profiles.
The Belgian material producer will provide its products alongside ARMOR Group, Lubrizol, Essentium, Polymaker, eSun and many other brands.
“As AM technologies are rapidly expanding their scope from prototyping to tooling to small series production in the most demanding industries, our new Solef® PVDF filament extends material options for engineers and designers to include fluorinated semi-crystalline thermoplastics. The filament opens up a wide range of new FFF possibilities especially in the chemical processing, semiconductor and oil & gas industries.” says Christophe Schramm, Manager of New Technologies for Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit. “We are pleased to partner with Ultimaker for a plug-and-play experience with Solvay’s new AM filament material and Ultimaker’s large installed base of printers.”
A quick look at the Solef® PVDF AM filament MSC NT 1
Solvay’s new material can be processed at a temperature that can go up to 120°C. Known for its atypical chemical resistance and outstanding UV, weathering and oxidation resistance, the filament is ideal for outdoor applications and components that are used in harsh chemical environments.
“Solvay’s partnership with Ultimaker underscores our commitment to building a strong and diversified AM ecosystem that meets the increasing needs of our customers for high-performance 3D printable specialty polymers,” adds Paul Heiden, SVP Product Management, Ultimaker. “We encourage manufacturers and designers to explore Ultimaker’s Marketplace and use the print profile of Solef® PVDF AM filament for evaluation.”
The Solef® PVDF AM filament joins a portfolio that already includes KetaSpire® polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Radel® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) filaments.
You can now post free of charge job opportunities in the AM Industry on 3D ADEPT Media.
For further information about 3D Printing, follow us on our social networks and subscribe to our newsletter : Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram !
Would you like to be featured in the next issue of our digital magazine? Send us an email at contact@3dadept.com