NatureWorks, a biopolymer manufacturer for additive manufacturing, has introduced Ingeo 3D450, a breakaway formulation for use in dual extrusion 3D printers.
The clean, fast mechanical break-away of Ingeo 3D450 support structures results in parts with high finish quality. The clean break-away of the PLA material reduces post-processing time to improve overall productivity for parts providers.
Applications for Ingeo 3D450 support material include complex industrial parts such as jigs and fixtures, patterns for investment metal casting, and architectural and retail models. Ingeo 3D450 is designed to work with the Ingeo 3D series of grades, including 3D850 and 3D870, that was developed for the professional printing market. At printing speeds up to 100 mm/s, Ingeo 3D450 prints and cools without warping even across large sections of support structures.
The Ingeo 3D450 break-away formulation can reduce or eliminate speed and buildability issues sometimes encountered with soluble support materials such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or high-impact polystyrene (HIPS).
Compared to these soluble supports, Ingeo 3D450 has a longer and more stable shelf life, and dramatically reduced moisture sensitivity during printing. The material also reduces the need for post-processing with its clean break-away from a build. The new grade is compatible with large format printers, and since Ingeo 3D450 break-away supports do not rely on solvent baths for removal, 3D450 avoids the size constraints encountered with needing to submerse a build.
Tackling many of the issues inherent in printing with polylactic acid (PLA) and PVC materials, the new material cleans faster than traditional PLA and prints faster than other soluble materials, according to users who beta tested the product.
Attendees at the Additive Manufacturing Users Group Conference and Tradeshow (AMUG) in Chicago this month can see a demonstration of the material on Titan Robotics’ new Atlas hybrid filament and direct pellet extrusion print machine.
Source: https://www.natureworksllc.com/News-and-Events/Press-Releases/2019/2019-03-26-3D450-Grade
