Eastman Chemical Company, a specialty chemical company, and Helian Polymers, a leader in the masterbatch and biopolymer industry, have teamed to launch colorFabb XT-Copolyester made with Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymer. The new low-odor, styrene-free polymer is uniquely suited for the 3D market with benefits in air quality, dimensional stability and regulatory compliance:
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Air quality |
Low odor |
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Styrene-free |
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Generate fewer ultra-fine particulates than ABS |
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Dimensional stability |
Tough thermoplastic material creates stronger, more detailed parts |
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Temperature resistance to create functional parts |
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Great layer bonding for reliable processing and great part finish |
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Chemical resistance for long-lasting good looks and performance |
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FDA compliance |
Complies with certain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for |
ColorFabb XT-Copolyester will be on display at the 3D Printshow in London from Sept. 4 to 6. Printed samples, including a 3D puzzle chair, will demonstrate the filament’s capabilities at the show. Individual pieces of the puzzle chair, printed prior to the show, will be joined together to create a functional chair used in the booth.
The collaboration between Eastman and Helian, brand owner of colorFabb, began in 2013 with the goal of developing a solution for functional 3D products printed using extrusion-based 3D printing. The companies worked to test materials and formulations, utilizing their expertise in high-performance polymers and 3D printing filaments. Eastman’s history with a broad portfolio of solutions and technical expertise complemented Helian’s innovative work with 3D printers and filaments. The resulting colorFabb XT-Copolyester made with Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymer focuses on functionality and features strength, workability, processing, aesthetics and low odor for 3D printed products.
“Although fast-growing, extrusion-based desktop printing has yet to see a solution for functional parts. Our collaboration with Helian has allowed us to go beyond prototypes,” said Alex Dudal, market development representative, Eastman Chemical Company. “With Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymers, parts can be printed with a dimensional stability and functionality for industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, technology, education and retail.”
Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymers will provide makers of 3D filaments with a consistent, high-quality product. It will empower consumers to create strong, functional 3D products through desktop printing, while ensuring good air quality and dimensional stability with a material that complies with FDA regulations. Looking to the future, Eastman is considering tailoring options — like color and texture — for additional solutions.
“The number of advancements we’ve been able to make in a relatively short amount of time is a testimony to the potential of our relationship with Eastman,” said Ruud Rouleaux, managing director, Helian Polymers. “Taking advantage of new, better-performing materials is the advancement the 3D printing industry needs to venture out of laboratories and into small businesses, schools and homes.”
Source: Eastman