ColorFabb’s new carbon fiber filament offers a solution for printing functional 3D products using extrusion-based 3D printing. The technology was recently integrated into the STACKER commercial 3D printer, which has already blown past its $100,000 goal on Kickstarter.
The ColorFabb XT-Copolyester is made with Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymer, which aims to improve the standards of strength, workability, processing, aesthetics and even the odor of 3D printed products. It also boasts a high melt strength and viscosity, good dimensional accuracy and stability, and stiffness without being brittle.
Eastman Chemical Company, makers of Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymer, teamed up with Helian Polymers, a leader in filament 3D manufacturing, in 2014 to launch ColorFabb XT-Copolyester. The companies will be showcasing their latest creation, a new carbon fiber filament, at NPE2015.
“After getting over the cost of 3D printers, functional printed parts were still only a dream for extrusion-based desktop printers — until now,” said Alex Dudal, an Eastman Chemical Company market development representative. “The collaboration with Helian has helped small businesses, schools and homes to get into 3D printing, while allowing larger companies to print parts such as prototypes and tools that have dimensional stability and functionality. Now that we have a material that allows this kind of functionality, we’re looking forward to seeing more from 3D printer manufacturers.”
The collaboration that yielded ColorFabb began in 2013 when Eastman and Helian set out to develop a solution for printing functional 3D products using extrusion-based 3D printing. The companies were well equipped to test materials and formulations using their experience with high-performance polymers and 3D printing filaments.
“The 3D printing industry is progressing fast, and we’re constantly seeing new, exciting things happening — from the development of medical replicas and implants to 3D-printed cars,” added Dudal. “With Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymer, companies like STACKER are able to push the boundaries and create machines that can print more than one part at a time while still being affordable.”
Eastman will be showcasing the ColorFabb XT-Copolyester filament and 3D prints fabricated from Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymer at NPE2015 (March 23 to 27 in Orlando). Company representatives will be available for the duration of the show in Room S230D, with a 3D printer ready to go.
Additionally, Steve Wright, a technology fellow at Eastman Chemical Company, will be making a presentation for ANTEC® called Clearing the Air About 3D Printing Emissions. The event will take place on March 25 at 1:30 p.m. in Room S319.