UK bioplastics company Floreon has developed a new bioplastic 3D printing filament which is reportedly four times tougher than conventional polylactic acid (PLA).
Floreon3D filament uses a polyester-based polymer blend with a standard PLA.
While conventional PLA has a lower carbon footprint and non-renewable energy usage than any mineral-based thermoplastic, when used in 3D printing filaments it is renowned for its poor toughness, the company says. While it delivers clean low temperature printing it has limited performance, and some strand breaks have been reported with lower quality PLA filaments.
Floreon3D can help match the performance of conventional filaments without the unpleasant smell during processing. It is also tougher and more flexible, Floreon says. It gives an improved matt finish
'Currently available in 1.75mm diameter in 6 colors – red, blue, yellow, black, white and of course green – we will be working to extend the range of products over the coming year,’ said Bill Stringer, Floreon commercial director. ‘Now that we have moved into production, we are working to form partnerships with printer manufacturers.’
This story is reprinted from material from Floreon, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
