Sabic has introduced three new plastic filaments for additive manufacturing (AM).
The materials, suitable for fused deposition modelling are ULTEM AM1010F filament for general high-temperature applications, including tooling and ULTEM AMHU1010F and LEXAN AMHC620F filaments for healthcare applications. They can be used for end-use parts as well as prototypes.
In 2017, Sabic introduced its first six new filaments for fused deposition modeling and eight THERMOCOMP AM compounds for large-format additive manufacturing. In late 2017, the company announced a filament based on LEXAN EXL polycarbonate copolymer technology that is available only from Sabic.
‘Our commitment to provide customers with advanced, high-performance compounds and filaments for AM remains strong,’ said Keith Cox, senior business manager, Additive Manufacturing, Sabic. ‘[The] launch of these three additional filament products, together with plans to continue expanding our additive manufacturing product portfolio, demonstrate Sabic’s determination to further the evolution of this technology and enable application innovation.’
ULTEM AM1010F provides high heat resistance (a glass transition temperature of 217°C) and high mechanical strength. It can be used in applications such as short-cycle injection molding tools, carbon-fiber layup tools, and automotive components. The filament is UL94 V-0 compliant at 1.5 mm and 5VA compliant at 3.0 mm.
The ULTEM AMHU1010F and LEXAN AMHC620F filaments are made with Sabic healthcare-grade resins. The same base resin materials are available in injection molding grades for production.
ULTEM AMHU1010F filament is a polyetherimide (PEI) product, manufactured from ULTEM HU1010 healthcare-grade resin that provides high heat resistance. The unpigmented filament is biocompatible (ISO 10993 or USP Class VI), and printed parts can be sterilized using gamma radiation, ethylene oxide (EtO) or steam autoclaving. It is UL94 V-0 compliant at 1.5 mm and 5VA compliant at 3.0mm. LEXAN AMHC620F polycarbonate (PC) filament, available in white, is also biocompatible and can be sterilized with gamma or EtO methods. This filament meets UL94HB rating at 1.5mm.
Both new filaments are potentially suitable for a variety of medical devices, including conceptual modeling to functional prototyping and end-use parts. Possible customized or personalized applications include surgical instruments, single-use devices and casts/splints.
This story uses material fromSabic, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
