At the London 3D Printshow, colorFabb will be displaying its broad range of 3D printing filaments and, among them, the filament retailer will be including its latest XT-Copolyester feedstock, made with Eastman Amphora 3D polymer. The new material is the result of a partnership between Eastman Chemical Company and Helian Polymers (owner of colorFabb) that sought to create a low-odor, styrene-free filament that could meet regulatory requirements, while maintaining 3D printing dimensional stability.
Eastman and Helian began testing various materials and formulations in 2013, with Eastman relying on its knowledge of chemistry and Helian applying that expertise to its own field of 3D printers and filaments. Their research yielded colorFabb’s XT-Copolyester, made with Eastman Amphora 3D polymer, meant to be a workable, functional material with decreased odor and free from many hazardous chemicals. According to colorFabb, the feedstock high strength in strength and very high in toughness, more temperature resistant, compliant with FDA food contact regulations, and free from Styrene and BPA.
Alex Dudal, market development representative for Eastman, reflected on the new material, “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. With Eastman Amphora™ 3D polymers, parts can be printed with a dimensional ability and functionality for industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, technology, education and retail.”
Ruud Rouleaux, managing director for Helian, added, “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. 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.”
Eastman will continue researching the material to develop further color and texture options. Until then, you can check out XT-Copolyester at the colorFabb site or, if you happen to be attending 3D Printshow, at the colorFabb booth.
