Desktop FFF 3D printing is opening up new possibilities as unique materials are released for desktop Makers. As fun as wood and bronze filaments may be, however, their aesthetic appeal may be overshadowed by weak material properties. The real revolution may be seen with functional filaments, like eSUN’s most recent ePC, which the company suggests is fireproof and environmentally friendly.
eSUN states that their latest ePC filament is fire resistant up to UL94: V-2, a UL certification that indicates that, in terms of a materials, “burning stops within 30 seconds on a vertical specimen [and] drips of flaming particles are allowed”, according to Wikipedia. This, along with the material’s toughness, the company believes make it ideal for printing such objects as lighters, helmets, and aromatherapy holders, as well as electronic accessories, machinery parts, and more.
A member of eSUN’s R&D team says of the company’s research, “In every development process of the new product, we always adhere to the development of new properties and the optimization of the material itself, emphasizing on the mobility in the use of the material, which will be beneficial to the final shape and can avoid the material waste caused by repeated tests.”
It should be noted that the V-2 certification is not the strictest provided by UL. V-0, for instance, indicates that “burning stops within 10 seconds on a vertical specimen; drips of particles allowed as long as they are not inflamed.” So, as long as you’re okay with flaming particles and thirty seconds of burning, this material should work for you. I’ve asked the company about the standards used to make the claim that ePC is environmentally friendly and am waiting to hear back. I’ll update as soon as I know!
