Filament and extrusion-based 3D printing technology developer Polymaker has proved that two heads are better than one when it comes to innovation.
Polymaker
Based on a cooperation with Covestro, Polymaker intends to introduce its new product range Polymaker PC into the market shortly. The filaments made from polycarbonate were developed for use in 3D desktop printers.
The additive manufacturing pioneer teamed up with Covestro - formerly Bayer MaterialScience - to develop the new Polymaker PC-Plus and PC-Max 3D printers, which can extrude polycarbonate resins.
The application was made possible by lowering the printing temperature from 300 to 320 degrees Celsius down to a moderate 250 to 270 degrees Celsius, as well as by a significantly reduced tendency to warping. Polymaker PC-Max further exhibits improved mechanical properties – increased toughness, in particular – making it suitable for mechanically demanding applications.
3D printing filaments with new functions
Polymaker’s material scientists work closely with the Covestro team to enhance the formulation of the polycarbonate-based 3D filaments and imbue the materials with unprecedented properties and functionalities.
"Thanks to Covestro's experience, portfolio of products and industry leadership, we can achieve high performance, reliability and safety with the best materials," said Dr Xiaofan Luo, CEO of Polymaker. "The products should inspire our customers and expand our portfolio."
Tim Efthimiady, Senior Vice-President of the Polycarbonate Business Unit of Covestro, added: "We see the introduction of our high-tech polymers to the field of 3D printing as an important step for driving next-generation design and production solutions. We are looking forward to further collaboration with Polymaker for this burgeoning industry."
Outstanding material properties
Polymaker PC is characterised by high heat resistance compared with existing 3D printing materials. The products can withstand temperatures of well over 100 degrees Celsius, making them ideal for lighting, engineering and all types of applications that require good structural stability when exposed to heat.
One of the most widely used thermoplastics, polycarbonate is renowned for its excellent mechanical properties. This is also echoed in the Polymaker PC products, which retain their very good mechanical strength under nearly all different deformation modes while also exhibiting high-impact resistance and hardness.
Polymaker PC can easily be post-processed by sanding, coating or other methods. Additional advantages include intrinsic flame retardance, optical transparency and resistance to chemicals and solvents.
