UK “interest growing” in 3D printed material says ALBIS

ALBIS UK has recently showcased a working application of a new polymer for 3D printing applications.

Exhibiting at the PPME show in Manchester earlier this year, ALBIS demonstrated the production of parts using ‘Amphora 3D Polymer AM1800’ from Eastman Chemical, which the ALBIS Group is now distributing across Europe.

Ian Mills, ALBIS UK’s Managing Director said it was “early days” to judge the popularity of the polymer, as it has only been a part of the Group’s portfolio since April, however, he said “interest is growing.”

Eastman’s Amphora 3D Polymer is a low-odour, styrene-free material for 3D printing applications that is said to differentiate itself through high dimensional stability, low shrinkage, outstanding toughness and resistance to hydrolysis.

The material can be processed in most filament 3D printers – even at high printing speeds – thanks to its good flow properties. Eastman says its high layer-to-layer adhesion ensures mechanical strength, so that Amphora can be used not only for prototyping, but also for functional parts. The material can also be “processed flawlessly” in terms of deformations during printing or emission of nanoparticles, Eastman added.

Amphora conforms with the food contact and medical product regulations of the American FDA, as well as the equivalent food product regulations in the EU.

“3D printing offers us an expanded field of application possibilities thanks to the great freedom of design it provides, and makes an outstanding addition to conventional processing technologies,” commented Heinz Wessendorf, Director, BL Distribution Advanced Polymers at ALBIS PLASTIC.

“We are pleased to be able to distribute these types for Eastman in Europe. To do so, we are expanding our Eastman portfolio and also offering a plastic solution which was specifically developed for this processing method for the first time.”

Eastman says it also welcomes the cooperation: “Eastman Chemical was early to invest in the development of functional, harmless to health polymers for professional 3D printing,” said Thomas Steinbrecher, Group Leader Technology, EMEA for Eastman Chemical Speciality Plastics.

“Our cooperation with ALBIS PLASTIC enables us to competently serve our customers in the growing 3D printing market on a nationwide level.”