Desktop 3D printing leader, Ultimaker, has announced the availability of the first 3D printing material profiles from leading material companies including BASF, Clariant, DSM and DuPont, in Ultimaker Cura 3.6.
The latest version of its free print preparation software offers a Marketplace where users can easily install print profiles, fully optimised for Ultimaker machines, to ensure high quality 3D print results. The news, unveiled at Formnext 2018, builds on announcements made at TCT Show in September where Ultimaker introduced additions to its Material Alliance Program and CC Red 0.6 print core which allows users to print with composite and abrasive materials.
New material print profiles in Ultimaker Cura 3.6 include BASF’s PP GF30, applicable for parts used in environments which require chemical resistance, such as piping applications or automotive applications under the hood. In addition, PET CF is an easy-to-process carbon fibre reinforced material, suitable for lightweight, strong, and stiff parts that require an impact resistance, such as drones.
From Clariant, flame retardant PA6/66 using Exolit and Flame retardant PA6/66 with 20 percent glass fibre using Exolit, can be used to produce parts such as switchgears, electrical enclosures, electronics and automotive components which require flame retardancy and good mechanical properties. In addition, PET-G, a tough, chemical-resistant polyester with improved heat resistance has also been included.
Also featured is DSM’s Novamid ID1030 CF10, a PA6/66 reinforced with carbon fibres to create stronger, tougher and stiffer printed parts, matching the easy and fast printing of unreinforced plastics. Moreover, Arnitel ID2060 HT is a high-performance TPC, which combines sustained high temperature use with chemical resistance. Plus, Arnitel ID2045, a very flexible TPC, is suitable for many applications, from footwear mid-soles to electronics.
From DuPont, Zytel 3D1000FL is an unreinforced polyamide with low shrinkage, and Hytrel 3D41000FL is a polyester elastomer with shore D60 hardness showing similar properties in x, y and z directions. Both are suitable for industrial, automotive, and consumer product applications.
Finally, a glass-fibre reinforced Polypropylene called XSTRAND GF-30 PP and Polyamide 6, known as XSTRAND GF-30 PA6, have been added from Owens Corning’s portfolio.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” says Paul Heiden, Senior Vice President Product Management at Ultimaker. “Since the start of our Material Alliance Program this spring, more than 60 companies showed interest in enabling new and existing materials to fit on Ultimaker 3D printers. Professionals that are looking for composite, flame retardant, ESD or transparent materials can now choose the right print profiles from an evolving marketplace of materials and benefit from a complete solution where hardware, software and materials are fully aligned. This integration is what enables reliable print results and this is what will help to unlock new 3D print applications.”
Ultimaker Cura 3.6 is now available for download. Additional material profiles from other companies such as Arkema, colorFabb, ElogioAM, Eastman, Henkel, igus, Matterhackers, Polymaker, and more, will be added to the Marketplace soon.
