Plastics Technology

JAN 2018

Plastics Technology - Dedicated to improving Plastics Processing.

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More Filaments for FDM and Large-Area Additive Manufacturing Debut Continuing its thrust into the additive manufacturing/3D printing arena, SABIC, Houston, has launched new filaments and is working on others. Lexan EL AMHI240F is a based on SABIC's Lexan EXL PC/silicone copolymer technology, which delivers high impact strength and low-temperature ductility. The filament is said to address the need for higher-performing industrial materials and is designed for use in Stratasys Fortus Classic FDM industrial printers, as well as other printers with suffi- cient temperature capability and an open-format archi- tecture. It is the first of several new mate- rials with distinctive performance characteristics that the company aims to launch in 2018. The filament features a high level of tough- ness and improved ductility down to -30 C/-22 F. Compared with standard PC, this material delivers up to four times better notched Izod impact at room temperature and up to three times better at -30 C, depending on print orientation. It has a HDT of 140 C/284 F, which is higher than that of general-purpose ABS filaments. It is initially offered in black, with white and other colors underway. It meets UL 94V-0 at 3.0 mm in flat (XY) and on-edge (XZ) orientations. New Thermocomp AM compounds address the special requirements of large- format additive manufacturing (LFAM). Print parameters and mechanical properties for the materials—developed by SABIC using test specimens printed on the company's in-house big-area additive manufacturing (BAAM) machine—can aid users in expediting material selection and optimizing processing conditions. Reinforced with carbon or glass fibers, the new compounds can be used for applications in tooling, aerospace, automotive, and defense industries. The first eight Thermocomp AM compounds are based on four of the company's amorphous resins: ABS, PPE, PC, and PEI, which exhibit good creep resistance. Greater dimensional stability of these maerials means lower shrinkage during cooling and less thermal expansion during part use. SABIC plans to expand the Thermo- comp AM portfolio. Currently in development are compounds based on semi-crystalline resins such as PBT, nylon, PPS, and PEEK to address the need for LFAM materials with improved chemical resistance and stiffness. 713-532-4999 • sabic.com Thermocomp filament for LFAM. Medical TPEs For Face Masks And Cushions Two new families of medical-grade TPEs launched by Teknor Apex Co., Pawtucket, R.I., are designed for injection molded face masks. They include a deformation-resistant series for flexible masks and a series of gels that provide a gas-tight cushion for rigid masks molded from PP. The new materials comply with FDA require- ments for food-grade ingredients, ISO 10993-5 standards for biocompatibility, and REACH SVHC directives. Medalist 50100 Series TPEs for flexible masks are more deforma- tion-resistant than PVC and more economical than silicones. In respi- ratory-therapy oxygen masks, the Medalist TPEs are flexible enough to provide a comfortable fit on the face yet retain their shape during pack- aging and storage, without need for inserts. Their PVC-like transparency facilitates patient monitoring. These compounds come in Shore A hardness of 58, 68, and 73. Medalist 10100 Series TPE gels for rigid-mask cushions bond to PP in insert or two-shot molding, providing a less costly alternative to air-filled PVC "balloon" cushions that must be glued onto the rigid component. The super-soft gel cushion conforms to the patient's face to ensure a gas- tight fit that is more secure than the PVC cushion and has a lower profile on the face. Grades in the series include a clear 8 Shore A compound and a translucent 18 A grade. Precol- ored compounds are available. 401-725-8000 • teknorapex.com MATERIALS MATERIALS Competitive Filament Lexan PC Filament 72 JANUARY 2018 Plastics Technology PTonline.com Keeping Up W it h Technolog y

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