Chemson Pacific produces world's first PVC filament for 3D printers
Announcement posted by PR Deadlines 13 May 2016
Sydney-based manufacturer of PVC stabilizers, Chemson Pacific P/L, has today announced the launch of 3D Vinyl™ PVC, a ground breaking invention which was 100 per cent conceived, developed and tested in Australia. It is believed to be the first of its kind in the world.
With the development and successful laboratory and field-testing of 3D Vinyl™, Chemson Pacific has proven that the time for PVC to enter the polymer-based 3D printing market segment has arrived. By pioneering a PVC formulation with true “thermoplastic” 3D printing properties and specifically designed for use as a 3D printing filament feedstock, the Chemson invention significantly broadens the options available for users of 3D printing; from cottage-industry makers and hobbyists, to advanced manufacturing.
3D Vinyl™ stands to make a significant impact within the Direct Digital Manufacturing market, as its unique qualities remove the constraints formerly imposed on the majority of accessible 3D printing platforms. The product will enable these systems to venture beyond the boundaries of rapid prototyping, allowing all users of 3DVinyl™ to develop end-use parts and products in a variety of low-run production deployments.
Key attributes of 3D Vinyl:
· UV resistant
· Weatherproof
· Solvent resistant
· "Group 1" Fire retardant (capable of AS3837 compliance)
· Low embodied energy content when compared to incumbent polymer-based filaments
· Sustainable footprint – requiring 50 per cent fewer fossil fuel inputs (3DVinyl™ uses abundant natural gas while some incumbents are derived from crude oil.)
· Improved rigidity
· Elimination of bottom layer warping and poor bed adhesion
· Excellent for generating support structures, which are easily removed
Regional alliances with PVC industry leader Welvic, CSIRO and tertiary bodies will bring 3DVinyl™ to market for Australia/NZ/ASEAN. Additionally, a strategic partnership with Functionalize, the U.S.-based leader in functional 3D printing materials, will co-develop conductive, electrostatic dissipative and other specialised formulations of 3DVinyl™, and expand its market reach in North America, Europe and beyond.
“3D Vinyl provides a strong, weatherable and durable alternative for conventional ABS use cases, while simultaneously expanding the materials options for the vast market of PLA-only printers,” said Michael Toutonghi, CEO of Functionalize. “We’re excited to partner with Chemson Pacific on commercialisation and distribution of this important new material, and we look forward to functionalising it for a broad range of manufacturing and maker applications”.
Benefits of 3D Vinyl for industrial 3D printing:
· Low melt viscosity
· Excellent flow properties
· Heat stability
· Excellent layer adhesion
· Enhanced durability
"3D VinylTM is a definitive new 3D printing material that will bring a combination of physical properties not available with the current incumbent polymeric materials. 3D Printing is currently one of the fastest growing, value-adding industries internationally and will be an important source of mentally-stimulating career paths and new business growth for the future, which I’m absolutely proud to be a part of,” said Dennis Planner of Chemson Pacific. “3D VinylTM brings a new era for the PVC Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, here in Australia and worldwide."
3D Vinyl™ was tested using the AIO Robotics Zeus 3D printer, with testing performed by Marc Jolivet of PMMCO.
About Chemson Pacific
Chemson Pacific is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chemson Group (part of the OYAK Group of Companies), focused on the formulation & manufacture of non-toxic and non-heavy metal based heat stabiliser technologies for PVC.
Chemson Pacific pioneered the benign Organic (OBS®) heavy-metal free stabiliser and new Calcium/Zinc systems to replace Lead (and all other additives deemed undesirable) in PVC for potable water & fire-retardant building applications in Australia.
The formulation acumen acquired over many years enabled the successful development and proof-testing of 3D VinylTM PVC for 3D Printing.
About Functionalize:
Functionalize is focused on creating breakthrough 3D printing materials and technologies that allow anyone to go from concept to functional product, catalyzing the next wave of the new industrial revolution. Founder and CEO, Michael Toutonghi is a 30-year serial entrepreneur and intrapreneur veteran, former Microsoft vice president and technical fellow, inventor and co-inventor on 29 issued patents, as well as Functionalize’s pending patents on nano-material synthesis and polymer technology. To find out more, visit: www.functionalize.com