Nanodiamond manufacturer Carbodeon (Vantaa / Finland; www.carbodeon.com) and 3D printing specialist Tiamet 3D (Rotterdam / The Netherlands; www.tiamet3d.com) said they are launching the first nanodiamond-enhanced filaments for 3D printing. The filaments are based on a jointly-patented technology, which improves the mechanical and thermal properties of 3D-printed items.

The filaments will be available both from Carbodeon and Tiamet 3D. Carbodeon will offer them under its “uDiamond” brand.

“Nanodiamonds offer the potential to make 3D-printed components that perform as well as or better than comparable injection moulded components, but with massive cost reductions and production speed improvements, especially for prototype, on-demand and short run production,” said Carbodeon CEO Vesa Myllymäki.

3D printing using these improved-performance thermoplastics has potential in almost all manufacturing sectors, particularly in electronics, automotive and aerospace industries. Nanodiamonds can increase the glass transition temperature of the end product or component to achieve more robust and reliable polymer products, suitable for more challenging environments, the company said.

The first filaments will be polylactic acid (PLA)-based, with further development focused on higher-performance thermoplastics. The two companies have signed a strategic partnership agreement on joint filament development, along with a deal for Carbodeon to supply nanodiamond materials to Tiamet 3D.