After the high interest shown in its initial offering at the "K 2016" trade fair in Düsseldorf / Germany, Elix Polymers (Tarragona / Spain; www.elix-polymers.com) is developing additional speciality grades of ABS that are optimised for 3D printing.

Elix will offer 3D printing grades for filament producers, 3D printer makers and final part manufacturers who use Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), more commonly known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling). This technology has a broad scope of applications, in sectors such as automotive, healthcare, aerospace, E&E, consumer products and toys.

The Spanish manufacturer has currently optimised five ABS grades for 3D printing, and all five grades exhibit improved printing performance, low warpage, dimensional precision and high resolution, the company says. The portfolio includes a general purpose grade ("Elix ABS-3D GP"), a grade that fulfils food contact materials regulation no. 10/2011 and biocompatibility standards (ISO 10993-1 and USP class VI) for food contact and medical applications ("Elix ABS-3D FC"), a high-impact grade ("Elix ABS-3D HI"), a grade with improved interlayer adhesion for complex parts ("Elix ABS-3D LA"), and an ABS reinforced with natural fibres that produces a wood-like appearance when used on special 3D printers ("Elix ABS-3D NF"). All grades are available in natural or various precoloured shades.

Elix intends to supervise the complete 3D printing value chain, and is already cooperating with several leading printer producers and 3D software providers. “The scope is not only to develop new formulations, but also to identify the right partners and create a database with validated filament producers,” Antonio Prunera, head of quality and business development, says.