FKuR at Composites Europe, Düsseldorf, 7th - 9th October 2014:
A highlight at this year's exhibition will be bioplastics reinforced with natural fibers designed especially for 3D printing
The bioplastics specialist FKuR Kunststoff GmbH and Helian Polymers, a leading provider of 3D printing filaments, are cooperating on the development of novel PLA blends for 3D printing. The initial results and applications of this collaboration will be shown at this year's Composites Europe exhibition (booth A36, hall 8b). The highlight at the booth will be live 3D printing of natural fiber reinforced bioplastics.
Bioplastics such as PLA are particularly suitable for the FDM process (Fused Deposition Modeling), as they have a relatively narrow melt window at low temperatures. Furthermore, the low processing temperature results in easier control of the printer and simplifies the regulation of the printing process. When compared to conventional ABS, which is generally used currently, the printing accuracy is also improved. In addition, when ABS is processed, styrene vapours could be released with resulting, and as yet unknown, health consequences. Here, the bioplastic PLA offers an alternative which is not hazardous to health.
However, a significant disadvantage of unmodified PLA is its brittleness and low impact strength. As a consequence the quality of the finished product is adversely affected. With its new generation of PLA based filament formulations, the cooperation partners satisfy the requirement for an optimized material quality along with improved processing. With their unique and comprehensive product portfolio, both development partners will steadily expand the applications and markets for PLA in 3D printing.
Colorfabb are able to supply filaments in a wide variety of colors. Their product range includes the recently developed design materials reinforced with natural fibers namely 'woodFill Fine' and 'BambooFill'.
These two wood fiber reinforced grades ('woodFill Fine' and the bamboo fiber reinforced grade 'BambooFill') enable the manufacture of components with a unique wood appearance and distinctive feel. Compared to conventional wood, there are virtually no limits to design freedom. This freedom of design enables designers and architects, as well as private users, to work with new creative options
www.fkur.com
