Elix Polymers ABS portfolio
Citing its flexibility in production and wealth of knowledge in polymers, Elix believes it is the right partner for companies involved in 3D printing.
Leading manufacturer of ABS resins, Elix Polymers has extended its portfolio with additional speciality grades of ABS for 3D printing.
The new products comes in the wake of the high interest the company’s portfolio received at K 2016 in Dusseldorf, last October. ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a widely used thermoplastic polymer. The rise of 3D printing in recent years has further cemented Elix Polymers position as a leading developer of ABS resins.
October was Elix Polymers’ first appearance at the K trade show, the world’s leading premier fair for the plastics and rubber industry, and the company was made aware of the big opportunities within the 3D technology space.
“We got an improved idea of the high potential growth rates of the 3D printing market during the [K 2016] show,” said Fabian Herter, Industry Manager Automotive, Elix Polymers. “We think Elix can be an important player in this exciting market. 3D printing fits well with our strategy of focusing in speciality businesses with tailor-made products and services.”
Citing its flexibility in production and wealth of knowledge in polymers, Elix believes it is the right partner for companies involved in 3D printing. The company also highlights 3D printing applications suit its own development strategy, particularly in regards to its portfolio.
“3D printing technology can cut costs and time in development, a more efficient use of materials is possible, and final products can be customised to make them fitter for purpose,” Herter adds.
So far, Elix has optimised five ABS grades for 3D printing, each of them fulfilling different customer requirements. All boast improved printing performance, low warpage, dimensional precision and high resolution. The portfolio consists of a general purpose grade, Elix ABS-3D GP; a grade that fulfils food contact material 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 pre-coloured in various shades.
Intending to supervise the complete 3D printing value chain, Elix is already working with several leading 3D 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,” said Antonio Prunera, Head of Quality Business Development, Elix Polymers.
