Polymaker introduces PolyMide CoPA Nylon material powered by Warp-Free technology

'PolyMide CoPA further bridges the gap between engineering plastics and desktop 3D printing.'

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Polymaker, the Shanghai-based 3D printing materials developer, has announced the launch of PolyMide CoPA, a Nylon co-polymer based filament.

It is said to combine high performance properties and excellent printability, Polymaker believing it is among its best products to date.

Noticing the vast potential in Nylon materials suited to 3D printing, Polymaker is looking to lead the way in the development of the polyamides widely used in demanding applications because of their mechanical and thermal proficiencies. Typically, 3D printed Nylons have suffered in their popularity because of poor printability on conventional 3D printers. The lack of dimensional stability and tendency to warp are common criticisms.

Polymaker has thus developed Warp-Free technology which ‘dramatically improves’ the printability of Nylon filaments. PolyMide CoPA is the first Polymaker product to feature the Warp-Free technology, which controls the microstructure and crystallisation of the material to allow the internal stress caused during printing to be released. Polymaker says this leads to ‘near-zero warpage’ and the improved printability is achieved without sacrificing the intrinsic properties of Nylon. Additionally, no abrasive filler is used meaning there is minimal concern regarding nozzle wear.

The company’s latest material does not require a heated chamber, meaning it is compatible with any FDM/ FFF 3D printing system that can achieve a nozzle temperature of 250°C or higher. It also boasts many of the intrinsic properties that Nylon is renowned for, like high heat resistance, which makes it ideal for engineering applications. A softening temperature of 180°C allows the printing of parts able to withstand high heat and mechanical stress, while PolyMide CoPA’s mechanical properties ensure tough and strong parts and its interlayer adhesion help to create more isotropic parts.

“We are very excited about the material and the new applications it enables,” commented Dr. Xiofan Luo, the CEO of Polymaker. “It further bridges the gap between engineering plastics and desktop 3D printing.”

Polymaker is confident the PolyMide CoPA material can be leveraged for use in a variety of applications, such as automotive components, moulding, and jigs. A research team at Tongji University have recently tested the material while building an eco-car. They combined 3D printed nylon parts with carbon fibre panels, and enjoyed the ability to print large parts with custom infill patterns, helping to balance weight distribution and maximise efficiency.

PolyMide CoPA Black will launch worldwide on January 22nd, 2018, with European customers having earlier access from the 15th, and a second colour option, Natural, will be made available in March 2018.

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