Haydale Composite Solutions (HCS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Haydale Graphene Industries PLC (HGI), has announced a collaboration with thermoplastic filament manufacturer, Filamentprint (UK) Ltd and Fullerex Ltd to promote and sell Graphene enhanced Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) filaments for 3D printing applications. Visitors to TCT Show 2016 will be able to get a first hand look at see the new range when it debuts on the show floor at the NEC, Birmingham next month.
The Graphene enhanced PLA filaments, available in 1.75mm and 2.85 mm diameters offer excellent first layer adhesion and z axis strength retention, faster processing, improved strength and performance, excellent surface finish and improved dimensional accuracy. The materials are compatible with a broad range of printers and have already been trialled by several 3D printing companies who have reported back with positive reviews.
HCS and Filamentprint are exhibiting these exciting new materials at the TCT show on adjacent booths H39 and H41 and staff from all 3 companies will be available to discuss how the mechanical, electrical, thermal and physical properties of Graphene enhanced PLA filaments can be tailored to meet the needs of different applications and markets. The companies will also be demonstrating sample products 3D printed in Graphene enhanced PLA and sample reels will be available.
Gerry Boyce, Managing Director of HCS said “We are very excited about the development of graphene enhanced Thermoplastic materials for 3D printing. These new materials offer so many benefits including the ability to make parts stiffer, stronger and faster! Speed of print has historically been a barrier to wide scale take up of 3D printing. In the future, the thought of making structural components direct from CAD excites us enormously.”
In addition to launching their first commercially available Graphene enhanced PLA filaments, the companies are also working on a range of Graphene enhanced thermoplastics including ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene), Nylon and PP (Polypropylene) materials. TCT Show visitors will be able to discuss how HCS and Filamentprint can develop customised Graphene enhanced thermoplastic filaments to meet specific product requirements.
Clive Wilcox Managing Director of Filamentprint added: “We are unashamed nano technology enthusiasts. Our thinking incorporates that of both the major industrialists through to the hobbyists. Our collaboration with Haydale and Fullerex is the next logical step in the developmental process to enable us to provide bespoke solutions for our clients’ requirements.”
Joe Eldridge, Director of Fullerex Ltd also commented: “Significant improvements in conventional materials are needed to move FDM 3D printers beyond making prototypes or display models and into a capable technology for rapidly manufacturing mechanically robust, functional parts. Haydale's ability to engineer Graphene to properly exploit its desirable properties has been a vital prerequisite to bridge this gap. This filament is easy to use and has broad compatibility, so is an exciting option regardless of whether you are a hobbyist or an industrial manufacturer.”
TCT Show 2016 will take place at NEC, Birmginham on 28-29th September. Register for FREE to attend.
