3DXTECH Launches 3D Printing Filament Based on Arkema Kepstan PEKK at RAPID + TCT

April 17, 2018 by Matt Howlett 3D Printing 3D Printing Materials Sponsored

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The new PEKK filaments are designed for 3D printing of highly technical parts requiring extreme performance. Properties include resistance to high temperatures and harsh chemicals, and outstanding flame and smoke properties. Created to be printed on open-source filament-based 3D printers, Kepstan PEKK filament offers both ease of printability and the highest performance of any thermoplastic material currently available.

“Arkema’s Kepstan PEKK (polyetherketoneketone) is one of the most advanced polymers used in extreme environments, such as aerospace and chemical processing environments. It is well known in the additive manufacturing industry that a lack of material options is a major factor limiting next generation applications,” says Adrien Lapeyre, Arkema’s Global Market Manager for 3D Printing powders.

“We are proud to partner with Arkema,” said Matt Howlett, President of 3DXTECH. “The Arkema and 3DXTECH R&D teams worked well together to solve major challenges, particularly with the semi-crystalline polymers that are typically not ideal for extrusion-based 3D printing.”
Howlett continues by stating “the goal had been to create an ultra-performance polymer capable of being printed on open-source filament-based 3D printers. The result of this collaboration is our Firewire PEKK which creates an exciting opportunity for using these types of materials without expending an excessive amount of capital on closed-source printing systems.”

Kepstan PEKK is an extreme performance thermoplastic with a highly stable chemical backbone. Its semicrystalline structure offers an outstanding combination of mechanical and thermal strength together with tremendous chemical and fire resistance.

The new Kepstan PEKK based filament is now available from 3DXTECH and marketed under the Firewire trademark here.

Visit 3DXTECH at the upcoming RAPID + TCT at Booth # 543 and Arkema at Booth #2018

For more information on 3DXTECH’s entire family of Ultra-Performance Materials, including PEKK, PEEK, PPSU, PPS, and PVDF, please visit https://www.3dxtech.com/ultra-performance-filaments/.

Kepstan is a registered trademark of Arkema. Firewire is a registered trademark of 3DXTECH LLC.

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