3D Printing Materials Updates: Windform Passes New Tests, 3DVerkstan and add:north Partner Up

CRP Technology is known for its Windform 3D printing materials, a collection of high-performance composite materials with strong thermal and mechanical properties. Windform materials are highly flexible, elastic, and resistant to damage from vibration, deformation, high and low temperatures, and liquids. They have been used in a variety of applications, from motorcycle parts and drones to artistic masks and even satellite launchers. Now CRP Technology has announced that its Windform materials have been subjected to a new series of tests, and have passed impressively.

The following materials were subjected to the UL 94 HB test for flammability: the laser sintering polyamide-based carbon fiber reinforced composite materials Windform XT 2.0 and Windform SP, as well as the laser sintering polyamide-based glass fiber reinforced composite materials Windform GT and Windform LX 3.0. The “test for flammability of plastic materials for parts in devices and appliances” was carried out on test specimens from 1 to 3 mm in thickness. All four of the materials passed the test, earning the HB classification.

Samples of Windform LX 3.0 and Windform SP were also subjected to VUV testing by exposing to ~8 solar equivalents in LEO, with a wavelength range of 115-200 nm VUV radiation from a 30 W Hamamatsu L7292 deuterium lamp for 36 continuous hours. Neither of the materials showed any degradation, demonstrating that Windform materials are suitable composite materials for challenging and harsh applications.

The results of these tests, as well as results from other tests the Windform materials have undergone, can be found here.

In other 3D printing materials news, 3DVerkstan Nordic AB has partnered with Swedish filament manufacturer add:north to develop new and unique filaments. 3DVerkstan is a leading knowledge and solutions provider for the 3D printing industry, and also acts as a distributor for Ultimaker, Formlabs and Markforged. The company will become, under the new agreement, a Baltic and Nordic distributor for add:north’s materials portfolio, including a new matte and fiber-reinforced PLA filament specifically developed for architectural models. The new filament will be released in multiple colors during the second quarter of this year.

“The main reason for joining forces with add:north is that they excel in their knowledge of developing 3d printing materials,” said Daniel Ljungstig, CEO of 3DVerkstan. “They also have an impressive growth rate and an ambitious road map. Their focus on knowledge and superior quality is in line with 3DVerkstan. Together, we will be able to develop and market new and unique materials, that enable our customers to print products that have previously been impossible.”

3DVerkstan will also sell and distribute add:north’s recycled PLA filament, called RE:ADD. Under the program, customers can send waste and scrap PLA to add:north, which will recycle it into new filament. In addition, the two companies will work together in R&D to develop both aesthetic and functional materials for special components in areas such as neutron shielding, electrical conductivity and cold and heat dissipation.

Finally, add:north will become an official reseller of 3DVerkstan’s Olsson Ruby nozzle for abrasive materials.

“3DVerkstan is an institution on the Swedish 3D scene, and they have been at the forefront of development for many years,” said Nils Åsheim, CEO at add:north. “Their focus on quality, knowledge and R&D, make them an ideal partner for us. With their help and expertise, we are able to grow internationally and, at the same time, get valuable input to our product development. Together, we will create a better stronghold for the technology in Sweden, as well as globally.”

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