nScrypt Utilizes FibreTuff’s PEEK Alternative PAPC 3D Printing Filaments

Two years ago, nScrypt won the Innovation Auditions Competition at RAPID 2016. The company presented a multi-nozzle hybrid machine that impressed the judges, and has built a successful business on its 3Dn series of 3D printers. Its products also include the 3Dn Bio Assembly Tools (BAT), which will soon be flown to the International Space Station following several years of zero-g testing.

nScrypt’s hybrid machines integrate precision microdispensing using the company’s patented SmartPump, material extrusion with its nFD extruder, precision milling, and pick and place onto a high-precision (≤2 micron repeatability) motion platform. It also has a laser height sensor for scanning and 3D printing on non-planar surfaces. These features work together to allow for freedom of placement and flexible manufacturing for sensors or circuits.

This week, nScrypt announced that it has begun 3D printing with FibreTuff Medical Biopolymers‘ PAPC filaments, which are Polyamide Polyolefin and Cellulose compounds specially formulated with FDA-compliant ingredients.

FibreTuff materials are a cost-effective alternative to high-performance materials such as PEEK in 3D printing for Class I, and eventually Class II and III, medical implant applications. The company makes a range of PAPC filaments with improved adhesion for better part strength as well as adhesion of specialized coatings. nScrypt takes advantage of these adhesive properties to allow 3D printed circuits to be placed on or embedded into 3D printed PAPC parts. These circuits may contain sensors for monitoring environmental or mechanical conditions experienced by an implant or other device, which can help to monitor the health of both the patient and the device and to warn of possible problems.

“nScrypt is a leader and pioneer in both 3D printed electronics and bioprinting,” said nScrypt CEO Ken Church. “It is a natural fit and progression for us to continue work on applications which bring together these technologies. Lower cost, better performing materials are important for next generation biomedical devices. The ability to 3D print these types of materials decreases time for manufacturing and provides a custom attribute that will improve performance.”

nScrypt was founded in 2002 as a spin-off of Sciperio, Inc., a research and development think tank specializing in cross-disciplinary solutions. It was founded to develop, manufacture and sell Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) technology. Located in Orlando, Florida, nScrypt has won multiple awards for its micro dispensing technology.

This year at RAPID + TCT, Church will be giving a presentation called “BioPrinting Requirements for Successful Tissue Growth.” nScrypt will be exhibiting at Booth #708. As for FibreTuff, this year is its turn to participate in the Innovation Auditions, showcasing “Novel Materials for use in Medical Devices and Implants.” The Innovation Auditions will be taking place on April 24th from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. You can see the full list of competitors here.

RAPID 2018 is taking place from April 23rd to 26th in Fort Worth, Texas, and 3DPrint.com will be on-site all week.

Discuss this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below.