SABIC Introduces Three New 3D Printing Materials for High-Performance Applications

SABIC is known for its high-performance 3D printing materials, and with the introduction of several new materials this week, it has brought new ones to market three times in the last year. The global chemicals company introduced a wide range of new materials a year ago at RAPID + TCT 2017, then in November unveiled its THERMOCOMP AM compounds. Now SABIC is introducing three new advanced materials for FFF 3D printing. ULTEM AM1010F, ULTEM AMHU1010F, and LEXAN AMCH620F can all be used for 3D printing end-use parts in addition to prototypes, and their development is part of SABIC’s goal to expand additive manufacturing to a broader range of applications.

“Our commitment to provide customers with advanced, high-performance compounds and filaments for additive manufacturing remains strong,” said Keith Cox, Senior Business Manager, Additive Manufacturing, SABIC. “Today’s launch of these three additional filament products, together with plans to continue expanding our additive manufacturing product portfolio, demonstrate SABIC’s determination to further the evolution of this technology and enable application innovation.”

ULTEM AM1010F is a material with high heat resistance, featuring a glass transition temperature of 217°C, and high mechanical strength. It is UL94 V-0 compliant at 1.5 mm and 5VA compliant at 3.0 mm. ULTEM AM1010F is suitable for a variety of applications, including short-cycle injection molding tools, carbon fiber layup tools, and automotive components.

ULTEM AMHU1010F and LEXAN AMHC620F are both healthcare-grade filaments made with SABIC healthcare-grade resins, which are included in the company’s Healthcare Product Policy and offer traceability. The Healthcare Product Policy provides pre-assessment of resin biocompatibility according to ISO 10993 or USP Class VI standards, as well as FDA Drug or Device Master File listings. The same base resin materials are available in injection molding grades for production, so the filaments can be used in creating prototypes that are extremely close to the final product.

ULTEM AMHU1010F is a PEI material made from ULTEM HU1010 healthcare-grade resin, which offers high heat resistance. Without pigment, the filament is biocompatible (ISO 10993 or USP Class VI) and parts 3D printed with it can be sterilized using gamma radiation, ethylene oxide (EtO) or steam autoclaving. It is UL94 V-0 compliant at 1.5 mm and 5VA compliant at 3.0 mm.

LEXAN AMHC620F is also biocompatible, available in white, and can be sterilized with gamma radiation or EtO methods. It meets UL94 HB rating at 1.5 mm.

Both ULTEM AMHU1010F and LEXAN AMHC620F offer excellent mechanical performance and are potentially suitable for a wide variety of medical devices, including conceptual modeling, prototyping and end-use parts. They are well-suited to creating customized 3D printed parts, such as surgical instruments, single-use devices, casts and splints. Customers using these materials should perform their own tests to determine the suitability and safety of the 3D printed products for their intended uses.

SABIC is a versatile company known for its 3D printing expertise in a variety of fields; last year, its 3D printed yacht hull caught the attention of many at various trade shows and conferences. It is also widely experienced and knowledgeable in healthcare, providing solutions such as single-use devices, portable medical equipment and surgical instruments and trays. SABIC is expert in healthcare application requirements including biocompatibility, sterilization, chemical resistance and ergonomics. The three new materials introduced this week will be helpful for many in a range of applications, and SABIC will be continuing to develop and release new 3D printing materials for additional uses.

SABIC announced the new materials at NPE 2018, where the company is exhibiting in booth S19001, showcasing both additive manufacturing offerings and other new high-performance resins.

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[Images: SABIC]