Formnext: Solvay to Present Solef PVDF AM Filament

No matter your 3D printing user level, if you are attending Formnext, you can look forward to a full education regarding all of the elements required for intensive—and high-performance digital fabrication. The science of materials is an undeniably complex area of study, and the results of years and months of research and development efforts will be evidenced by manufacturers in full force at the massive AM exhibition and conference held in Frankfurt from November 19-22.

Solvay is strengthening their presence in the 3D printing realm—specifically that of Ultimaker users—and making that clear at Formnext as they present Solef® PVDF AM filament, now being added to their line of AM solutions. Meant for use in FDM 3D printing, the new material is available through the Solvay platform, as well as Ultimaker’s Material Alliance program—meant to expand accessibility to industrial AM materials, along with providing free print profiles.

“As AM technologies are rapidly expanding their scope from prototyping to tooling to small series production in the most demanding industries, our new Solef® PVDF filament extends material options for engineers and designers to include fluorinated semi-crystalline thermoplastics. The filament opens up a wide range of new FFF possibilities especially in the chemical processing, semiconductor and oil & gas industries.” says Christophe Schramm, Manager of New Technologies for Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit. “We are pleased to partner with Ultimaker for a plug-and-play experience with Solvay’s new AM filament material and Ultimaker’s large installed base of printers.”

With Solef® PVDF AM filament MSC NT 1, users look forward to:

• Long term performance up to 120°C
• Excellent chemical resistance
• Outstanding resistance to UV light, weathering, and oxidation
• High purity
• Compatibility with the outdoors, as well as harsh chemical environments

As Solvay continues to add to their series of AM-ready materials, the Italian company will also be offering KetaSpire® polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Radel® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) filaments (including medical and carbon fiber filled grades).

“Solvay’s partnership with Ultimaker underscores our commitment to building a strong and diversified AM ecosystem that meets the increasing needs of our customers for high-performance 3D printable specialty polymers,” adds Paul Heiden, SVP Product Management, Ultimaker. “We encourage manufacturers and designers to explore Ultimaker’s Marketplace and use the print profile of Solef® PVDF AM filament for evaluation.”

If you are attending Formnext, check out the Solvay exhibit—and their new Solef® PVDF AM filament—in Hall 12.1, at Booth G6. For more information visit the company’s AM specialty polymers website.

Solvay continues to forge ahead with industrial materials, along with engaging in other collaborations with companies like Roboze and Stratasys.

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts; join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

[Source / Images: Solvay]