Polymaker Partnering with Covestro Launches Versatile Materials for 3D Printing

Polymaker announced the launch of three new polycarbonate-based 3D printing materials each with unique properties commonly used in various industries.

Polymaker has partnered with Covestro to bring these new materials to market, thus enabling the access to materials well known to industry professionals and optimized for 3D printing.

Polymaker PC-ABS – a blend of already commonly used 3D printing materials, polycarbonate and ABS. The advantages of this blend are high impact and heat resistantancy and easy processing. The polycarbonate boosts the heat resistance and toughness of the material while the ABS contributes to the good processing properties.

This PC-ABS is also specialized for surface finishings, i.e. by electroplating and metallization, providing a good approach for post processing. Polymaker PC-ABS uses Covestro’s Bayblend family as its base material which is a commonly used plastic in the automotive and information technology industry today.

Polymaker PC-PBT – this polymer blend combines the good chemical resistance of PBT with the strength and toughness of polycarbonate. Polymaker PC-PBT performs very well under extreme circumstances whether in contact with hydrocarbon based chemicals or operating at subzero temperatures. The product maintains good toughness and its natural ductile fracture behavior at low temperatures.

Polymaker PC-PBT is created from Covestro’s Makroblend family which is widely used in various industries. Compared to PC resins and PC-ABS compounds, PC-PBT has better resistance to chemicals, which enables printed applications where resistance to intermittent contact with fuels, oils, lubricants, cleaners is necessary.

PolyMax PC-FR, a creation from Covestro’s Makrolon family, where the FR stands for flame retardant – the main feature of this polycarbonate based compound. This base material achieves V0 performance in the UL94 flame retardancy test and benefits applications where respective material approval is required.

This allows PolyMax PC-FR to be applied for battery housings, motor mounts in aerospace and other industries. Within the automotive and electrical and electronics industry, many professionals are well accustomed with such FR materials.

Polymaker have introduced their nano reinforcement technology that is featured in all PolyMax materials. This boosts the fracture toughness of the FR material and produces a flame-retardant filament that can still perform in demanding applications.

PolyMax PC-FR uses Covestro’s Makrolon showing a good balance between mechanical performance and safety, which has already been applied in electronic motorbikes, aerospace spare parts, and automotive production.