Covestro develops PC/ABS hybrid 3D printing filament

On June 29, 2021, the world's leading thermoplastic resin distributor Nexeo Plastics and material manufacturer Covestro announced the cooperation to develop and launch a new polycarbonate/ABS 3D printing wire-Addigy®FPB 2684 3D. The materials will be available through Nexeo Plastics' distribution platform starting June 29, 2021.

Addigy FPB 2684 3D is a new type of polycarbonate compound filament, which is said to maintain toughness and UV resistance in high temperature environments as high as 122 degrees Celsius. It is very suitable for components in outdoor applications. The material can also provide an "extremely smooth" surface finish with impact resistance and excellent strength. It is said that Ultimaker also participated in the development of Addigy FPB 2684 3D printing parameters for Ultimaker S3 and S5 series printers.

To test the material, Nexeo Plastics and Covestro successfully printed a 250% enlarged Benchy model on the Ultimaker S3 printer. Currently, PC/ABS hybrid filaments are available in black and white, with diameters of 1.75 and 2.85 mm, respectively. The two companies are expected to add more colors to their product portfolios later in 2021.

Patrick Rosso, Covestro's global head of additive manufacturing, said that in the past few years, Nexeo Plastics and Covestro have cooperated extensively in customer applications and OEM material requirements. This collective proprietary technology has laid the foundation for launching products on the Ultimaker Cura platform so that customers can provide the most convenient and reliable PC printing solutions. Nexeo Plastics President and CEO Paul Tayler said that as part of its business growth strategy, the company will continue to invest in expanding its 3D printing product portfolio and support services.