Materialise Expands Industrial 3D Printing Portfolio with Three New Materials

Leuven, Belgium – Materialise NV, a global leader in 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, expands its additive manufacturing portfolio with the introduction of Polyamide 12S (PA 12S), Polyamide 11 (PA 11) for Multi Jet Fusion, and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide (PA-CF) for fused deposition modeling. This expansion aims to empower companies across industries to leverage 3D printing for serial production and prototyping. With these additions, the company now offers over 38 materials, providing customers with an extensive selection to meet their specific project requirements.

The global adoption of 3D printing has been accelerating rapidly in recent years, transforming traditional manufacturing processes and unlocking new possibilities in product development, customization, and supply chain management. Businesses seeking to innovate and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market landscape require reliable partners that offer a broad portfolio and deliver consistent part quality.

“Our decision to incorporate PA 11, PA 12S, and PA-CF materials into our portfolio reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and empowering them to explore new possibilities and unlock the full potential of industrial 3D printing,” says Pieter Vos, Marketing & Product Director, Materialise. “We constantly evaluate emerging materials and technologies. The new HP PA 12S is a strong addition, and we are proud to be an early adopter.”

By expanding its manufacturing service offerings with PA 11, PA 12S, and PA-CF materials, Materialise continues to drive innovation and accessibility in the field of industrial 3D printing, supporting businesses in realizing their applications and accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing for serial production and prototyping across various industries. The new materials offer a wide range of benefits, including exceptional mechanical properties, durability, and versatility, making them ideal for a diverse range of industrial applications across various sectors.

Enabling the medical technology sector with PA 11

One of the key advantages of incorporating PA 11 for HP Multi Jet Fusion is the ability to address the growing demand for additive manufacturing in the medical technology sector. It offers unique properties that make it well-suited for various medical technology applications with 3D printing. Its biocompatibility, durability, and flexibility enable the production of orthotics, prosthetics, and machinery components with exceptional performance and reliability.

Supporting volume prototyping through early adoption of HP PA 12S

Materialise Manufacturing is among the first adopters of Polyamide 12S for HP Multi Jet Fusion. The material presents itself as a strong option for volume prototyping and parts requiring good surface quality with minimal post-processing needs. Its high level of detail and dimensional accuracy make it suitable for various applications in consumer goods, industrial settings, and volume prototyping projects.

PA-CF: A strong and lightweight contender for industrial applications

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide (PA-CF) for fused deposition modeling brings a notable advancement in lightweight, high-strength components. Consisting of a thermoplastic filament reinforced with 35 percent chopped carbon fiber by weight, PA-CF offers exceptional flexural strength, leading to an impressive stiffness-to-weight ratio. This unique combination makes it a favorable alternative to heavier metal components in industries such as industrial machinery, aerospace, and automotive, particularly for tooling, prototyping, and end-use part applications.

Image Source: MaterialiseNV