New Reinforced Nylon Filaments

German RepRap simultaneously presents two new high-performance nylon (polyamide) 3D filaments: carbon-reinforced Zytel® 3D10C20FL BK544 1.75mm and fiberglass-reinforced Zytel® 3D12G30FL BK309 1.75mm by DuPont. DuPont and German RepRap have been partners for several years and are closely collaborating to commercialize advanced process technology as well as new materials and to create new production methods for a variety of industries. This gradually allows existing materials used in traditional production to be utilized in additive manufacturing as well.

These new filaments are based on the ultra-low-shrinkage technology of DuPont™ Zytel® specialty nylon materials for 3D printing and meet industry requirements for stiffer and stronger materials (comparable to existing reinforced injection molding materials) while maintaining excellent processability and surface smoothness.

The Zytel® 3D filament with 20% carbon-reinforced nylon (polyamide) comes in black and combines outstanding heat tolerance with resistance to chemicals, solvents, fuels, automotive fluids, and hydrolysis. The material is used by customers in a variety of industries such as automotive, electrical, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, oil and gas, etc. Its considerable rigidity (ca. 5–6 GPa), highly attractive surface, minimal moisture absorption, and good heat resistance of up to 318°F are impressive.

The Zytel® 3D filament with 30% fiberglass-reinforced nylon (polyamide) comes in black and also combines outstanding heat tolerance with resistance to most chemicals, solvents, fuels, automotive fluids, and hydrolysis. The material is used by customers in a variety of industries such as automotive, electrical, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, oil and gas, etc. Its high rigidity (ca. 4–5 GPa), attractive surface, minimal moisture absorption, and good heat resistance of up to 331°F are impressive.