3M is claiming that it is reshaping the future of fluoropolymers with 3D printed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a 3D printable fully fluorinated polymer. Going under the name of 3M Dyneon PTFE, this tailored material formulation is printable with open-source stereolithography 3D printers.
PTFE is known as a problem-solver and is often chosen for demanding industries and environments. 3M has developed a printable version of this material that enables users to produce pure PTFE parts with complex geometries and fine details that go beyond the capabilities of conventional processing techniques. Parts made from this material suit applications in chemical processing, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research laboratories, and manufacturing operations.
Dyneon PTFE has isotropic properties, and can be used to produce geometric structures as small as 0.2 mm.
3M provides high quality, finished parts, operating as a service bureau and contract manufacturer. 3M plans to fully commercialize the technology in Fall 2020. Beyond 3D printed PTFE, 3M is developing additive manufacturing solutions with additional fluoropolymers and high-performance materials set to launch in the coming years.
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