MakerBot, a Stratasys company, is expanding its offering of advanced engineering materials for the MakerBot METHOD 3D printing platform with the addition of three new LUVOCOMs 3F materials from LEHVOSS Group, a leading provider of high-performance thermoplastics for industrial sectors. This brings the number of METHOD materials up to 30, giving customers an even wider selection of manufacturing-grade materials with which to explore.

LUVOCOM 3F PAHT 9825 NT, LUVOCOM 3F PAHT CF 9891 BK, and LUVOCOM 3F PET CF 9780 BK are available to use with the MakerBot LABS GEN 2 Experimental Extruder for both the METHOD and METHOD X 3D printers. The LABS extruder transforms METHOD into an open platform that can print qualified advanced engineering materials from leading filament suppliers.

Designed for 3D printing and industrial applications, the LUVOCOM 3F materials have similar properties to their compounded versions used for injection molding. These materials provide an easy-to-print experience. Parts printed with these materials result in strong, stiff prints with a high-quality surface finish, and suit prototyping, jigs and fixtures, and end-use applications.

The qualified LUVOCOM 3F materials include:
• LUVOCOM 3F PAHT 9825 NT – A high-temperature polyamide (also known as nylon) material with continuous service temperature of up to 100°C and the strength of PA/Nylon 6. The material has 50% reduced water uptake and a four-times slower absorption rate compared to PA6. Low moisture absorption can help minimize printing issues as well as property changes of the printed part. This material offers low warpage, high strength and impact resistance, and excellent surface finish for end-use parts, such as flanges and fixtures.

• LUVOCOM 3F PAHT CF 9891 BK – The carbon fiber (CF) filled grade of LUVOCOM 3F PAHT 9825 NT has even lower water uptake and good resistance against harsh chemicals like automotive fluids. The addition of carbon fiber strengthens the thermal and mechanical properties, and has a continued use of up to 150°C while retaining 50% of its mechanical properties. The material is suitable for high temperature environments such as automotive under-the-hood applications, such as housings or engine covers. In addition to its outstanding mechanical performance, the material is easy to print and does not warp.

• LUVOCOM 3F PET CF 9780 BK – A carbon fiber-filled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material that is easy to print, with low warping, and exhibits a superb surface finish straight from the printer. It provides high strength, elevated temperature resistance up to 120°C and chemical resistance outperforming PETG.

METHOD’s heated chamber controls the 3D printing process to allow each layer to cool to minimize warping and curling.

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