MakerBot, a Stratasys company, introduced MakerBot RapidRinse, a fast-dissolving support material, and ABS-R material to streamline workflow steps and reduce the need for additional 3d printing equipment. Developed for the MakerBot METHOD X and METHOD X Carbon Fiber 3D printers, these materials suit a range of industrial applications, from manufacturing tools to production parts.

RapidRinse is a patent-pending, fast-dissolving support material that eliminates cumbersome and costly post-processing procedures. It easily dissolves in warm tap water and does not require caustic chemicals, typical for some soluble support materials. It can dissolve faster than other high-temperature soluble support materials used under the same conditions. Without the need for solvents, engineers no longer need to purchase additional post-processing equipment. RapidRinse’s water soluble properties are intended to make it an easier and safer support material to work with, leaving behind minimal residue.

ABS is one of the most in-demand, yet difficult, materials to successfully print on a desktop 3D printer due to its propensity to shrink, warp, curl, or crack without the right conditions. ABS-R is a new ABS formulation that provides better printing reliability and performance for consistent, repeatable ABS prototypes, tools, and parts. ABS-R works with RapidRinse to deliver the best print quality and user experience.

The METHOD X’s heated chamber, a patented VECT (Variable Environmental Controlled Temperature) 110 Technology, combined with RapidRinse soluble supports, deliver ABS parts as easily as PLA but with better material properties. Printing with RapidRinse on METHOD X can produce dimensionally accurate ABS parts of ±0.2 mm (±0.007 in.), giving engineers more confidence in creating parts to spec.

RapidRinse and ABS-R are expected to begin shipping in December 2021.

MakerBot
www.makerbot.com/method