20 Apr Rediscovering new applications for 3D printing technologies

Traditionally the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF/FDM) belongs to the family of 3D printing techniques more devoted to manufacturing polymeric structure. However, recently alternative materials have demonstrated that the 3D printing of composite, ceramic or metallic pieces by FFF technology is a real possibility which offer new application fields to this additive manufacturing technique.

COLFEED4Print mission is to provide the additive manufacturing community new opportunities to manufacture complex pieces with multi-component and customized filaments to meet the new challenges of the 4.0 industry. Together with the company ABAX Innovation Technologies (https://abax3dtech.com/) we have demonstrated the range of possibilities which can be covered by FFF 3D printing, and today we show two study cases for the biomedical and photocatalytic sector.

• Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the mineral component of human bone and it is one of the most evaluated alternatives for bone regeneration because of its osteoconductive properties. FOss HA with a high content of HA particles is a composite and biodegradable filament for bone regeneration application. Together with ABAX we have validated the printing process of FOss HA in two different models of 3D printers, ABAX PRi3 and Titan500. The tested sample is a scaffold with a square shape with linear infill of 50% a representative sample with suitable porosity for cell colonization and vascularization. 

• FEco TiO₂ is a composite material with photocatalytic TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in it. In this way, three-dimensional porous membranes with high photocatalytic activity can be achieved with CAD-designed geometry in a fast, reliable and eco-friendly way. Making, for example, the validation process of porous geometries with catalytic applications much faster and customizable. Due to its application in catalysis, where large porous membranes are generally used, it is necessary to ensure a constant and homogeneous melt flow to allow large prints to be made on FFF direct extrusion or Bowden type printers. The ABAX FFF printer model Titan 500 has a print size of 310x310x500mm, which makes it ideal for this purpose. It also allows a better adhesion between layers as it is a chamber printer.

COLFEED4Print has numerous filaments in catalogue that can meet your requirements, but additionally we have a great experience in the customization of new filament adapted to your own requirements. If you have a special request or need a personalized filament, please contact us!