A Reciflex filament spool. Photo via Recreus.
19 Feb
Blog

Recreus promotes 3D printing sustainability with new 100% recycled TPU filament

Spain-based manufacturer of 3D printing materials, Recreus, has launched a new flexible TPU filament that is 100% recycled.

Reciflex consists exclusively of waste from the shoe industry and Recreus’ own production processes. As sustainability drifts into modern business practices, the company is making a contribution to the circular economy and reportedly delivering the same high level of performance as Recreus’ Filaflex flagship flexible filament.

The material is described as “easy to print” and can be used with all TPU-compatible FFF 3D printers on the market. Parts made with Reciflex can also be recycled once they have served their purpose. In addition to introducing the new material, Recreus has been renamed slightly. The company name now stands for “Recycle, Create, Use”.

A Reciflex filament spool. Photo via Recreus.

Flexible parts production with Reciflex

how is it done? As soon as the raw material is recovered, Recreus magnetically shields the polymer in order to pick out and remove any remaining metal residues. This enables the company to guarantee that the final filament will perform as expected during the printing process. The TPU then goes through a plastic grinder to crush it and turn it into small pellets. At this point it is drawn into a spool of usable filament.

It’s worth noting that Reciflex is currently only available in glossy black, as the company adds a black pigment to the final product to homogenize its otherwise rainbow-colored color. Although the TPU filament comprises several polymer sources, it offers an excellent set of mechanical properties, impact resistance, and solvent resistance. The list of potential uses includes RC car wheels and protective covers for phones, GoPros and drones – staples of the 3D printing community.

Various Reciflex spools can have hardnesses in the range of 96A to 98A SHORE ‘A’ due to the slight variations in their raw materials. However, the company says this difference cannot be noticed in the final 3D printed parts. For successful 3D printing of the filament, Recreus recommends a nozzle temperature of 220 to 235 ° C, a bed temperature of 50 to 60 ° C, and a print speed between 20 and 60 mm / s.It is available in spools of 750 g and 3 kg with a Filament diameters of 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm available.

A 3D printed part made from Reciflex. Photo via Recreus.A 3D printed protective cover made from Reciflex. Photo via Recreus.

Promotion of the circular economy

Additive manufacturing as a whole is largely viewed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional manufacturing techniques, but the message isn’t that clear when looking at the entire product lifecycle. Therefore, the advance towards sustainable raw material production is important.

The German polymer manufacturer Covestro announced the introduction of a new sustainable line of 3D printing materials back in November. Similar to Reciflex, the Addigy filament range is partly made from recycled polymers and ultimately aims to meet the needs of the circular economy.

Elsewhere in Amsterdam, 3D printing filament maker Reflow has already launched its own environmentally friendly line of translucent ‘Seaglass’ materials. The company’s sustainable line of six rPETG filaments is made from recycled plastic from the region and is characterized by its impact resistance and temperature resistance.

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The picture shown shows a Reciflex filament spool. Photo via Recreus.

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Parts 3D printed with PP3D. Photo via Recreus.
13 Feb
Blog

Recreus launches new ‘straightforward print’ polypropylene filament

Spanish raw material manufacturer recreation has launched its newest thermoplastic filament – PP3D (polypropylene). Notoriously difficult to print on, the material contains a primer that must be applied to the build bed before each print. Recreus claims that the primer enables easy printing on the polypropylene filament, thus allowing “maximum adhesion of the material to the bed”.

Chemical resistant and durable

Because of its chemical resistance and longevity, polypropylene is suitable for a range of household and industrial applications. We often see the material used for food and beverage containers, chemical packaging (like bleach bottles), medical syringe components, and even for the dashboards of cars. For engineering companies that want to 3D print the material, PP3D is suitable for functional prototypes that require electrical insulation, heat resistance, acid resistance, salt resistance, and oil resistance. According to Recreus, PP3D complies with European guidelines for materials that come into contact with food, although 3D printing of food containers is generally not recommended, regardless of the material.

The filament was developed with the help of a polyolefin specialist Repsoland is currently offered in black and white. The recommended printing temperature is 235 ° C with a print speed of 40 mm / s.For a full list of recommended parameters, see Here.

Parts 3D printed with PP3D. Photo via Recreus.

Recreus PP3D primer

Apparently the Recreus polypropylene filament differs from the others by the inclusion of the special primer in the box. The primer ensures adhesion and prevents warping and deformation during the printing process. It is worth noting that the primer reaches maximum adhesion at only 40 ° C and peel off at 80 ° C, allowing users to work with extremely low bed temperatures. This reduces energy consumption and extends the life of the heated components in the printer.

In order for the primer to be successful, it is recommended that the user wait five minutes after application to allow the primer to dry on the bed. During the printing process, the bed should be set to 40 ° C. When the part is finished and rotated to 85 ° C, the printed part is completely released with minimal force.

Recreus PP3D primer. Photo via Recreus.Recreus PP3D primer. Photo via Recreus.

As 3D printing systems advance, so do the filaments we use with them. Published earlier this year a study by Researchers from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology details the development of a Polycaprolactone (PCL) -based composite filament infused with starch for use with low temperature FDM machines. The researchers then functionalized the filament by adding bioactive ingredients and giving it antibacterial properties. Elsewhere, in a US Army materials laboratory, a new one high strength multipolymer filament It is designed for use with inexpensive 3D printers.

The nominations for the 2020 3D Printing Industry Awards are now open. Who do you think should make the shortlists for this year’s show? Now say your word.

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Looking for a career in additive manufacturing? visit 3D print jobs for a selection of roles in the industry.

The image shown shows parts 3D printed with PP3D. Image via Recreus.

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