Xtellar, a company in 3D printing materials innovation formed by combining Braskem’s 3D materials division and Taulman3D, has introduced an innovation for large-format 3D printing. Launched at RAPID + TCT 2023 to a strong reception, Xtellar’s bio-based EVA pellets bring flexibility and sustainability to a variety of pellet-compatible large-format 3D printers.
EVA is a transparent, hygroscopic elastomeric amorphous material. In the Xtellar formulation, it is biobased and derived from sustainable raw cane sugar feedstock.
Bio-Based polymers
Xtellar offers a range of bio-based materials for 3D printing that offer sustainable solutions to additive manufacturing.
These ecofriendly materials, which are derived from sustainable raw cane sugar feedstocks, have a lower footprint carbon than traditional materials made of fossil fuels.
“Bringing a wider variety of sustainable material options to 3D printing is one of Xtellar’s core missions. In 2022, we launched the industry’s first bio-based polyethylene and flexible EVA 3D printing filaments, and this year we continue our mission by launching the first bio-based flexible EVA pellets specifically formulated for large-format 3D printing applications,” says Jason Vagnozzi, CEO, Xtellar.
Pellets made from Bio-based EVA
Xtellar bio-based EVA pellets are a sustainable flexible material derived from raw sugar cane. This formulation is a viable alternative to the flexible TPEs and TPUs currently on the market. Xtellar’s eco-friendly formulation delivers a combination of sustainability, flexibility, ductility, light-weighting and moisture resistance—in pellet form.
“This material is an excellent sustainable alternative to many traditional TPU materials currently used for additive manufacturing and reaffirms our commitment to a more circular, carbon-neutral future. We couldn’t be more excited about this latest addition to our product portfolio and will continue to innovate more sustainable options to meet our clients’ growing needs for more sustainable 3D material alternatives,” Vagnozzi continues.
Key Test Specifications:
- 89 Shore A
- Weight: 0.94 grams per cubic centimeter
- A 300% extension in the XY direction
- Polymer derived from sugar cane that is 100% biodegradable
- No need to dry hydrophobic materials
- Glass transition temperature -36C (ideal for climates with low temperatures)
- External cooling allows for controllable stiffness and opacity.
Applications:
- Automotive, Marine, Aerospace, Consumer, Industrial
- Sustainability alternative to existing TPUs & TPEs
- Durable/high toughness applications
- Compatible 3D printers
- Titan Robotics (3D Systems)
- Caracol
- Thermwood LSAM
- Custom Multi-Access Robotic Arm Systems
Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.