Eastman Chemical : 2016, Sep 27 - New flexible offering added to colorFabb-Eastman 3D printing portfolio

Heat resistant, quick-printing nGen_flex presented at TCT 2016 in Booth B36

Kingsport, Tenn., USA - Sept. 27, 2016 - To address the need for an improved flexible filament, Eastman Chemical Company and colorFabb BV are announcing an enhanced product for the 3D printing industry. nGen_flex, a new filament made with Eastman Amphora™ Flex 3D polymer FL6000, offers unique solutions for new applications and allows for higher printing speeds. The new filament will be introduced at the TCT Show in Birmingham, UK, Sept. 28 ̶ 29.

nGen_flex is a tough, semiflexible offering suitable for 3D printing. This new offering is revolutionizing the flexible filament line with higher printing speeds than previous flexible offerings, which often require very slow printing speeds.

High temperature resistance differentiates nGen_flex from other flexible filaments. With an elevated heat resistance of 130°C the material can withstand the steam sterilization method often used in medical settings. 3D printing has allowed medical operators to scan and print models of organs for developing a personalized surgical procedure. With nGen_flex, these models can now be sterilized and brought into the operating room for reference during the actual procedure.

'nGen_flex is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, improving on 3D printing applications that are still new themselves,' said Ruud Rouleaux, managing director, colorFabb. 'The properties of this material - its durability and heat and chemical resistance - surpass anything we've seen before, expanding the limits of flexible 3D printing materials.'

The toughness, semiflexibility and chemical resistance of this material is highly useful for applications that demand both the durability of an engineering-grade polymer and the comfort and utility of a flexible material. The automotive industry is exploring ways to create tougher replacement parts for interiors and engines, and the apparel industry is using 3D printing for customized footwear, including flip-flops.

Amphora Flex FL6000 provides nGen_flex with many of its enhanced properties. This new elastomer has exceptional layer-to-layer adhesion, resulting in strong chemical bonds within the material that allow it to print at a faster speed. It can be used with standard 3D printers, eliminating the need to switch to specialized flex extruders.

'Eastman offers a complete portfolio of 3D printing materials, now including a flexible elastomer,' said Ludovic Gardet, 3D print specialist, Eastman Chemical. 'This collection of functional materials provides a one-stop shopping solution for easy 3D printing, and it illustrates our commitment to provide value to the industry.'

nGen_flex is currently offered in black and dark gray, but will be presented in five skin tones at TCT, showcasing the possibilities of the material in 3D printed prosthetics. At the TCT Show, colorFabb will be presenting flexible medical models and 3D-printed tires and shoes, as well as demonstrations that highlight the flexible properties of nGen_flex. Visit Booth B36 in the National Exhibition Centre at TCT to see the filament in action.

For more information about Amphora Flex FL6000, visit www.eastman.com/Markets/3D_Printing.

For more information about nGen_flex, visit http://ngen-flex.colorfabb.com/.

About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2015 revenues of approximately $9.6 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, and employs approximately 15,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

About colorFabb
Headquartered in Venlo, the Netherlands, colorFabb ventured into 3D printing in 2013 as a brand of Helian Polymers by producing high-quality filaments, which are developed and produced in the Netherlands. In September 2015, colorFabb became its own entity. With functionality for 3D printing as a priority, colorFabb has already found a worldwide customer base. Today, colorFabb is run by a multidisciplinary team that aims to supply the 3D printing community with the highest quality filament possible. For more information, visit www.colorfabb.com or contact colorFabb at sales@colorfabb.com.

Editorial Contact:
Nicole Adrian
Bader Rutter
+1 (262) 938-5556
nadrian@bader-rutter.com