Xenia Carbon Fiber Reinforced PVDF Compounds for Pellet Fed 3D Printing | Plastics Technology

Products are aimed at high-performance, chemical-resistant applications.

Xenia Materials has announced a new line of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based compounds for pellet-fed 3D printing applications. According to the company, the new materials will open new additive manufacturing opportunities where high performance and chemical resistance are necessary.

Pellets of Xenia PVDF-based compound. Source: Xenia

Xenia Materials is set to introduce to the market a 3D printing pellet version of the unfilled PVDF polymer and a range of carbon-fiber reinforced compounds. When employed in additive manufacturing, carbon fiber is known to prevent warping during the printing phase while maintaining a smooth surface finish, as well as ensuring dimensional stability and low thermal expansion. By adding carbon fiber to the base material, the qualities of the PVDF polymer are enhanced. This new mix keeps the ease of use of regular PVDF while boosting strength and reducing electrical resistance, meeting ATEX standards (EU directive for materials used in potentially explosive atmospheres).

According to Xenia’s R&D Manager Cristian Zanchetta, “Xenia's expertise in carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, applied to the PVDF polymer base, allows us to leverage our research and development know-how to push boundaries in creating innovative 3D printing materials. Our comprehensive materials portfolio now extends from unfilled PVDF to carbon-fiber-reinforced PVDF, fulfilling all client requirements.”

Xenia Materials engineers and manufactures a range of carbon and/or glass fiber-reinforced composites as well as ultralight structural composites based on dedicated thermoplastic matrix materials. Xenia has functionalized and adjusted each formulation for the additive manufacturing field, to be used in any type of FGF printer. End product markets include sports and agriculture, aerospace, automotive and transportation, oil and gas, alternative energy, building and construction, infrastructure and machinery, and medical.

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