Ft. Worth, Texas, April 24, 2018 – SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, announced here at RAPID + TCT the third expansion of its additive manufacturing materials offering within 12 months. Specifically, SABIC is launching three new filaments for fused deposition modeling: ULTEM™ AM1010F filament for general high-temperature applications, including tooling; and ULTEM™ AMHU1010F and LEXAN™ AMHC620F filaments for healthcare applications.
These advanced new materials, which can be used for end-use parts as well as prototypes, are key to SABIC’s strategy of extending the scope of additive manufacturing. The company is also applying its broad expertise in materials, processing and design optimization – as well as deep knowledge and experience in healthcare – to enhance additive manufacturing technologies.
At last year’s RAPID + TCT event, SABIC introduced its first six new filaments for fused deposition modeling and eight high-performance THERMOCOMP™ AM compounds for large-format additive manufacturing. In late 2017, the company then announced a unique filament based on LEXAN™ EXL polycarbonate copolymer technology that is available only from SABIC.
“Our commitment to provide customers with advanced, high-performance compounds and filaments for additive manufacturing remains strong,” said Keith Cox, senior business manager, Additive Manufacturing, SABIC. “Today’s launch of these three additional filament products, together with plans to continue expanding our additive manufacturing product portfolio, demonstrate SABIC’s determination to further the evolution of this technology and enable application innovation.”
ULTEM Filament Delivers High Temperature Performance
The first new filament, ULTEM AM1010F, provides high heat resistance (a glass transition temperature of 217°C) and high mechanical strength. It can be used in applications such as short-cycle injection molding tools, carbon-fiber layup tools, and automotive components. The filament is UL94 V-0 compliant at 1.5 mm and 5VA compliant at 3.0 mm.
Healthcare Filaments Offer Traceability
The new ULTEM AMHU1010F and LEXAN AMHC620F filaments are made with SABIC healthcare-grade resins, which are included in the company’s Healthcare Product Policy and offer traceability. The policy provides pre-assessment of resin biocompatibility according to ISO 10993 or USP Class VI standards, and FDA Drug or Device Master File listing. New healthcare application development can become more efficient by using these filaments in prototypes, as the same base resin materials are available in injection molding grades for production.
ULTEM AMHU1010F filament is a polyetherimide (PEI) product, manufactured from ULTEM HU1010 healthcare-grade resin that provides inherent high heat resistance. The unpigmented filament is biocompatible (ISO 10993 or USP Class VI), and printed parts can be sterilized using gamma radiation, ethylene oxide (EtO) or steam autoclaving. It is UL94 V-0 compliant at 1.5 mm and 5VA compliant at 3.0mm. LEXAN AMHC620F polycarbonate (PC) filament, available in white, is also biocompatible and can be sterilized with gamma or EtO methods. This filament meets UL94HB rating at 1.5mm.
Both new filaments deliver excellent mechanical performance. They are potentially suitable for a wide variety of medical devices, from conceptual modeling to functional prototyping and end-use parts. Possible customized or personalized applications include surgical instruments, single-use devices and casts/splints. Customers are advised to perform their own tests and analyses to determine the safety and suitability of such products for their intended purpose.
SABIC has extensive experience in providing solutions for a range of healthcare market segments, including single-use devices, portable medical equipment and surgical instruments and trays. The company’s expertise in healthcare application requirements, including biocompatibility, sterilization, chemical resistance and ergonomics, adds significant value to customers using additive manufacturing technologies for functional prototyping and end-use part production for this industry.
ABOUT SABIC
SABIC is a global leader in diversified chemicals headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We manufacture on a global scale in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, making distinctly different kinds of products: chemicals, commodity and high performance plastics, agri-nutrients and metals. We support our customers by identifying and developing opportunities in key end markets such as construction, medical devices, packaging, agri-nutrients, electrical and electronics, transportation and clean energy. SABIC recorded a net profit of SR 18.4 billion (US$ 4.9 billion) in 2017. Sales revenues for 2017 totaled SR 149.8 billion (US$ 39.9 billion). Total assets stood at SR 322.5 billion (US$ 86 billion) at the end of 2017. Production in 2017 stood at 71.2 million metric tons. SABIC has more than 34,000 employees worldwide and operates in more than 50 countries. Fostering innovation and a spirit of ingenuity, we have 11,534 global patent filings, and have significant research resources with innovation hubs in five key geographies – USA, Europe, Middle East, South Asia and North Asia. The Saudi Arabian government owns 70 percent of SABIC shares with the remaining 30 percent publicly traded on the Saudi stock exchange.
SABIC and brands marked with ™ are trademarks of SABIC or its subsidiaries or affiliates. Any brands, products or services of other companies referenced in this document are the trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of their respective holders. © 2018 Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). All Rights Reserved.
Source: SABIC
