Solvay Offers Specialty Polymer Filaments

Solvay offers three specialty polymer filaments  intended for 3D printing. Based on the company’s high-performing KetaSpire PEEK and Radel PPSU polymers, the three filaments  represent the first products in what Solvay plans to become a broader portfolio of specialty polymer filaments and powders designed specifically for high-end AM applications.

Two of the three filaments leverage Solvay’s high-performance KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer: a neat PEEK product and a 10 percent carbon fiber-reinforced grade. Both PEEK filaments are designed to encourage fusion of printed layers, enable high part density and deliver exceptional part strength, including in the Z axis.

The third new filament is based on Solvay’s Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). Also formulated to to encourage fusion of layers, the high-performance PPSU material offers high transparency, good elongation and toughness for 3D-printed parts.

“Solvay’s new AM filaments signal an important convergence between additive manufacturing and specialty polymers technology, which is needed to deliver on the promise of high-end 3D printing,” says Christophe Schramm, business manager for additive manufacturing at Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit. “Solvay is laying the foundation of its strategy to become the leading global supplier of advanced AM-ready polymer solutions for 3D printing technologies. We’re also collaborating with leading industry innovators in printing, process and design to develop new material solutions based on our specialty polymers portfolio.”

Solvay’s approach to the AM industry also prompted the launch of a new e-commerce platform at solvayamshop.com. The site will also serve as portal to a series of simulation, testing and prototyping services that leverage Solvay’s growing partner network and open ecosystem approach.