Commitment to “Open Materials” Ensures Competition, Supplier Choice & Reliable Printing

Fusion3 continues to build on its open material philosophy, announcing a significant expansion of the number of materials supported by its flagship F400 3D printer. The company has certified over 35 different formulations of generic and specialty 3D filaments produced by 13 of the worlds leading 3D filament manufacturers. Tested and approved filament categories now include generic and specialty formulations of PLA, ABS, ASA, PET, PETG, PC-ABS, Nylon, Polycarbonate, Flexible (TPU/TPE), Polyester, Acrylics, and HIPS (soluble).

"Most of our customers use industrial plastics in their daily operations and tell us they will adopt 3D printing technologies more quickly when these plastics are available as printable filaments," said Chris Padgett, Fusion3 CEO. "Fusion3 has created a rigorous filament testing and certification program for new materials with our line of affordable, high-performance 3D printers. This program ensures our customers can select quality filament manufacturers in both the US and Europe, and leverages the development of new, innovative materials, ranging from high-temperature / high strength plastics, novel flexible or metal, ceramic and organic material infused filaments."
Fusion3s certification process is composed of 2 steps. First, the company evaluates the materials for both performance and safety. For those materials that pass those criteria, the company then creates turn-key configuration files (‘profiles), optimized for the F400 to ensure successful results in the very first print.
"Unlike many 3D printer manufacturers, we do not sell filament to our customers," said Chip Royce, Fusion3s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "Customers have told us they dont like being locked into high prices and a limited choice of compatible materials. Fusion3 provides our customers the ability to shop across different 3D filament manufacturers, ensuring the best quality, price and customer service."
Each month, Fusion3 updates its list of certified materials and publishes turn-key configuration files (profiles) for each material. This month the company added three new material categories to its certification list:
ASA: A staple in industrial injection molding, ASA is now available as a 3D printing filament. ASA has excellent UV, weather, and chemical resistance and is a great choice for parts that will be outdoors or other severe conditions and need to retain their functionality.
Flexible Materials: Flexible materials are generally difficult to print. The drive system in Fusion3s F400 3D printer is able to print most flexible materials and currently supports NinjaTek ™ SEMIFLEX, MakeShaper TPU 95A and 85A and Taulman3D PCTPE.
PETG: Specially developed for 3D printing, PETG combines good strength with high flexibility and durability. PETG is ideal for mechanical parts due to high impact resistance and durability. Many versions are approved by FDA for food contact.
These certified materials are produced by a ‘whos who of leading North American and European 3D filament manufacturers including Atomic Filament, ColorFabb, E3D, Fillamentum, MakeShaper, NinjaTek, ProtoPasta, ProtoParadigm, Taulman3D, 3DXtech, 3D-Fuel, Toner Plastics, Ultimachine and Verbatim.
To participate in Fusion3s certification program, manufacturers contact Fusion3 and request testing of currently available and pre-production materials. For pre-production materials, Fusion3 is able to provide additional value by providing feedback to fine-tune the performance of these materials and distribute configuration files to our customers, coinciding with your product launch. Please contact us to get more information about how to participate in this program at fusion3(at)fusion3design(dot)com.
ABOUT THE FUSION3 F400 3D PRINTER
Fusion3 designed the F400 around our open material philosophy. Equipped with an all-metal E3D print head, the F400 prints most any material that melts below 300*C. All Fusion3 printers are equipped with hardened steel nozzles that, unlike brass nozzles, resist damage from filament infused with abrasive materials. The printers large, enclosed print chamber (14"x14"x12.5") and multi-zone heated bed provide excellent results when printing high-temperature materials as ABS and Polycarbonate. For ambitious customers, Fusion3 provides full control over temperatures and speeds to enable experimentation.
ABOUT FUSION3
Fusion3 designs and manufactures affordable, high-performance 3D printers for a marquee customer list in manufacturing (automotive, aerospace), government research, military, and education (universities and high schools). Fusion3s 3D printers provide best-in-class speed, print quality, and durability at a fraction of the cost of commercial / industrial 3D printers on the market today. The company accomplishes these feats through patent-pending design features, manufactures its printers here in the US to exacting standards, offers the best warranty in 3D printing (2 years) and provides commercial-grade service and support options that keep our customers up and running. To learn more about Fusion3, visit http://www.fusion3design.com.
To see Fusion3s printers in action, visit the companys booth at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, 3D Printing Marketplace, Booth 42842 Sands Hall A-D.