One of the UK’s leading bioplastics developers, Biome Bioplastics, has launched a new material for the 3D printing industry.
Made from plant starches, Biome3D is a biodegradable plastic that combines easy processing and a superior print finish, while offering much higher print speeds.
Developed in partnership with 3Dom Filaments, the new material was unveiled today at the TCT Show 2014, the leading event dedicated to 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development.
Plant-based plastics are already a popular choice for 3D printing because they are much easier to work with during processing, and are food safe and odour free.
They are a great example of how sustainable alternatives can gain market share based on their performance, rather than just their ‘green credentials’.
However, oil-based printing filaments are still used because they have a higher softening point and make more flexible models that will bend before they break.
Biome3D combines the benefits of both plant and oil-based printing filaments and demonstrates that high performance plant-based plastics can be the ideal material for the 3D printing industry.
Biome3D combines a superior finish and flexibility, with ease of processing and excellent printed detail. In addition, and perhaps most importantly for the industry, it runs at much higher print speeds, reducing overall job times.
“The future of bioplastics lies in demonstrating that plant-based materials can outperform their traditional, oil-based counterparts, said Sally Morley, sales director at Bome Bioplastics.
“Our new material for the 3D printing market exemplifies that philosophy. Biome3D combines the best processing qualities with the best product finish; it also happens to be made from natural, renewable resources.”
Last year Biome Bioplastics launched the first compostable solution for single-serve coffee pods, one of the fastest growing segments of the food and drinks industry.
The partnership with 3Dom Filaments represents their first move into the 3D printing industry.
