Covestro and Polymaker launch new platform for 3D printing

Offering know-how on 3D printing using polycarbonates

SHANGHAI, April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Materials manufacturer Covestro and its partner Polymaker launched a website designed to aid the use of polycarbonate in 3D printing. It is called 3DPC (www.3dprintingpc.com) and is available as of April 24th. The information platform offers know-how on 3D printing with polycarbonates - from material options to printing conditions. Polycarbonates are one of the most widely used plastics around the world, largely thanks to its excellent mechanical properties and process ability. 3DPC provides the knowledge of industrial experts under one platform, providing the vital information necessary to create 3D printed parts in mass production.

As an engineering plastic, polycarbonate can be found in many different industries from automotive to healthcare and aerospace. The rapid rise of 3D printing in the last half decade has unlocked new potential applications for this already popular polymer. As 3D printing unlocks new geometries that traditional processing techniques couldn't achieve, polycarbonate offers the mechanical properties that bring functionality to the form. 3DPC demonstrates the optimal printing and processing techniques to further penetrate polycarbonate into new industries and dynamic applications.

Recently, the 3D printing industry has witnessed a shift to more specialised applications with printer manufacturers targeting engineering groups directly linked to specific applications. Simultaneously, material development is moving in a similar direction as both printer and material manufacturers create the perfect conditions for the reliability and repeatability demanded by industrial users. This means that more specific data and process knowledge is needed to drive 3D printing into mainstream manufacturing, increasing the accuracy, strength and speed of printed parts. 3DPC serves as the informational platform dedicated to polycarbonate in 3D printing.

As more industries are adopting 3D printing into their research, development and final production, 3DPC highlights current case studies and applications where users can gain more insight into the applications of polycarbonate. One application featured on 3DPC highlights a specially developed fire rated (UL-94, V0) polycarbonate material, designed for the aerospace industry. The focused research and development into specific applications for fire rated polycarbonate will serve as a basis to trickle down into different industries concerned with safety and fire rating. 

Polycarbonate is also naturally transparent while displaying high heat resistance which makes it the material of choice for lighting applications previously unseen in the industry. Paired with polycarbonate's high impact strength and wide availability, this resilient material is perfectly positioned to deliver repeatable production via 3D printing - and 3DPC offers the knowledge to apply it in just the right way.

About Covestro:

With 2017 sales of EUR 14.1 billion, Covestro is among the world's largest polymer companies Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. Covestro has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,200 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2017.

About Polymaker:

Polymaker is a company dedicated to developing new and functional materials for the 3D printing industry. Polymaker has won two major awards in 2017: "Material Company of The Year" from 3D Printing Industry and "Technology Innovation Award – Materials" from TCT. This marks the company's growing reputation which has become more widely recognized at a global scale. Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Polymaker now has global offices in the USA, Netherlands and Japan. With their state-of-the-art research and development center, Polymaker is pioneering the development of engineering grade materials for use across many industries. 

About 3DPC:

3DPC is an informational stepping stone aiding the adoption of polycarbonate 3D printing into worldwide industries. Offering all you need to know about 3D printing polycarbonate, this informational platform covers all processes, transforming practical ideas into dynamic applications. Sharing information across material options, software, post processing and 3D printers; 3DPC draws expert knowledge from its partners at Covestro and Polymaker to deliver the vital information for end users to best utilize this practical material.

This press release is available for download from the Covestro press server at www.covestro.com. Photos are available there for download as well. Please acknowledge the source of any pictures used.

Find more information at www.covestro.com, www.polymaker.com and www.3dprintingpc.com.

Forward-looking statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro's public reports  which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.