3D PRINTING MATERIALS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Caracol's systems are designed to process a wide range of materials, thoroughly tested
thoroughly tested and qualified for direct, continuous printing. From advanced polymers and composites to recycled materials made from recycled waste or end-of-life parts.

Selection of 3D printing materials with a careful qualification process.

Caracol always strives to provide its customers with answers to their production needs, from technology to materials. The Caracol team works to provide the most reliable and highest quality solutions.

  • Evaluation
    The first step in identifying the target material and the best suppliers
    suppliers on the market.
  • TESTING
    The material can be successfully extruded with Caracol's systems and is tested to define its properties.
    tested to define its properties.
  • CHARACTERIZATION
    The material can be used for production and a detailed data sheet with mechanical and
    detailed data sheet with mechanical and thermal properties is provided.
  • QUALIFICATION
    Tests are then carried out on several prints and application parameters
    are defined to ensure the best printability, repeatability and material properties.

Additive manufacturing materials for flexible and efficient cross-industry
parts production

Caracol's MATERIAL LAB is constantly working to expand the range of qualified materials that can be processed with its systems, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We study mechanical, thermal and chemical properties to provide the best options on the market for our customers' applications, and we undergo careful quality controls with our suppliers to ensure reliable and repeatable production.

THERMOPLASTIC 3D PRINTING FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

The best industrial-grade 3D printing plastics and composites for Caracol's Heron AM LFAM platform.

Advanced polymers developed for Caracol systems for large-format additive manufacturing.

Caracol works with its in-house material laboratories and material partners to develop and qualify new polymers for additive manufacturing for the FGF (Fused Granular Fabrication) process. These include high-temperature materials that are suitable for applications in extreme
environments such as autoclave production cycles and have been tested to ensure efficient production, superior engineering properties and minimization of cost and waste. Every day, Caracol works to identify new thermoplastic 3D printing materials that meet customers' specific application requirements and to help develop customized compositions when needed.

PP Polypropylene

PP is highly resistant to solvents and chemicals and is a lightweight polymer with good mechanical properties such as elasticity and impact resistance. The working temperature can be up to 80 °C (176 °F) and fiberglass and
Replace aluminum applications. The material is qualified by Caracol for the manufacture of functional parts and tools in various sectors such as marine, aerospace, design and architecture.

Composition

PP + 35 % glass fiber

Recycled

PP + 30 % glass fiber (recycled)

ABS is recommended when adhesives, coatings or other chemicals need to be applied. It has good mechanical properties and is dimensionally stable during printing. This cost-effective material is qualified by Caracol for low temperature applications up to 80 °C (176 °F), such as: prototyping, vacuum-tight molds and tools for trimming and gripping, and finished functional parts that are not exposed to high mechanical pressure.

Composition

ABS + 30 % glass fiber
ABS + 20 % carbon fiber

Particularly recommended when chemical resistance and protection against UV light are required. It has good mechanical properties such as elasticity and strength (especially when reinforced with glass fiber). This material is qualified by Caracol and is often used for exterior applications, design and furniture components

Composition

ASA + 20 % glass fiber
ASA natural

A very easy to process bio-based material that is available in a natural shade (transparent with milky hues) and can be easily color matched. It is widely used for interior furniture and design elements and can also be printed in its recycled and bio-based versions.

Bio-based

This polyester-based polymer is available in recycled, transparent or glass fiber reinforced versions. It is highly impact-resistant, chemical and UV-resistant and has a working temperature of up to 80 °C (176 °F). The glass fiber reinforced version is also fire resistant. PET-G is therefore ideal for PVC-like finished parts and design applications in exterior and interior areas as well as for prototypes and exterior railroad components.

Recycled

PET-G + 20 % glass fiber (recycled)

This high-strength and flexible TPE-based elastomer is ideal for topologically optimized flexible structures such as cushions and seating. It is tested up to 90 Shore A and a working temperature of 80 °C (176 °F) and is often used to print large-format rubber-like parts for furniture, seating and design components.

Particularly recommended when chemical resistance is required. It has excellent mechanical and
thermal properties and high heat resistance. The carbon fiber reinforced composite can withstand autoclave processes at medium temperatures of up to 130 °C (266 °F) and 3-6 bar in terms of working temperature and pressure. It is ideal for functional and technical applications, including autoclave molds and heat-resistant curing tools as well as laminating tools.

Composition

PC + 20 % carbon fiber

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LFAM 3D printer

Caracol Heron AM

The LFAM platform for printing components made of composite materials without limits in size and shape. The 6-axis robot comes as a turnkey solution with its own software and modular design for specific production requirements.

Additive manufacturing software

Eidos Manufacturing

Multifunctional software for managing and controlling part production throughout the additive manufacturing process.

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