Ultrafast polymer 3D printing provider Nexa3D announced the immediate availability of Jabil PK 5000, an eco-friendly powder. Particularly, Nexa3D will use this with its high throughput QLS-Series powder bed fusion printers. This includes its highest throughput system QLS 820 as well as fast-cycle sintering system QLS 236.

Nexa3D commitment to sustainability has been evidenced by its continued efforts around minimizing the use of plastic materials in its product design. Moreover, it also expands plant-based and eco-friendly materials portfolio. Recently, it also acquired the QLS 230 and QLS 236 “Zero Waste” powder bed fusion SLS printers. Both systems have industry leading recycled powder acceptance and performance rates, minimizing and often eliminating powder waste altogether.

Operational, Environmental Sustainability

JawsTec CEO Oscar Klassen said the QLS 230 SLS printers exclusively offer the ability to use end-of-life powder from other SLS machines to produce high-quality parts. At the same time, minimizing powder waste. In addition, Klassen said, “On top of the operational sustainability, the smaller build volume of the QLS 230 allows for a 22-hour complete build cycle that only requires a two-hour cooling cycle with zero negative effect on part accuracy or surface quality.”

Jabil PK 5000 offers QLS series users a host of benefits including improved impact strength and elongation over PA 12 and other similar nylon materials. Furthermore, the eco-friendly powder has very low moisture absorption, excellent dimensional stability and chemical resistance. Moreover, it has a wide processing window with similar processing parameters to PA 12. PK 5000’s unique combination of chemical, physical, and wear-resistance properties enable it to serve a wide variety of applications, including production manufacturing of end-use parts.

The polyketone resin used to make PK 5000 is an eco-friendly, low-carbon material that is made from carbon monoxide. The ability to leverage carbon monoxide, which is a leading cause of atmospheric pollution, may reduce overall carbon footprint by as much as 60%. “Jabil applauds Nexa3D’s commitment to sustainability with the addition of PK 5000 to their materials portfolio,” said Luke Rodgers, Senior Director of R&D for Additive Manufacturing at Jabil. “Together, we can meet growing demand for top-performing polymer formulations that give product designers greater choices for rigorous prototype and serial production applications while addressing evolving environmental-impact concerns.”