Additives for 3D printing materials

3D printing is a promising technique for many components and structurers. For Metal, organic materials and bio plastics, VAE can help to achieve the goals.

3D printing additives for Bioplastics

VAE polymers that are available as dry powder, are highly compatible with different kind of (bio)plastics. It can decrease viscosity (ease of application), strengthen the material (e.g. cohesion or impact strength), and in case of starch based materials, it can improve water resistancy. Moreover VAE polymers are already available as 50% biobased material (via massbalance method, with the use of biobased acetic acid).

3D printing with organic materials – additives

If organic materials are used (e.g. Hemp, grass, palm waste, bambo, sawdust, stone, or minerals) VAE powder or dispersion can act as a binder which it already does in many carton packaging applications. It can be applied as dry powder and be activated with water, as well as a wet slurry/dispersion to increase the adhesion surface.

3D printing of concrete – additives

VAE is already used as dispersion to increase the adhesion of tile adhesives. Therefor, it is possible to place tile over tiles in renovations, while the cement based adhesive has VAE as adhesion promotor. Furthermore, VAE is a key in “thin bed” adhesive application, saveing a lot of material. VAE as a powder enables cement based floor levelling compounds to adhere well on surfaces and create strenght in even thin layers. Furthermore VAE can effect the flow and drying properties of cementious products.