3D-Fuel Introduce a New Water-Soluble 3D Printing Filament
HydroSupport is a new water-soluble 3D printing filament created by the manufacturing company 3D-Fuel. The filament takes between 12 and 24 hours to dissolve entirely, and can be expedited by using agitation and warm water, such as a heated ultrasonic tank. It is non-toxic, as 3D-Fuel attempt to create sustainable printing filaments that won’t harm wildlife or the environment. The company make various environmentally friendly 3D printing filament including coffee, beer, landfill and hemp filament.
Available in 1.75 and 2.85mm diameters, Hydro-Support is strong and the end result feels like PLA. It is clear in color and is vacuum sealed to protect it from moisture in transit.
3D-Fuel manufacture all printer filament in their own manufacturing facilities in Fargo, North Dakota and Moville, Ireland. The quality is tested extensively on a range of 3D printers including MakerBot, FlashForge and LulzBot and the width is carefully controlled using a multi-axis laser measurement system to help prevent issues caused by fluctuating diameter.
HydroSupport is designed as an easy-to-use support material for printing complex inner geometry, deep cavities or large extensions. It is allegedly easier to print with than other water-soluble filaments on the market, like PVA, which has high water retention that can make print jobs harder. Support structures are used when a design consists of complex shapes that can’t be printed on their own. They are then removed after the object is printed. However, removing the supports can be difficult and dangerous when requiring chiseling or chemical bathing. Alternatively, HydroSupport does not require manual removal and does not contaminate the environment with chemicals.
3D printing is a great indicator of R&D expenditure. If your business is using 3D printing, you are likely eligible for the R&D Tax Credit. The R&D Tax Credit allows a credit of up to 13% on eligible spending on new and improved products and processes. Get in touch with the experts at Swanson Reed to find out more.
Photo credit: westonhighschoollibrary via Foter.com / CC BY-SA
