Ultimaker, the global leader in desktop 3D printing, today announced at the Formnext conference in Frankfurt, Germany the availability of the first material print profiles from leading material companies in Ultimaker Cura 3.6. The company hosted a press conference together with BASF, Clariant, DSM, and DuPont to launch Ultimaker Cura 3.6 and highlight the importance and share first results of the open Ultimaker Material Alliance Program for the further development of professional desktop 3D printing.

The latest version of the free print preparation software, Ultimaker Cura 3.6, offers a Marketplace where users can easily install print profiles that ensure high quality 3D print results. These material profiles are fully optimized for Ultimaker 3D printers, with no need to manually input parameters before printing. Recent hardware launches from Ultimaker, such as the Ultimaker S5, combined with the new CC Red 0.6 print core, allow users to print with composite and abrasive materials.

New material print profiles in Ultimaker Cura 3.6

• BASF: PP GF30 is applicable for parts used in environments that require chemical resistance, such as piping applications or automotive applications under the hood. PET CF is an easy-to-process carbon fiber reinforced material, suitable for lightweight, strong, and stiff parts that require an impact resistance, such as drones.
• Clariant: Flame retardant PA6/66 using Exolit® and Flame retardant PA6/66 with 20 percent glass fibers using Exolit® can be used to produce parts such as switchgears, electrical enclosures, electronics and automotive components that require flame retardancy and good mechanical properties. PET-G is a tough, chemical-resistant polyester with improved heat resistance that 3D prints effectively.
• DSM: Novamid® ID1030 CF10, PA6/66 reinforced with carbon fibers, creates stronger, tougher and stiffer printed parts, matching the easy and fast printing of unreinforced plastics. Arnitel® ID2060 HT, a high-performance TPC, combines sustained high temperature use with chemical resistance. Arnitel® ID2045, a very flexible TPC, is suitable for many applications, from footwear mid-soles to electronics.
• DuPont: Zytel® 3D1000FL, an unreinforced polyamide with ultralow shrinkage, and Hytrel® 3D41000FL, a polyester elastomer with shore D60 hardness showing similar properties in x, y and z directions, are both suitable for industrial, automotive, and consumer product applications.
• Owens Corning: Glass-fiber reinforced Polypropylene (XSTRAND™ GF-30 PP) and Polyamide 6 (XSTRAND™ GF-30 PA6) unlock any application that require high-strength and durable parts that need to operate in a tough, extreme temperature environment, either outdoor or indoor.

Increasing Demand for 3D Printing Plastics

Analysts notice an increasing demand from the professional industry for filaments that influence the 3D printing plastics market. The 3D printing plastics market size is projected to reach USD 1,965.3 million by 2023, at a CAGR of 26.1% between 2018 and 2023. The filament segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the 3D printing plastics market in 2018 and is projected to dominate the market by 2023 (Source: MarketInsider). The open material alliance initiated by Ultimaker helps to meet the growing demand for more diverse materials for desktop 3D printing.

Availability

• Ultimaker Cura 3.6 is now available for download. Read our blog to learn what else is new in Ultimaker Cura 3.6
• The Ultimaker CC Red 0.6 print core is now available for sale
• Material profiles for BASF, Clariant, DSM, DuPont, and Owens Corning can be downloaded via the Marketplace in Ultimaker Cura 3.6

Soon material profiles from other leading companies such as Arkema, colorFabb, ElogioAM, Eastman, Henkel, igus, Matterhackers, Polymaker, and more, will be added to the Marketplace in Ultimaker Cura 3.6.