by josh perry, editor
[email protected]

carbodeon, a nanodiamond manufacturer from finland, has announced a partnership with tiamet 3d, a 3-d printing specialist from the netherlands, to produce the first nanodiamond-enhanced filaments for 3-d printing, which improves the mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting polymers.

nanodiamonds have been used to enhance the filament used in 3-d printing.
(carbodeon)

according to the announcement, the companies have already demonstrated that the filaments have 100 percent increase in tensile strength, improved printability, and enhanced thermal properties.

“nanodiamonds offer the potential to make 3d-printed components that perform as well as or better than comparable injection molded components, but with massive cost reductions and production speed improvements, especially for prototype, on-demand and short run production,” said carbodeon ceo dr. vesa myllymäki.

the new thermoplastics have numerous applications, including in the world of electronics. in addition to improving thermal management, the nanodiamond enhancement also increases the glass transition temperature of the end products, which makes it more durable in rugged environments.

“the first carbodeon/tiamet 3d filaments will be pla (polylactic acid) based, with further development focused on higher-performance thermoplastics,” the press release explained. “the companies have signed a strategic partnership agreement on joint filament development, along with an agreement for carbodeon to supply nanodiamond materials to tiamet 3d.”

the new filament will be available from both companies.

according to a report from 3dprint.com, tiamet 3d was founded four years ago to focus on desktop 3-d printing but soon turned its attention to developing high-performance, high-strength materials.