Soluble Support Material for 3D Printing

3DGence ESM-30

ESM-30 is a reliable high-temperature soluble support material, featuring plenty of advantages. Soluble support materials make post-processing quicker and easier, reducing the time and cost dedicated to the project. Manual labor is replaced by the automated process.

Apart from thermoplastic filaments used to create new objects, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology uses soluble materials to support the main structure. Making some complex geometries without a support material would not be possible. These support structures allow the printing of models with overhanging geometries. When the printout is ready, the user has to rip off the main filament from the support material. It can be done manually (when you use breakaway material) or “automatically” (if soluble material is applied). Using soluble material is easier – it is all about placing the printed item into a solvent and waiting until the support material dissolves. This way of getting rid of support material takes less time, is less absorbing for the user, and does not generate the risk of damaging fragile elements. These are the key reasons why many 3D printing users prefer soluble support materials over breakaway ones.

ESM-30 by 3DGence is a high-temperature alternative to other popular support polymers (BVOH, PVOH, PVA). The filament reduces the risk of clogging the nozzle. On the other hand, due to its tendency to moisture absorption, it requires to be stored in the packaging with a seal. A proper storage environment is a must if you want to get the best out of ESM-30. The support can be dissolved in mid alkaline solution. Both the dissolving agent and dissolving station are available in the 3DGence offer.

The most significant advantage of ESM-30 is its ability to withstand higher chamber temperatures while maintaining its supporting abilities. It allows the use of model materials that require higher chamber temperature. This characteristic leads to the final part’s expected mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy.

Compatibility

ESM-30 is a soluble 3D printing support material dedicated to high-temperature materials for FDM printing, enabling the creation of complex structures without the need for manual support removal. This advanced material works with a wide range of high-performance filaments to provide precise and reliable results. Compatible materials include 3DXTech PC-ESD, Kimya PEKK-A, LEXAN™ EXL AMHI240F and Victrex AM™200, allowing this support to be used in the most demanding industrial applications.

Key benefits of ESM-30

• resistant to higher chamber temperatures;
• the limited time of post-processing, e.g., PC-ESD and VICTREX AM™ 200;
• reduced risk of model damage;
• easiness of removing support material;
• compatible with high-performance thermoplastics;
• no clogging and good adhesion to both the model and print bed;
• non-toxic;
• high dimensional accuracy.

ESM-30 industrial applications

ESM-30 is a versatile support material that can be used in many sectors. It is especially recommended for those who want to reduce the manual work and risk of printout damage. Before buying this support material, you should double-check with 3DGence advisors what filaments are compatible with ESM-30. Feel free to ask 3DGence customer support to find out more details.

ESM-30: good to know

This support material is dedicated to manufacturing extra strong printouts with complex geometry. These elements can be obtained only using a professional 3D printer equipped with a heated chamber. Our flagship models, INDUSTRY F421 and INDUSTRY F350, ensure a perfect environment for the most advanced printouts (e.g., end-use parts for aviation, defense, energy, or railway sectors), manufactured on an industrial scale.

Het bericht ESM-30 Support Material Natural 0,75kg verscheen eerst op AMR Europe.

Filament 3DGence HIPS

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) by 3DGence is a popular filament that can work either as a main model or breakaway support material.

HIPS is a polystyrene-based polymer commonly used in FFF 3D printing because of its multiple applications and diverse qualities. Its properties are similar to ABS features, however, HIPS has more impact resistance and a lower tendency to shrink during the printing process. Moreover, it is harder than ABS. The big advantage of HIPS is the fact that it can be processed, painted, or polished. Because of that, you can easily achieve a nice, matt surface look of the final element. Some users appreciate this filament for its reduced weight and dimensional stability. The final printouts are non-toxic and fully recyclable.

Key benefits of HIPS

• durable and lightweight,
• matt surface,
• can be polished, glued, and covered with acrylic paint,
• recyclable,

Industrial applications of HIPS

Some companies use HIPS for prototyping or making consumer products. It is a popular choice for printing decorations, lamps, mock-ups, figures, housings, covers, figurines, parts of costumes, or masks.

HIPS: good to know

To obtain the highest quality of printouts with HIPS, a heated bed and heated chamber are recommended. Our professional 3D printers, INDUSTRY F421 and INDUSTRY F350, are equipped with all the features required to get the best out of making new elements with HIPS filament. It’s worth adding that printing with HIPS may emit harmful fumes (because of Styrene), so good ventilation is necessary when you pick HIPS. 3DGence printers can be optionally fitted with a filtration unit that protects the user from any inconveniences and health hazards caused by toxic fumes.

Het bericht Filament 3DGence HIPS White 1 kg verscheen eerst op AMR Europe.

Material weight: 0,5 kg
Material diameter: 1,75 mm

Water-soluble high-quality support material that can be used with many different polymers. Easily soluble in water. This environmentally friendly material is a support when printing items with overhanging and especially complex structures. The BVOH filament guarantees excellent forming and adhesion properties.

Usage:

• Supporting material for models with complex geometry in which mechanical removal of supports is impossible or difficult

Het bericht 3DG-BVOH 1,75 3DGence Natural White 0,5kg verscheen eerst op AMR Europe.

Soluble Support Material for 3D Printing

3DGence ESM-10

3DGence’s ESM-10 support material is a soluble support material used in Fused Filament Fabrication 3D printing, dedicated to professional applications. This material has high chemical compatibility and good adhesion to PEEK, PEKK, PC, ABS and more filaments.

ESM-10 is an excellent support material for 3D models with complex geometries or overhanging elements. Printing these kinds of models will not be possible without support. Basically, there are two types of support materials: breakaway and soluble. Using soluble support filaments gives some significant advantages to the operator. Firstly, soluble support prevents damaging the main model, which happens frequently if you need to detach the filaments manually.

Secondly, a soluble support material cuts the time of post-processing, and it does not engage labor, so a 3D printer operator can focus on other job activities. Thirdly, some advanced geometries are printed with a support material – because of its complexity, tiny structures, and narrow spaces – can work only with soluble support filaments.

ESM-10 by 3DGence offers the best experience of 3D printing with support materials. It enables to support of the main model in a heated chamber, where the inner temperature may be higher than 80°C. ESM-10 shows good adhesion to popular thermoplastics such as PEKK, PEEK, PAEK, PC, PA, ASA, ABS.

Key benefits of 3DGence’s ESM-10:

• can dissolve mild alkaline solutions;
• ease of printability;
• high level of adhesion to popular filaments;
• quick and safe post-processing;
• does not demand the highest temperature to perform but works perfectly in a 3D printer with an actively heated chamber;
• great quality of the model surface.

ESM-10 applications:

The described support material has multiple applications. It can work with ABS, PA, PC-ABS, PC, ASA, PEEK, PEKK. It is worth remembering that choosing support material depends on both the type of main filament and the temperature of printing. If you want to make sure, that ESM-10 is the right support material for your printing settings, please contact 3DGence advisors.

ESM-10: good to know

The spool of support material comes in a welded aluminum bag. When you do not use the spool, it is recommended to keep it in the bag to reduce the risk of moisture absorption. We have already said that ESM-10 works well in a machine equipped with actively heated chambers, thus our top industrial 3D printers: INDUSTRY F421 and INDUSTRY F350 are the best choices to develop and maintain an effective and qualitative production process. Moreover, using 3DGence labeled filaments along with our printers and Material Management System (MMS) allows you to keep total process control, traceability, and repeatability.

Het bericht ESM-10 Support Material Natural 0,75kg verscheen eerst op AMR Europe.