Spanish 3D printing supplies producer Recreus has developed a line of versatile 3D printing filaments aimed toward transferring AM past prototyping and into dependable product manufacturing.
All manufacturing takes place in Spain underneath ROHS and REACH compliance. The corporate prioritizes waste discount and the usage of recycled or renewable supplies wherever doable. Its title, brief for Recycle, Create, Use, displays this ongoing dedication to sustainability.
The Spanish firm first gained recognition with Filaflex, the primary thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament ever developed for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers. To exhibit its potential, Recreus produced a totally versatile pair of sneakers utilizing a typical desktop 3D printer. In keeping with the corporate, these weren’t one-off designs however an indication that versatile filaments may help useful, wearable merchandise.
“We didn’t simply launch a filament. We launched a motion. We created Filaflex, printed our personal versatile sneakers in 2012, and confirmed the world what was doable with FDM. It was a press release, a spark, and the beginning of one thing a lot larger.” stated Ignacio García, Founder & CEO of Recreus.
Increasing the Filaflex materials vary
Based in 2013, Recreus has continued to construct on that concept by increasing the Filaflex vary. The sequence now consists of 4 Shore hardness ranges: 60A, 70A, 82A, and 95A. Every grade is designed for particular efficiency necessities. Filaflex 60A is the softest and most elastic, appropriate for high-flex purposes.
In the meantime, Filaflex 95A affords higher construction, making it a greater match for general-purpose components. All grades are engineered for robust layer adhesion, rebound, and sturdiness, making them appropriate for industries comparable to healthcare, vogue, sports activities, and robotics.
To satisfy extra specialised calls for, the supplies producer has developed extra formulations primarily based on its core supplies. Obtainable in customary and 95 variations, Filaflex Foamy introduces a foam-like construction splendid for orthopedic insoles, protecting padding, and different shock-absorbing purposes.
For customers working in electronics or good wearables, Conductive Filaflex combines flexibility with electrical conductivity, enabling the 3D printing of wearable sensors, low-voltage circuits, and useful electronics. These variants broaden the vary of Filaflex use circumstances, bridging technical and shopper purposes.
Sustainability can also be embedded in Recreus’ product growth. Made out of 100% recycled content material, Reciflex, helps round economic system efforts by giving waste supplies a brand new function. The supplies firm has additionally partnered with Balena to develop the Balena.Filaflex compostable, bio-based filament supposed for sustainable vogue and equipment.
Furthermore, Filaflex Air purifier takes a unique strategy by incorporating photocatalytic compounds that react with daylight to seize and mineralize carbon dioxide. Collectively, these choices give producers a selection of environmentally accountable supplies with out compromising efficiency.
For components that demand added sturdiness, the corporate affords a rubber-based SEBS filament. This materials gives flexibility together with excessive resistance to chemical compounds, warmth, and moisture. It’s generally utilized in industrial gaskets, seals, and housings. Its compatibility with sterilization strategies additionally makes it appropriate for reusable medical elements.
Recreus has additionally labored to help the wants of design-focused customers. Working with Footwearology, a footwear-focused lab and training middle, the corporate launched the Footwearology Colour Palette Version. This restricted sequence options pastel tones together with Azure, Mint, Oat, Lavender, and Nightfall. The gathering provides designers extra aesthetic flexibility when creating wearable merchandise that mix operate and visible attraction.
Assets powering versatile 3D printing
To assist prospects work successfully with versatile supplies, Recreus redesigned its web site to function a whole technical useful resource. The location consists of examined print settings comparable to temperature ranges, print speeds, and mattress adhesion strategies for every filament. It additionally options step-by-step tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and utilization manuals to assist customers get probably the most out of every materials.
A devoted part titled “Scientists Articles” highlights educational analysis involving Recreus supplies in areas like robotics, medication, and environmental science. Case research additional illustrate how Filaflex is being utilized in real-world settings, together with customized orthotics and 3D printed vogue.
Along with supplies and assets, Recreus affords hands-on help for its B2B prospects. This consists of steering on materials choice, prototyping help, and coaching applications to assist groups grasp versatile printing. Buyer suggestions performs a direct position in shaping product growth, making a suggestions loop between use and innovation.
Recreus supplies are actually used throughout a variety of sectors. In healthcare, they’re utilized to orthotics, braces, prosthetics, and wearable medical gadgets. Footwear producers use them to print full shoe assemblies, from uppers to outsoles, with colour choices obtainable for customized branding.
Within the automotive trade, the supplies are used for elastic seals and elements that should resist chemical compounds and mechanical stress. In protection, they assist scale back weight in impact-absorbing gear. Robotics firms use them for versatile joints and actuators that require constant movement and power. In leisure, the supplies help wearable merchandise utilized in cosplay, sports activities, and efficiency gear.
To help future supplies growth, Recreus has partnered with world petrochemical firm Repsol. This alliance focuses on creating new polymers and good supplies that meet evolving technical necessities whereas aligning with sustainability objectives, strengthening Recreus’ R&D capabilities and increasing its long-term materials choices.
By controlling manufacturing, rising its versatile materials portfolio, and supporting skilled customers, Recreus exhibits how versatile 3D printing can scale in real-world manufacturing.
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Featured picture exhibits a 3D printed sneaker made with Filaflex Foamy. Photograph through Recreus.
