The 3-D printing company MakerBot has continued to expand its materials portfolio with the addition of ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) to the range of ‘precision materials’ for its Method 3-D printer.

MakerBot says this material “is ideal for outdoor applications that need to withstand harsh environments, such
as those found in the automotive, power and utilities, agriculture, oil and gas, and mass-transit industries”.

MakerBot CEO Nadav Goshen said: “We are committed to adding a wide range of materials to the Method platform to support the different needs of our customers and their applications.

“The Method X ‘Circulating Heated Chamber’ allows engineers to produce strong and durable parts with industrial materials.

“We believe that ASA can deliver high-performing mechanical properties that will enable companies to develop better products.”

ASA has mechanical properties similar to ABS but with greater resistance to ultra-violet light, long-term exposure to heat and chemicals.

These capabilities enable ASA to retain its gloss, colour and properties in outdoor exposure better than ABS.

MakerBot’s line of ‘Precision materials’ for Method include MakerBot Tough, PLA, PVA, ABS and ASA; these are used primarily for prototyping, jigs and fixtures, and end-use parts.

Further information can be found at the Web site (www.makerbot.com/3d-printers/materials/method).