Spanish 3D printing supplies producer Recreus has developed a line of versatile 3D printing filaments geared toward transferring AM past prototyping and into dependable product manufacturing.
All manufacturing takes place in Spain beneath ROHS and REACH compliance. The corporate prioritizes waste discount and using recycled or renewable supplies wherever doable. Its identify, 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 show its potential, Recreus produced a completely versatile pair of sneakers utilizing a typical desktop 3D printer. In accordance with the corporate, these weren’t one-off designs however an illustration that versatile filaments might help practical, 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 collection 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 functions.
In the meantime, Filaflex 95A affords higher construction, making it a greater match for general-purpose elements. All grades are engineered for sturdy layer adhesion, rebound, and sturdiness, making them appropriate for industries corresponding to healthcare, trend, sports activities, and robotics.
To fulfill extra specialised calls for, the supplies producer has developed further formulations based mostly on its core supplies. Obtainable in commonplace and 95 variations, Filaflex Foamy introduces a foam-like construction supreme for orthopedic insoles, protecting padding, and different shock-absorbing functions.
For customers working in electronics or sensible wearables, Conductive Filaflex combines flexibility with electrical conductivity, enabling the 3D printing of wearable sensors, low-voltage circuits, and practical electronics. These variants increase the vary of Filaflex use instances, bridging technical and client functions.
Sustainability can also be embedded in Recreus’ product improvement. Comprised of 100% recycled content material, Reciflex, helps round economic system efforts by giving waste supplies a brand new goal. The supplies firm has additionally partnered with Balena to develop the Balena.Filaflex compostable, bio-based filament supposed for sustainable trend and equipment.
Furthermore, Filaflex Air purifier takes a unique method by incorporating photocatalytic compounds that react with daylight to seize and mineralize carbon dioxide. Collectively, these choices give producers a alternative of environmentally accountable supplies with out compromising efficiency.
For elements that demand added sturdiness, the corporate affords a rubber-based SEBS filament. This materials gives flexibility together with excessive resistance to chemical substances, 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 parts.
Recreus has additionally labored to help the wants of design-focused customers. Working with Footwearology, a footwear-focused lab and training heart, the corporate launched the Footwearology Colour Palette Version. This restricted collection options pastel tones together with Azure, Mint, Oat, Lavender, and Nightfall. The gathering provides designers extra aesthetic flexibility when creating wearable merchandise that mix perform and visible enchantment.
Sources 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 positioning consists of examined print settings corresponding 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 trend.
Along with supplies and sources, 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 function in shaping product improvement, 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 accessible for customized branding.
Within the automotive trade, the supplies are used for elastic seals and parts that should resist chemical substances and mechanical stress. In protection, they assist cut 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 improvement, Recreus has partnered with international petrochemical firm Repsol. This alliance focuses on creating new polymers and sensible 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 reveals how versatile 3D printing can scale in real-world manufacturing.
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Featured picture reveals a 3D printed sneaker made with Filaflex Foamy. Photograph by way of Recreus.