Finnish research institute VTT and nanodiamond company Carbodeon have created a technique that promises to increase the speed of 3D printing while also improving the durability of the output product. Known as the uDiamond filament, the new form of plastic contains nanodiamond particles that act as a lubricant in shaping the material without any extra clogging of the nozzle of the printer. Besides solid products, a notable application area of the new material is in optical coatings with selectable refractive indices. Tests by the researchers found that the process improved printing speeds by up to 500 mm/s. The breakthrough is based on an additive manufacturing method called "Direct Metal Laser Sintering" (DMLS).
Finnish research institute VTT and nanodiamond company Carbodeon have created a technique that promises to increase the speed of 3D printing while also improving the durability of the output product. Known as the uDiamond filament, the new form of plastic contains nanodiamond particles that act as a lubricant in shaping the material without any extra clogging of the nozzle of the printer. Tests by the researchers found that the process improved printing speeds by up to 500 mm/s. The breakthrough is based on an additive manufacturing method called "Direct Metal Laser Sintering" (DMLS).