Editor’s Pick: New solution for ABS polymer 3D printing 

MakerBot introduces a solution that the company says simplifies 3D printing with ABS polymers by streamlining workflow and reducing the need for the number of pieces of equipment required for processing. New RapidRinse and ABS-R materials are designed to print a wide range of industrial and end-user parts. 

MakerBot describes RapidRinse as a new fast-dissolving support material designed to eliminate costly post-processing procedures. The material dissolves in warm tap water without the addition of caustic chemicals. Without need for solvents, MakerBot says engineers do not need additional post-processing equipment. RapidRinse’s water-soluble properties are intended to make it an easier, safer support material to work with, leaving behind minimal residue.

MakerBot says ABS-R is a new ABS formulation providing printing reliability and performance for consistent, repeatable ABS prototypes, tools and parts. ABS-R is said to optimize working with RapidRinse to deliver print quality.

MakerBot METHOD X’s heated chamber, a VECT (Variable Environmental Controlled Temperature) 110 Technology, combined with RapidRinse soluble supports are designed to deliver ABS parts as easily as PLA, according to MakerBot. Printing with RapidRinse on METHOD X is said to produce dimensionally accurate ABS parts of ±0.2mm (±0.007 inch)2.

“Our goal with METHOD has always been to make industrial 3D printing easy, reliable and accurate on a desktop 3D printer, says MakerBot CEO Nadav Goshen. “METHOD is the only desktop 3D printer in its price class with a heated chamber that can print a range of advanced polymers, composites and metal—all on one machine. Further, RapidRinse is another step we are taking with Stratasys in our ongoing efforts to support sustainable manufacturing practices and industry safety standards.”

The company says the addition of RapidRinse and ABS-R strengthens METHOD X’s portfolio of advanced engineering-grade materials. METHOD X can print the same polymers, composites and metals found in familiar manufacturing processes from injection molding to machining. Due to its environmental control features and its six-in-one modular extruder platform, the platform allows for quick changes between material groups, preventing cross-contamination and faster extruder degradation.

RapidRinse and ABS-R are expected to begin shipping in December 2021. For more information, click here. 

A video introducing this new thermoplastic 3D printing solution is here. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website. 

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