All-Purpose 3D Printing Material Offers Alternative to PVA

Infinite Materials Solutions, LLC, a company vested in material design for additive manufacturing, has recently launched AquaSys General Purpose (GP), a water-soluble support material compatible with most polyesters. It is a direct replacement for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and yields performance and print fidelity with standard polylactic acid (PLA)-type build materials. 

Specifically designed for use in fused filament fabrication (FFF) and direct pellet extrusion systems, AquaSys GP is said to dissolve 20% faster in room-temperature tap water compared with PVA, can be easily removed without any harsh chemicals, and can be printed with a wide variety of machines, including dual extruder printers. AquaSys GP can print under challenging humidity conditions with its moisture mitigation properties and is compatible with PET, PETG, PLA and other common materials.

"We've been listening to our customers for years and have heard their frustrations with the drawbacks of PVA materials," says Jeff Feddersen, senior sales manager at Infinite. "PLA comprises 70% of all build materials used in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) market—we really think this is going to change everything and become the standard by which all other support materials are judged."

AquaSys GP joins Infinite's line of materials: AquaSys 120 and AquaSys 180 water-soluble support filaments and Caverna PP, a polypropylene build material with a water-soluble, co-continuous, microporous morphology. 

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