Jabil Introduces PA 0600 Additive Filament 

Jabil Inc. makes available a new additive material, Jabil PA 0600, which delivers strength and stiffness required for aerospace, automotive and industrial manufacturing applications. This latest advancement from Jabil Engineered Materials was created, formulated and produced at the company’s Minnesota-based Materials Innovation Center for use in traditional and additive manufacturing.  

“We’re building upon Jabil’s legacy in materials science to improve existing polymers or create new ones at the molecular level to benefit our customers,” says Matt Torosian, additive product management director, Jabil. “Our focus on innovation led to the discovery of our PA 0600 filament, which has a unique formulation with Acetal plastic attributes but without potentially dangerous formaldehyde emissions associated with overheating.” 

Delivering Material Strength and Stiffness 

Additive manufacturing adoption is increasing significantly, especially in the production of manufacturing jigs, fixtures and tooling, as well as moving prototypes into production and scaling the manufacturing of production parts, according to a March 2021 Jabil survey on 3D Printing Technology Trends. Nearly 50% of the respondents to the survey expect their use of 3D printing for production parts to double over the next 3 to 5 years. Additionally, 90% of those polled use plastics and polymers for 3D printing, up from 74% just two years ago.  

The Jabil PA 0600 filament is suited for various applications as the material exhibits high stiffness, dimensional stability and good wear resistance, as well as low-friction, self-lubricating characteristics. The new filament delivers high levels of smoothness and durability, typically required in the production of gears, bearings and rollers; jigs, fixtures and tooling; and work-holding devices, posts and nests. Additionally, the material simplifies post-print machining, including fly cuts, thread taps and heat stakes. 

Jabil PA 0600 filament provides enhanced functionality typically associated with Delrin Acetal plastic or alternative POM (polyoxymethylene) materials—without the risk of exposure to formaldehyde emissions when the material is overheated. The Jabil PA 0600 filament has been formulated without formaldehyde, so there is no release of odors or fumes during processing. This offers product designers greater flexibility, speed and safety in developing complex parts that must be resistant to fatigue, friction and abrasion, Jabil says.

Accelerating Availability of Advanced Materials 

More than 50% of those polled in the recent survey cited lengthy material development cycles as a major challenge, up from 27% two years earlier. To accelerate the availability of specialized materials, Jabil Engineered Materials’ chemists, material scientists and additive manufacturing experts have developed filaments, powders, pellets and custom materials featuring enhanced properties.  

“Jabil PA 0600 filament is an exciting, engineered material advancement, offering a viable Delrin alternative with the durability and strength needed for a wide range of additive manufacturing applications,” says Bas de Jong, VP market development, materials & strategic partnerships at Ultimaker. “Previous materials from Jabil that are already available in the Ultimaker Marketplace in Ultimaker Cura offer users first-time right results and peace of mind while printing on our 3D printers and using the printed applications.” 

The Jabil PA 0600 filament is featured in the Ultimaker Marketplace in Ultimaker Cura 3D printing software and is available through DigiKey. 

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