Xtellar Debuts EVA Pellets for Large-Format 3D Printing

Xtellar, a company in 3D printing materials innovation formed by combining Braskem’s 3D materials division and Taulman3D, has introduced an innovation for large-format 3D printing. Launched at RAPID + TCT 2023 to a strong reception, Xtellar’s bio-based EVA pellets bring flexibility and sustainability to a variety of pellet-compatible large-format 3D printers.

EVA is a clear, hygroscopic, amorphous elastomeric material that in the unique Xtellar formulation is bio-based, sourced from sustainable raw sugar cane feedstock.

Bio-Based Polymers

Xtellar's range of bio-based polymers for 3D printing offers sustainable solutions for additive manufacturing.

Sourced from sustainable raw sugar cane feedstock sources, these ecofriendly materials have a lower carbon footprint than traditional fossil fuel-based materials. 

“Bringing a wider variety of sustainable material options to 3D printing is one of Xtellar’s core missions. In 2022, we launched the industry’s first bio-based polyethylene and flexible EVA 3D printing filaments, and this year we continue our mission by launching the first bio-based flexible EVA pellets specifically formulated for large-format 3D printing applications,” says Jason Vagnozzi, CEO, Xtellar.

Bio-Based EVA Pellets

Xtellar bio-based EVA pellets are a sustainable flexible material derived from raw sugar cane. This formulation provides a sustainable alternative to traditional flexible TPE and TPU materials currently available on the market. Xtellar’s eco-friendly formulation delivers a combination of sustainability, flexibility, ductility, light-weighting and moisture resistance—in pellet form.

“This material is an excellent sustainable alternative to many traditional TPU materials currently used for additive manufacturing and reaffirms our commitment to a more circular, carbon-neutral future. We couldn’t be more excited about this latest addition to our product portfolio and will continue to innovate more sustainable options to meet our clients’ growing needs for more sustainable 3D material alternatives,” Vagnozzi continues.

Key Test Specs:

• 89 Shore A
• Lightweight: density of 0.94 g/cm3
• 300% elongation in XY direction
• 100% bio-based polymer made from raw sugar cane
• Hydrophobic material: no drying is needed
• -36C glass transition temperature (great for low-temperature climates)
• Controllable opacity and stiffness with external cooling

Applications:

• Automotive, Marine, Aerospace, Consumer, Industrial
• Sustainable alternative to existing TPUs and TPEs on the market
• High toughness/durable applications
• Compatible 3D Printers:
• Titan Robotics (3D Systems)
• Caracol
• Thermwood LSAM
• Custom multi-access robotic arm systems

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