ORNL, Polynt Composites Develop Stronger, Low Cost 3D Materials

Developing low-cost materials for 3D printing larger, stronger components for the tooling, aerospace and automotive industries is the aim of a new partnership between Oak Ridge National Laboratory  (ORNL) and Illinois-based Polynt Composites USA.
 
The collaboration focuses on early-stage research and development of reactive materials that print at room temperature and harden through a chemical reaction that cross-links each printed layer. This approach yields stronger, more scalable printed products.
 
“Working with the manufacturing and materials science experts at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL, we will optimize our vinylester and polyester composites for additive manufacturing and identify the chemistries with the best mechanical properties for scale up and commercialization,” said Steve Voeks, Polynt Americas R&D director.