× Expand Ultrafuse 316L said to enable metal 3D printing on almost any extrusion-based printer.

The additive manufacturing arm of global chemical company BASF has formally launched its metal-polymer 3D printing filament onto the market.

First introduced last year, Ultrafuse 316L is said to enable simple and cost-efficient production of full metal prototypes, tooling and end-use parts using any extrusion-based 3D printer.

Parts can be printed on a suitable printer in a similar fashion to that of a standard plastic extrusion process to create a so-called green part. The part then goes through an debinding and sintering process to remove the binder and leave a solid 316L stainless steel product.

Ultrafuse 316L is made up of approximately 90% metal content with a mix of polymer particles which act as a binder. BASF says the material's high metal content and even distribution within the binder matrix reduces the risk of defects, while the immobilisation of metal particles in a filament form reduces potential hazards compared to metal powder-based processes such as selective laser melting SLM or direct metal laser sintering.

Ultrafuse 316L can be used with both Bowden and direct drive extruders and can be guided through complex filament transport systems. Desktop 3D printing leader, Ultimaker has confirmed the material’s print profiles will be added to its growing marketplace for its Ultimaker S5.

Paul Heiden, Senior Vice President Product Management, Ultimaker commented: “3D printing professionals worldwide can then use FFF technology to produce functional metal parts at significantly reduced time and costs compared to traditional methods.”

Further explaining the material’s compatibility, François Minec, Managing Director, BASF 3D Printing Solutions said: "Ultrafuse 316L can, under certain conditions, be processed on any conventional, open-material FFF printer.

“Our goal was to develop a high-quality metal filament that makes the additive manufacturing of metal parts considerably easier, cheaper, faster, and accessible to everyone."

With the ongoing race for lower-cost metal 3D printing and office-friendly systems, the launch is set to expand the accessibility of metal 3D printing to a wider range of users, as Dave Gaylord, Head of Products at desktop printing solutions provider, MatterHackers explained:

"Ultrafuse 316L from BASF enables engineers and designers to produce true, pure, industrial grade metal parts easily and affordably using desktop 3D printers.

"This material is a significant technological advancement and truly a shift in how we describe what is possible with desktop 3D printers."