Introduction: Soluble 3D printing materials for support structures have been developed and applied for many years, and current support materials can significantly reduce the time and labor required for support removal. If you've ever used PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) filaments as a printing support, you know it's faster and easier to remove than other materials, but it also has many limitations. Consumer and professional formulations of soluble materials vary greatly, can take hours to dissolve, leave residues in internal channels that can be difficult to print, and some require special chemical baths.
In July 2022, it was learned that Infinite Material Solutions, a US-based company, has developed a PVA alternative—a new soluble support. The company stated, "The 3D printing market needs support materials that are soluble in tap water, suitable for a variety of building materials, environmentally friendly, and compatible with various printing platforms."
Infinite states that AquaSys GP can dissolve in room temperature tap water without producing any chemicals, and faster than PVA. In dissolution rate tests of the same printed part, AquaSys GP dissolved approximately 20% faster than PVA at room temperature. The study also found that AquaSys GP typically dissolves at a rate of 13 mg/min, while PVA dissolves at 11.2 mg/min.
AquaSys GP is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and safe for drainage, so tap water and dissolved support require no special treatment. The company reports that the material will biodegrade by at least 80% within 6 weeks in a freshwater system.
Protecting Support Material from Moisture Damage
Another common obstacle to water-soluble materials is their high hygroscopicity, meaning they absorb moisture from the air, which alters their printability. If PVA material is exposed to air for extended periods, it needs to be dried or discarded before use. The company states that AquaSys GP is designed to provide better moisture resistance than typical PVA materials, exhibiting high print fidelity even after weeks of exposure to humid air.
Increasing Interlayer Adhesion
In the 3D printing process, the adhesion between the build material and the soluble support is arguably the most crucial factor determining the success of the print. Adjacent layers of the build material and soluble support must have adequate adhesion to prevent peeling, warping, detachment, and a host of other print failures.
Infinite states that AquaSys GP is specifically designed for excellent adhesion to polyester-based build materials, including PLA, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene terephthalate (PETG).
The company says that AquaSys GP has a lower viscosity than PVA at high temperatures, which translates to improved print fidelity, larger process dimensions, and higher print speeds on certain 3D printing systems, such as direct particle extrusion systems. AquaSys GP supports the use of engineered polyesters at indoor temperatures up to 30°C.
Infinite has not disclosed the specific composition of AquaSys GP, only stating that it is a composite material based on "a natural carbohydrate that mineralizes very rapidly in the environment." AquaSys GP is the company's entry-level support material. Infinite also produces two engineering-grade support materials: AquaSys 120, which remains stable at chamber temperatures up to 120°C, and AquaSys 180, which is compatible with PEEK, PEKK, PEI, and PPSU.
AquaSys GP Technical Specifications
● Size: 1.75 mm, 2.85 mm filament
● Price: $70
● Volume: 500 g
● Extruder Temperature: 225°C – 255°C
● Printing Half-Plate Temperature: 40°C – 60°C
● Chamber Temperature: Maximum 30°C
● Printing Plate Requirements: Glass, PEI
Website: www.china-pva.net
Whatsapp: 0086-15380400285
E-mail: sales2@china-pva.net
