News Release

Launch of graphene-enhanced PLA filaments for 3-D printing

3-D printing enables designers to produce prototype components, models or actual components directly from CAD on a computer without the need to manufacture moulds or tooling

Business Announcement

Hermes Financial Public Relations

Haydale Composite Solutions (HCS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Haydale Graphene Industries PLC (HGI), are pleased to announce a commercial collaboration with Filamentprint (UK) Ltd (a company specialising in the compounding and manufacture of thermoplastic filaments for 3D printing) and Fullerex Ltd (HGI's sales agent for its functionalised nano materials) to promote and sell Graphene enhanced Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) filaments for 3D printing applications. 3D printing enables designers to produce prototype components, models or actual components directly from a computer aided design ("CAD") on a computer without the need to manufacture moulds or tooling.

The Graphene enhanced PLA filaments, available in 1.75mm and 2.85 mm diameters, have been trialled by a number of 3D printing companies who have reported a number of major benefits, including:

  • Excellent first layer adhesion and z axis strength retention
  • Major increase in speed of processing
  • Improved strength and stiffness
  • Better impact performance
  • Excellent print quality and surface finish
  • Improved dimensional accuracy
  • Compatibility with a broad range of printers and ease of use.

HCS and Filamentprint (UK) Ltd are exhibiting these exciting new materials at the TCT show, NEC Birmingham 28-29 September, on adjacent booths H39 and H41 and staff from all 3 companies will be available to discuss the properties and benefits of Graphene enhanced PLA filaments. These specifically include how the mechanical, electrical, thermal and physical properties of the Graphene enhanced PLA filaments can be tailored to meet the needs of different applications and markets. The Companies will also be demonstrating products being 3D printed in Graphene enhanced PLA. Data sheets and price lists will be available for interested parties.

Commenting on the feedback, Gerry Boyce, Managing Director of HCS said;

"We are very excited about the development of graphene enhanced Thermoplastic materials for 3D printing. These new materials offer so many benefits including the ability to make parts stiffer, stronger and faster! Speed of print has historically been a barrier to wide scale take up of 3D printing. In the future, the thought of making structural components direct from CAD excites us enormously."

Whilst HCS and Filamentprint (UK) Ltd will be launching their first commercially available Graphene enhanced PLA filaments, the companies are also working on a range of Graphene enhanced thermoplastics including ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene), Nylon and PP (Polypropylene) materials and staff will be only too pleased to discuss these new developments and how HCS and Filamentprint (UK) Ltd can develop customised Graphene enhanced thermoplastic filaments to meet a company's product requirements.

Clive Wilcox Managing Director of Filamentprint (UK) Ltd added:

"We are unashamed nano technology enthusiasts. Our thinking incorporates that of both the major industrialists through to the hobbyists. Our collaboration with Haydale and Fullerex is the next logical step in the developmental process to enable us to provide bespoke solutions for our clients' requirements."

Sample reels of Graphene enhanced PLA will be available for trial purposes. HCS, Filamentprint (UK) Ltd and Fullerex would like to talk to potential customers of Graphene enhanced PLA filaments as well as potential distributors of the product on a geographic basis.

Joe Eldridge, Director of Fullerex Ltd also commented:

"Significant improvements in conventional materials are needed to move FDM 3D printers beyond making prototypes or display models and into a capable technology for rapidly manufacturing mechanically robust, functional parts. Haydale's ability to engineer Graphene to properly exploit its desirable properties has been a vital prerequisite to bridge this gap. This filament is easy to use and has broad compatibility, so is an exciting option regardless of whether you are a hobbyist or an industrial manufacturer."

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For further information please contact either:

Gerry Boyce, Managing Director of Haydale Composite Solutions Ltd on 0774 8635315 or gerry.boyce@haydalecs.com

Clive Wilcox, Managing Director Filamentprint (UK) Ltd on info@filamentprint.com

Joe Eldridge, Director, Fullerex Ltd on 07904 050441

Notes for Editors:

About HCS

HCS are a wholly owned subsidiary of Haydale Graphene Industries PLC ( HGI ) who are listed on the AIM stock market. HGI have a patented process to plasma treat and functionalise nano materials enabling them to be readily dispersed into a variety of materials including thermoplastics. HCS are a research and development company specialising in the design, development, testing and certification of polymer composite materials for a wide range of industries, including energy, infrastructure and transportation markets. HCS, previously known as EPL Composite Solutions Ltd, were formed in 1992 and acquired by HGI in November 2014. Since the acquisition, HCS have been working on the development of Graphene enhanced polymer materials for use in the composites and 3D printing markets. http://www.haydale.com

About Filamentprint (UK) Ltd

Filamentprint (UK) Ltd, established in 2009, are a research and development company specialising in the manufacture of thermoplastic filaments for the 3D printing industry. The company has a detailed understanding on the compounding and extrusion of thermoplastic filaments for 3D printing applications. The company also have a detailed knowledge of the 3D printing process.

About Fullerex

Fullerex Ltd are an advanced materials and technology brokerage company specialising in the enhancement and commercialisation of nano materials. The company look to broker relationships between companies wishing to exploit and commercialise nano materials. Fullerex have a sales agency arrangement with HGI and are responsible for identifying new market opportunities and potential customers/distributors for their functionalised nano materials and compounded polymer materials.


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