Insight Masterbatches Reduce Gloss, Improve Appearance of PLA, PETG FDM Systems

Insight Polymers & Compounding, a manufacturer of advanced polymer compounds, has launched two new low-gloss masterbatches for PLA and PETG fused deposition modeling (FDM) systems. Insight LAA112 Low Gloss PLA and Insight TCA112 Low Gloss PETG masterbatches reduce gloss and improve the aesthetic profiles of 3D printed objects with minimal to no impact on mechanical properties.

“Low gloss materials reduce or eliminate the glossy, layered look of parts, improving aesthetics and quality of appearance,” says A.J. Pasquale, Ph.D., Insight Polymers director of operations. “Conventional 3D printed parts with high gloss accentuate layer lines and other defects suggesting lack of durability or prototype and single-use only applications.” The typical use level is 10-30%.

“Additive manufacturing is now used for producing finished goods rather than prototypes for injection molds,” Pasquale adds. “So we facilitate that trend by producing masterbatches that make end products more aesthetically acceptable to the customer.”

With FDM filament being used as the final article and 3D printing now a manufacturing technique, Pasquale says the resulting piece must be aesthetically 100% good, not 90%. Moreover, FDM and other techniques are now accepted for low-volume manufacturing. Therefore, the 3D-printed part must present a high-quality appearance that earns customer acceptance.

“Insight Polymers developed the PLA and PETG masterbatches because these are the resins of most interest,” says Jeremy Lizotte, Ph.D., Insight Polymers director of innovation. “Other resins, including nylons, can be made available upon request.”

This development capability, Lizotte adds, “is in the context of Insight Polymers preparing specialty materials for additive manufacturing, and demonstrates our dedication to the additive manufacturing market.” While the current low gloss masterbatches are designed specifically for FDM, Insight Polymers can develop materials for selective laser sintering (SLS) and Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) according to customer interest.

Insight Polymers & Compounding is a polymer processing and custom compounding operation in northeast Tennessee focused on fully formulated systems, product development services and proprietary masterbatches.