KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tru-Design LLC and Polynt Composites USA Inc. have partnered to develop unique advanced material coatings and finishes for 3D printed components made by large area additive manufacturing.
This partnership combines the talents of Tru-Design and Polynt to create and market materials that will enable broader commercial adoption of large-area additive manufacturing for industrial size parts, tools, and various products that require a smooth or vacuum integrity finish.
Tru-Design is a pioneer in developing coating applications for large, 3D printed components and will be responsible for sales of the TD coating materials.
“Our company has been at the forefront of large-scale additive manufacturing since its inception. We have applied first class finishes to projects at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory including a replica Shelby Cobra sports car, the Willys Jeep, and the Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy demonstration project featuring a 3D printed building powered by a 3D printed vehicle,” said Tru-Design’s CEO Rick Spears. “Partnership with leading national research organizations, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and IACMI-The Composites Institute enables rapid production of world-class innovative composite prototypes, such as the Shelby Cobra. We’re excited to partner with Polynt and bring product solutions to the market for additively manufactured commercial components.”
Polynt is a leading worldwide supplier that brings expertise in resins and gel coats for coatings and composites, and now thermoplastics.
“This industry is in its infancy, and new materials are needed to make it viable for many market segments,” said Polynt’s R&D Director Steve Voeks. “Polynt and Tru-Design are committed to a successful business relationship that will bring this new processing technology to the market.”
Tru-Design further announces the introduction of the first two products jointly developed for 3D printed molds as a result of the partnership - TD Seal HT and TD Coat RT. TD Seal HT was specifically designed to provide vacuum integrity to 3D printed molds for use in high temperature (350°F) and high pressure, autoclave molding. TD Coat RT was specifically designed to provide an additive applied coating that is easy to machine and sand to a desired gloss for both parts as well as plugs and molds designed for room temperature applications. Both products are formulated as additive materials that bond exceptionally well to thermoplastics used in additive manufacturing.
Tru-Design, Polynt, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and IACMI-The Composites Institute will be exhibiting various TD produced and coated parts at CAMX 2016 in Anaheim, California. Tru-Design representatives will be at Polynt’s booth (N-1) to discuss their new TD coatings, and will have TD coated parts on display.
About Tru-Design LLC
Tru-Design is the leading expert in finishes for large-area additively manufactured polymer- based products. Tru-Design is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee.
About Polynt Composites USA Inc.
Polynt is a global leader in thermosetting resins used for coatings, composites and gel coats. Polynt is present on five continents, has specialized global research centers across the globe, and is headquartered in Carpentersville, Illinois.