As 3D printing technology matures and market demand for printer monofilaments explodes, one problem that is emerging is the quality of the printer filament. Roundness, diameter and consistency are all characteristics that impact the quality of the monofilament and hence the results of the 3D printing experience. However, it turns out that not all filament producers have the quality control equipment or the processing expertise needed to produce filaments of consistently high quality with the requisite properties. In order to safeguard the quality of the monofilament made from its Ingeo PLA, NatureWorks has take the step of entering into a collaboration agreement with Ireland-based 3Dom Filament Limited, a new technology startup with extensive Ingeo PLA technical experience.

3DOM Filament Limited, a new technology startup, has a leadership team with extensive Ingeo PLA technical experience. The company has spent a year developing a process for converting Ingeo into a consistently high quality filament portfolio. It currently has all the primary colors and will be working on others. 3DOM's familiarity with the entire portfolio of available Ingeo grades means that it has the deep technical knowledge specific to this polymer needed to tailor Ingeo monofilament properties such as filament stiffness or finished part impact resistance and dimensional stability to best suit the end product requirements.

The confidence that NatureWorks has in the quality of the 3DOM product is evidenced by the fact that the entire 3DOM monofilament family will carry the Ingeo logo. This is the first time NatureWorks has licensed the use of the Ingeo brand name and logo in the 3D printing industry.

"With Ingeo, 3DOM Filament Limited will help to ensure the availability of a PLA monofilament that meets quality standards and reduces filament-related printing problems. While the 3DOM company is new, the team there has more than a decade of experience with Ingeo PLA. 3DOM is also actively involved in research and development of Ingeo blends and additives, bringing new performance enhancements to the 3D printing community," said Dan Sawyer, global leader of NatureWorks new business segment. "NatureWorks is collaborating with customer compounders and additive suppliers, and we intend to develop further strategic relationships around the world to support the growing global 3D printing market."