Spanish 3D printing supplies producer Recreus has developed a line of versatile 3D printing filaments aimed toward transferring AM past prototyping and into dependable product manufacturing.
All manufacturing takes place in Spain underneath ROHS and REACH compliance. The corporate prioritizes waste discount and using recycled or renewable supplies wherever attainable. Its identify, quick for Recycle, Create, Use, displays this ongoing dedication to sustainability.
The Spanish firm first gained recognition with Filaflex, the primary thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament ever developed for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers. To reveal its potential, Recreus produced a totally versatile pair of sneakers utilizing a normal desktop 3D printer. In keeping with the corporate, these weren’t one-off designs however an indication that versatile filaments might assist useful, wearable merchandise.
“We didn’t simply launch a filament. We launched a motion. We created Filaflex, printed our personal versatile sneakers in 2012, and confirmed the world what was attainable with FDM. It was an announcement, a spark, and the beginning of one thing a lot larger.” stated Ignacio García, Founder & CEO of Recreus.
Increasing the Filaflex materials vary
Based in 2013, Recreus has continued to construct on that concept by increasing the Filaflex vary. The collection now consists of 4 Shore hardness ranges: 60A, 70A, 82A, and 95A. Every grade is designed for particular efficiency necessities. Filaflex 60A is the softest and most elastic, appropriate for high-flex purposes.
In the meantime, Filaflex 95A provides better construction, making it a greater match for general-purpose elements. All grades are engineered for sturdy layer adhesion, rebound, and sturdiness, making them appropriate for industries similar to healthcare, style, sports activities, and robotics.
To satisfy extra specialised calls for, the supplies producer has developed extra formulations based mostly on its core supplies. Out there in commonplace and 95 variations, Filaflex Foamy introduces a foam-like construction preferrred for orthopedic insoles, protecting padding, and different shock-absorbing purposes.
For customers working in electronics or sensible wearables, Conductive Filaflex combines flexibility with electrical conductivity, enabling the 3D printing of wearable sensors, low-voltage circuits, and useful electronics. These variants increase the vary of Filaflex use circumstances, bridging technical and client purposes.
Sustainability can also be embedded in Recreus’ product growth. Created from 100% recycled content material, Reciflex, helps round economic system efforts by giving waste supplies a brand new function. The supplies firm has additionally partnered with Balena to develop the Balena.Filaflex compostable, bio-based filament meant for sustainable style and equipment.
Furthermore, Filaflex Air purifier takes a special strategy by incorporating photocatalytic compounds that react with daylight to seize and mineralize carbon dioxide. Collectively, these choices give producers a alternative of environmentally accountable supplies with out compromising efficiency.
For elements that demand added sturdiness, the corporate provides a rubber-based SEBS filament. This materials supplies flexibility together with excessive resistance to chemical compounds, warmth, and moisture. It’s generally utilized in industrial gaskets, seals, and housings. Its compatibility with sterilization strategies additionally makes it appropriate for reusable medical elements.
Recreus has additionally labored to assist the wants of design-focused customers. Working with Footwearology, a footwear-focused lab and schooling middle, the corporate launched the Footwearology Colour Palette Version. This restricted collection options pastel tones together with Azure, Mint, Oat, Lavender, and Nightfall. The gathering provides designers extra aesthetic flexibility when growing wearable merchandise that mix perform and visible enchantment.
Assets powering versatile 3D printing
To assist clients work successfully with versatile supplies, Recreus redesigned its web site to function an entire technical useful resource. The positioning consists of examined print settings similar to temperature ranges, print speeds, and mattress adhesion strategies for every filament. It additionally options step-by-step tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and utilization manuals to assist customers get essentially the most out of every materials.
A devoted part titled “Scientists Articles” highlights tutorial analysis involving Recreus supplies in areas like robotics, drugs, and environmental science. Case research additional illustrate how Filaflex is being utilized in real-world settings, together with customized orthotics and 3D printed style.
Along with supplies and assets, Recreus provides hands-on assist for its B2B clients. This consists of steering on materials choice, prototyping help, and coaching applications to assist groups grasp versatile printing. Buyer suggestions performs a direct function in shaping product growth, making a suggestions loop between use and innovation.
Recreus supplies at the moment are used throughout a variety of sectors. In healthcare, they’re utilized to orthotics, braces, prosthetics, and wearable medical units. Footwear producers use them to print full shoe assemblies, from uppers to outsoles, with coloration choices accessible for customized branding.
Within the automotive trade, the supplies are used for elastic seals and elements that should resist chemical compounds and mechanical stress. In protection, they assist cut back weight in impact-absorbing gear. Robotics corporations use them for versatile joints and actuators that require constant movement and energy. In leisure, the supplies assist wearable merchandise utilized in cosplay, sports activities, and efficiency gear.
To assist future supplies growth, Recreus has partnered with international petrochemical firm Repsol. This alliance focuses on creating new polymers and sensible supplies that meet evolving technical necessities whereas aligning with sustainability targets, strengthening Recreus’ R&D capabilities and increasing its long-term materials choices.
By controlling manufacturing, rising its versatile materials portfolio, and supporting skilled customers, Recreus exhibits how versatile 3D printing can scale in real-world manufacturing.
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Featured picture exhibits a 3D printed sneaker made with Filaflex Foamy. Photograph through Recreus.
