Wool Supply, a Christchurch, New Zealand-based substances producer and the business arm of the Wool Analysis Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ), has developed a pigment derived from wool fiber to be used in fused filament fabrication (FFF) supplies.
The pigment — produced utilizing patented know-how — converts sturdy wool fiber into tremendous coloured particles with a reported biobased carbon content material of 92–98%, which means many of the carbon within the colorant is derived from renewable sources moderately than fossil-fuel feedstocks.
“Wool Supply’s patented know-how takes sturdy wool fiber and transforms it into tremendous, colored particles that may be blended into different supplies for purposes like 3D printing, bioplastics and screen-printing inks,” stated Tom Hooper, Chief Govt of Wool Supply.
“Not like different biobased choices for textural impact or shade, our four-color base system offers filament producers most shade mixing flexibility.”
From pigment to business product
Tokoroa-based filament producer KiwiFil used Wool Supply’s pigment to provide WoolyFil, a recycled polylactic acid (PLA)-based filament now out there commercially in two variants — Inexperienced Marble and Riverstone — in 250 g and 1 kg spools.
“We cherished the thought of utilizing New Zealand wool and a biobased pigment in our recycled PLA filament, nevertheless it wanted to work for on a regular basis 3D printing prospects, as that’s our market,” stated Eva Hakansson, Director of KiwiFil. “Our prospects are loving the completely distinctive feel and appear and the colours impressed by nature.”
WRONZ Board Chair Andrew Morrison stated the product mirrored broader business curiosity in wool-derived manufacturing inputs.
“It’s nice to see the true business attraction of those improvements and thrilling to see Wool Supply enter the fast-growing 3D printing market,” Morrison stated. “We stay centered on looking for scalable alternatives that may ship sturdy returns for wool growers for the long-term.”
Further colours had been described as being in improvement. This system behind the product obtained help from wool growers, provide chain companions, and New Zealand authorities funding businesses.