Stratasys, Inc.

Lifoam Industries, LLC

Garrett Scott Van Gorden

Jeffrey Jacob Cernohous

Adam R Pawloski

Luke M B Rodgers

Vittorio L Jaker

Neil R Granlund

Kent Kaske

Part materials for additive manufacturing applications include materials with a fluoropolymer processing aid (material-FP). These materials include one or more thermoplastic polymers and one or more fluoropolymers as a processing aid. The material-FP is used to build parts with additive manufacturing systems. Parts built using material-FP have improved physical properties including improved strength in the z-direction of the parts. Composite systems such as reinforced filaments with the material-FP also have a higher density.

Materials containing fluoropolymers for additive manufacturing applications

Hyper-branched biodegradable polymers are produced by melt processing biodegradable polymers with a branching agent at temperatures that promote free radical reactions between the biodegradable polymer and the branching agent. The biodegradable compositions have an excellent balance of mechanical properties and are suitable for flame retardant applications.

Biodegradable polymer compositions

The present invention enables the secondary expansion of lightweight foamed beads. The foamed beads are produced using a compound comprising a compostable or biobased polyester and a physical blowing agent as well as a chemical blowing agent. Secondary expansion can be used either to lower the density of the foamed bead further or to enable expansion of the beads during molding to promote fusion. The foam beads can be produced using conventional melt processing techniques, such as single and twin-screw extrusion processes.

Process for enabling secondary expansion of expandable beads

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River Falls, WI, United States of America

Garrett Scott Van Gorden