Advanced polymers engineered for Caracol Large Format Additive Manufacturing systems

Caracol works with its in-house material labs and materials partners to develop, qualify and supply new additive manufacturing polymers for its FGF (Fused Granular Fabrication) process. This includes high-temperature materials suitable for extreme environment applications such as autoclave production cycles, tested to guarantee efficient production, top technical properties, and minimizing costs and waste. Every day, we work to identify new 3D printing thermoplastic materials to fit our clients’ specific application requirements and help create custom compounds when needed.

Materials Portfolio

  • PET-G
    Polyethylene terephthalate glycol

    This polyester-based polymer can be found in recycled, transparent, or glass fiber reinforced versions. It is high impact, chemical and UV resistant and goes up to 80°C (176°F) working temperature. Its glass-fiber reinforced version is also fire resistant. Therefore, PET-G is ideal for PVC-like, outdoor and indoor finished parts and design applications as well as for prototypes, and railway exterior components.

    RECYCLED
    rPET-G (transparent)

    COMPOSITE & RECYCLED
    rPET-G +30% Glass Fiber (grey/white/black/blue)

  • ABS
    Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

    Recommended when glues, coating or other chemicals need to be applied, its has good mechanical properties, is stable during prints. This cost-effective material is qualified by Caracol for low temperature applications up to 80°C (176°F) like: prototyping, vacuum tight molds and tools for trimming and gripping, and finished functional parts not subjected to high mechanical pressure.

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    COMPOSITE
    ABS + 20% Carbon Fiber (black)

    COMPOSITE
    ABS + 20% Glass Fiber (natural white)

    COMPOSITE & RECYCLED
    ABS + 20% recycled Carbon Fiber (black)

  • PP
    Polypropylene

    Highly resistant to solvents and chemicals, it is a lightweight polymer with good mechanical properties such as elasticity and impact resistance. It can go up to 80° C (176°F) as working temperature and can replace glass fiber and aluminum applications. It is qualified by Caracol to produce functional parts and tooling in several sectors as marine, aerospace, design, and architecture.

    COMPOSITE & RECYCLED
    rPP + 30% Glass Fiber (ivory)

  • ASA
    Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate

    Highly recommended when chemical resistance and UV light protection are required, it has good mechanical properties such as elasticity and strength (particularly when reinforced with glass fiber). This material is qualified by Caracol and highly employed for outdoor applications, design and furniture finished parts.

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    COMPOSITE
    ASA + 20% Glass Fiber (ivory)

  • PLA
    Polylactic acid

    A very easy-to-process biobased material that comes in a natural shade (transparent with milky hues) and can be easily customized in color. It is extensively used for in-door furniture and design-related elements and can be printed in its recycled and biobased versions too.

    BIOBASED
    PLA (transparent, natural - can be colored)

    BIOBASED & COMPOSITE
    PLA + 50% Cork / 20% Oyster / 40% Olive / Pine / Coffee / Algae (natural colors)

  • PC
    Polycarbonate

    Highly suggested when chemical resistance is required, it has great mechanical and thermal properties, great resistance to heat. The carbon fiber-reinforced composite can withstand mid-temperature autoclave processes, going up to 130°C (266°F) and 3-6 bars in terms of working temperature and pressure. It is ideal for functional and engineering applications, including autoclave molds and heat-resistant cure tools as well as lamination tooling.

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    COMPOSITE
    PC + 20% Carbon Fiber (black)

  • PEI
    Polyetherimide

    Excellent flame retardancy with UL94 V0, outstanding heat-resistance, stable physical and mechanical properties, high strength, and stiffness up to 200°C (392°F), and great chemical resistance to fluids such as hydrocarbons and alcohols. Ideal for high-temperature tools, as well as for structural end parts in sectors like aerospace, automotive and railways.

    COMPOSITE
    PEI + 20% Carbon Fiber (black)

  • HDPE
    High Density Polyethylene

    A polyethylene-based compunt, which is highly performing in chemically aggressive and corrosive environments.

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    COMPOSITE
    HDPE + 20% Carbon Fiber (black)

  • PA6
    Polyammide 6

    A flame retardant polyammide (V0 class according to UL94), it has been certified for several sectors such as railways sector (EN45545).

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    COMPOSITE
    PA6 + 25% Glass Fiber (grey)

  • TPE
    High strength and flex elastomer

    This TPE-based high-strength and flexibility elastomer is ideal for topologically optimized pliable structures, such as cushions and seating. It is tested up to 90 Shore A and 80°C (176°F) as working temperature, and it is extensively used to print large-scale rubber-like parts for furniture, seating, and design-related components.

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    NATURAL
    TPE (natural white)

Heron AM

Composite 3D Printing

Heron AM

The solid, turnkey LFAM platform for composites polymers extrusion with no scale limits. This hardware-software robotic system prints on up-to-7 axes and each of its custom-made features respond to specific industrial needs.

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Additive Manufacturing Industries

Additive Manufacturing Industries

Revolutionizing manufacturing processes with cutting-edge 3D printed applications

Many industries are adopting Caracol’s large format additive manufacturing technology due to its benefits in production efficiency and sustainability.

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