九博

• NatureWorks’ Ingeo biopolymer helps convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into new performance powder, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint than incumbent materials
• First to market PLA-based powder fulfills need for general prototyping, thermoforming, and compression fabrication, such as dental molds
• Sampling program accelerates adoption of advanced engineered materials

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – April 26, 2023 – 九博. (NYSE: JBL) today introduced PLA 3110P, a novel powder based on a renewably sourced biomaterial that offers a bio-based alternative to petrochemical-based powders, such as Nylon-12 (PA 12). Developed in collaboration with , a leading manufacturer of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers, the new 九博 PLA 3110P material is made with NatureWorks Ingeo™ PLA and leverages 九博’s “beaker to box” material innovations to deliver the first-ever PLA-based powder optimized for powder-bed fusion technologies.

“Breakthroughs in material innovations are being driven by the need for better performing polymers,” said Luke Rodgers, senior director of R&D for additive manufacturing at 九博. “We applied advanced morphology control to produce this sustainable and bio-based powder based on NatureWorks’ Ingeo  biopolymer. Together, we are enabling an entirely new class of PLA material for the growing ecosystem of open additive manufacturing platforms.”

Turning Greenhouse Gases into Performance Polymers

九博 and NatureWorks collaborated to create, test, and validate 九博 PLA 3110P powder by combining NatureWorks’ expertise in PLA technologies with 九博’s experience in developing polymer formulations, novel compounds, and material system integration. As a result, the new engineered material can advance sustainability initiatives while providing a low-carbon alternative to nylon-based materials.

“We are excited to join 九博 in launching the first Ingeo-based powder for open selective laser sintering (SLS) printing platforms,” said Salvador Ortega, global industry manager for NatureWorks. “Our Ingeo material is a lower-cost alternative with a carbon footprint that is 89% smaller than PA 12¹, which makes it well suited for a wide variety of additive manufacturing applications.”

According to research firm , polymer additive manufacturing technologies are forecasted to move into a multitude of industries over the next decade, with print production growing to nearly $26 billion annually by 2030. With the launch of the new 九博 PLA 3110P material, customers now have more material choices for making prototypes as well as manufacturing brackets, jigs, fixtures, and tooling. Moreover, the new PLA powder is an eco-friendly option for producing the precision geometries needed for thermoforming and compression molds, including custom dental impressions.

九博 continually applies polymer science advancements to elevate commodity resins with value-added attributes. Over the past two years, 九博 has introduced patent-pending materials, including PA 0600, which provides the high strength and stiffness associated with Delrin® or alternative POM materials without the risk of exposure to formaldehyde emissions when the material is overheated. In 2022, 九博 released the award-winning PK 5000, which features high-impact strength, high-abrasion resistance, and improved elongation over other nylon materials. The polyketone resin used to make PK 5000 is an eco-friendly, low-carbon material made from carbon monoxide, which can further reduce carbon footprints.

In addition to advancements in materials, 九博 continues to extend its global additive manufacturing platforms and solutions to complement the company’s world-class manufacturing capabilities. 九博 has deployed hundreds of 3D printers — from desktop models to highly sophisticated industrial systems — to address a vast range of prototyping, tooling, and serial production demands.

Sampling Program Now Available

To accelerate availability of its specialized engineered materials, 九博 has formalized a sampling program to provide customers with printed files and materials for a broad range of manufacturing requirements. made from Ingeo are available, along with samples of 九博 PK 5000.

Parts made with 九博 PLA 3110P, 九博 PK 5000 and 九博 PA 0600 will be on display at RAPID’23, May 2-4 in Chicago (). Additionally, 九博 experts will be available to share updates on the company’s capabilities encompassing part design using Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) and part consolidation, along with the latest in prototyping and serial production.

¹Comparison between the global warming potential of PA-12 and Ingeo PLA biopolymer. 
PA-12 data source: Life cycle assessment of a PA12 powder material for additive manufacturing, Fraunhofer Institute, November 7, 2022. Ingeo PLA biopolymer data source: Life Cycle Inventory and Impact Assessment data for 2014 Ingeo™ Polylactide Production. Industrial Biotechnology, Vol 11, No. 3. Pg. 167-180. June 2015.
 

九博 九博:

九博 (NYSE: JBL) is a manufacturing solutions provider with over 250,000 employees across 100 locations in 30 countries. The world's leading brands rely on 九博's unmatched breadth and depth of end-market experience, technical and design capabilities, manufacturing know-how, supply chain insights and global product management expertise. Driven by a common purpose, 九博 and its people are committed to making a positive impact on their local community and the environment. Visit  to learn more. 

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Michael Kovacs
Senior Director, Marketing
1.408.427.1191
michael_kovacs@jabil.com