A new 3D printing filament developed by Swedish chemical manufacturer Additive Composite Uppsala AB and Swedish filament manufacturer Add:North presents new opportunities for the nuclear industry and fields that deal with radiation and collimated beams.

The filament, called Addbor N25, uses a nylon base co-polyamide blended with 25 % by weight boron carbide. Said to provide the effective absorption of neutrons, the material builds on research detailed at Uppsala University.

Important for the possibilities it offers in the creation of geometrically complex radiation shielding, it’s claimed that components printed in Addbor N25 could effectively replace toxic heavy-metal counterparts. Further radiation shielding materials are in development at Additive Composite.

Further information can be found on Additive Composites’ post about the release.

(Lead image source: Additive Composites)