3D printing filament experts from NinjaTek premiered two new filaments with industrial grade properties: The rubber-like Cheetah and the sturdy Armadillo. 

The choice of materials you can 3D print with your FDM printer is growing constantly – it’s getting more and more professional. American company NinjaTek, which sells the popular “Ninjaflex” 3D printing filament, just announced two new brands at Additive Manufacturing Show 2016 in Amsterdam.

Cheetah will be available for purchase in late January 2016. Armadillo is set to hit shelves shortly thereafter, in early February.

New NinjaTek 3D Printing Filament #1: Cheetah

According to NinjaTek, the new flexible Cheetah filament is the fastest and easiest to print flexible filament on the market. It should be printable across all types of desktop 3D printers at ABS and PLA speeds – many times even twice the speed of other flexible materials on the market. Cheetah filament “possesses industry leading durability along with impact strength 84% greater than ABS.”

These are the NinjaTek‘s specifications for the Cheetah filament so far:

• Shore Hardness = 95
• Prints at speeds greater than 60 mm/s with standard ABS settings
• Significantly greater impact strength than all widely used materials – 84% greater than ABS
• Industry leading toughness and durability to ensure longevity in printed parts
• Abrasion resistance 40% better than ABS and 76% better than PLA
• 580% elongation capabilities improve ability to withstand wear and tear
• Patented low friction exterior allows for smooth feeding
• Chemical resistance to many materials including naphtha, ASTM Oils #1-3, petroleum and freon
• Consistent diameter and material properties providing reliable, high-quality prints
• REACH and RoHS 2002/95/EC Directive compliant

According to the press release, Cheetah filament possesses industry leading durability along with impact strength 84% greater than ABS. The abrasion resistance is also second only to NinjaTek’s Armadillo product, making Cheetah the perfect blend of speed, toughness and strength. You can find more information right here.

Suggested Applications are seals, plugs, hinges, sleeves & snap-fit parts.

New NinjaTek 3D Printing Filament #2: Armadillo

If you have to 3D print fragile parts and they keep breaking, Armadillo 3D printing filament might be a good choice for you. According to NinjaFlex, “is a perfect alternative to some of the most common rigid materials on the market”.

• These are the Armadillo 3D printing filament specs:
• Shore Hardness = 75D
• Excellent bridging capabilities and virtually no warpingAbrasion resistance 84% better than PLA and 60% better than ABS
• Abrasion resistance 84% better than PLA and 60% better than ABS
• Chemical resistance to many materials, including naphtha, ASTM Oils #1-3, petroleum and freon
• Consistent diameter and material properties providing reliable, high-quality prints
• No heated bed required. Build platform requires same prep as PLA

Armadillo filament promises to be a high performing rigid material, providing 90% higher abrasion resistance than nylon materials. Its toughness ratings are superior to commonly used materials, 86 times greater than that of ABS. According to the manufacturer, there should be no problems with warping.

Suggested Applications are braces, fasteners, gears and protective covers.

We’ll keep you updated on these interesting new materials.