FibreTuff

Innovative Plastics and Molding, Inc, dba FibreTuff, 3D prints, molds and extrudes PAPC: a polyamide and polyolefin with cellulose fibers. Since 2010, the company has been awarded seven patents and a registered trademark, “FibreTuff.”

In 2016, the company produced biomaterials for 3D printing in fused deposition modeling (FDM) and selective laser sintering (SLS), primarily medical bone models, phantoms, surgical guides, instruments and implantables. Third-party collaboration, such as universities, medical centers, hospitals, physicians and bioengineering students, helped validate printed PAPC having bone-like performance. The bone-like performance includes biocompatibility, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, fiber alignment, absorbency with storage limitation even radiopacity.

In 2023, the company’s business model has evolved into a 3D printing service bureau utilizing the SLS process. The SLS printing method with PAPC has produced a random cellular structure with pores < 50 microns and bone-like performance. Further, the company’s SLS printing has now utilized a high heat Nylon 66 with PAPC. The printed PAPC+Nylon66 is porous with a non-porous and porous surface for superior coating adhesion, both mechanical and chemical. The printed PAPC+Nylon66 will also produce innovative protective gear and medical filtration due to the ability to absorb toxic gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Additional features with SLS printed PAPC+Nylon 66 include a radio-dense image to generate data from a non-contact sensor – CT Scan or X-ray. The radio density data input of the printed PAPC will help in developing machine learning and part quality.