Traditional 3D printing resins are typically made from petroleum-based raw materials, which come with a high carbon footprint due to the extensive processes required to convert crude oil into useful chemical components. Recognizing the need for more sustainable solutions, the manufacturing industry has increasingly turned to bio-derived raw materials. These are sourced from renewable resources like plants or microbes and offer a considerably lower carbon footprint compared to their petroleum-based counterparts.
Carbon®, the company behind Digital Light Synthesis™(the 3D printing method used to produce Tidal 3D™ Elite), has embraced this shift towards sustainability. Through collaborations with companies such as DuPont Tate & Lyle, Carbon has incorporated bio-derived precursors into the polyurethane building blocks used in their resin formulations. This move has proven to be game-changing, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 56% and cutting nonrenewable energy use by 42% compared to traditional petroleum-derived materials.
Carbon's EPU 44 and EPU 46, the materials used to produce Tidal 3D™ Elite, highlight the benefits of this sustainable approach. These highly resilient polyurethanes, which contain 40% bio-derived components by weight, challenge the performance of traditional thermoplastic polyurethanes. This innovation ensures that athletes can enjoy high-performance gear while also contributing to a more sustainable future.
