Get All Access for $5/mo

Why This New Filament for 3-D Printers Could Make the Production Process Easier 3D Systems today unveiled a new support filament that dissolves in water as opposed to chemicals.

By Catherine Clifford

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Cubify

A new water-soluble material now available for 3-D printers is aiming to make the production process a little bit easier for creators.

Released today by 3D Systems, the new Infinity Support filament is like other support filaments in that it acts like a scaffolding for 3-D printed objects, allowing creators to print overhangs, suspensions and intricate patterns. However, unlike other filaments, the new biodegradable, corn-based plastic material rinses away with warm water as opposed to a chemical such as limonene. That could create fewer headaches for creators; it generally takes between 8 and 24 hours to dissolve a filament with limonene, not to mention that people who 3-D print have to keep the chemical on hand.

Related: How 3-D Printing Is Sweetening Your Eating Experience (VIDEO)

For a look at how this water-soluble filament is intended to be used, have a look at the video below.

The material is available starting at $49.99 on the 3D Systems ecommerce site, on Cubify, and through some retailers.

Related: 'We Had a Crush on the MakerBot': How 3-D Printing Won These Fashion Designers Over

Catherine Clifford

Senior Entrepreneurship Writer at CNBC

Catherine Clifford is senior entrepreneurship writer at CNBC. She was formerly a senior writer at Entrepreneur.com, the small business reporter at CNNMoney and an assistant in the New York bureau for CNN. Clifford attended Columbia University where she earned a bachelor's degree. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. You can follow her on Twitter at @CatClifford.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

I Tried Buying a Car on Amazon. Here Are the Pros and Cons.

Amazon Autos just launched, and users can buy a new car online. Here's how it works and what needs to improve.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Starting a Business

Nearly 50% of America's Workforce Has a Secondary Source of Income or Side Hustle. Here Are 7 Steps You Should Take to Create Lasting Value for Yours.

Today's entrepreneurs have the opportunity to generate long-lasting supplementary income if they take these steps.

Business News

Barbara Corcoran Says the Best Entrepreneurs Are Good at This One Thing

Real estate entrepreneur and investor Barbara Corcoran says a few key traits prove effective when starting a business. Here's her top pick.

Growing a Business

How to Prepare Your Small Business for Impactful Investor Partnerships That Go Beyond Funding

Here's how investorpreneurs transform startups with mentorship and strategic investments.