Colfeed4Print's FCer family of materials includes the FCer ZrO2, an innovative filament with a PLA base and 3 mol.% yttria stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) nanoparticles (78 wt.% / 42 vol.%). The standout feature of FCer ZrO2 lies in its ability to seamlessly transition from printed form to a 100% zirconia piece or scaffold by sintering at 1500 ºC. This remarkable capability opens doors to boundless possibilities, allowing for the creation of dense pieces and scaffolds with customized shapes. Crafted with precision, this filament is expertly formulated to facilitate the effortless fabrication of 100% inorganic parts through 3D printing. Its advanced composition enables the straightforward production of bone-inducing scaffolds, tailored to exact specifications.

Image 1: Sintered (left) and green (right) samples, printed with the FCer ZrO2 filament. Source: Colfeed4Print.
Zirconia, also known as zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), is a crystalline oxide of zirconium. It is a white, ceramic material that is widely used in various industries due to its exceptional properties. Zirconia is renowned for its high strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and corrosion, making it valuable in applications where durability is critical. In medicine, zirconia offers numeorus benefits and constitutes a versatile and promising platform for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, providing the necessary support and environment for effective tissue regeneration.

Image 2: Cross-section of the FCer ZrO2 filament. Source: Colfeed4Print.
For optimal printing results, adhere to the following printing recommendations: maintain a printing temperature of 158-170 ºC, with a bed temperature ranging from 30-60 ºC. A printing speed of 10-20 mm/s and a layer height exceeding 0.15 mm are advised. To safeguard the integrity of the filament, store it in a dry, shaded environment within the temperature range of 5-30 ºC. Prior to printing, it is advisable to pre-dry the filament at 60 ºC for 2 minutes, mitigating the risk of filament irregularities such as popping or nozzle clogging. More 3D printing tips can be found in the technical datasheet and printing recommendations document in the Downloads section.