The range of materials for 3D printing is constantly growing. In many cases, certain materials are known, but the different applications they can have are not imagined. This is often the case with filaments with very specific characteristics, such as Recreus PP3D filament.

PP3D is a Polypropylene filament developed by Recreus in collaboration with Repsol. This material comes with a primer to improve adhesion and prevent warping, which is very common in polypropylene filaments. PP3D filament has great properties and a differentiating quality: it can be autoclaved*.

Thanks to this feature, Dr. Alejandro Pagán Ruiz, dentist and expert in Endodontics, Restorative Dentistry, Periodontics and Implants and specialist in Microsurgical Endodontics, has been able to develop various devices in his dental clinic Corbalán, located in Murcia.

Image 1: 3D printed devices with PP3D. Source: Recreus.

Dr. Alejandro Pagán Ruiz became interested in the world of 3D printing approximately 7 years ago. Over time, he began to use 3D printing professionally as a means to manufacture his own guidance devices (guided surgical splints). On-site manufacturing through 3D printing resulted in immediacy, precision and savings.

As has been the case in many sectors, the Covid-19 pandemic has sharpened creativity in relation to 3D printing, and many projects and solutions have been developed as a result of the shortage of medical equipment. It is in this context that Dr. Alejandro Pagán Ruiz designed a copy of a device to be placed near the patient's mouth, and thus aspirate a greater amount of aerosols, one of the most important sources of Covid-19 infection.

The development of this device posed a problem, as it had to be sterilised with each patient, and basic FDM 3D printing filaments do not support the autoclaving process. Thanks to a colleague, the doctor discovered Recreus' PP3D filament, which is not only suitable for food contact, but can also be autoclaved at 121°C*. The discovery of this material opened up a world of possibilities for the Doctor, who has manufactured several large volume suction devices that can be reused after sterilisation.

Video 1: Autoclave sterilisation process of parts printed with PP3D. Source: Recreus.

Recreus PP3D filament is a relatively easy-to-print material thanks to the included primer. It is also certainly elastic but with high impact resistance, suitable for food contact and autoclavable for a certain number of cycles. All these properties make it a material with great potential for medical and dental applications, providing the opportunity for these sectors to manufacture their own resources tailored to their needs.