Pink FME PLA

Foreign Material Exclusion (FME) is a crucial practice in modern industry aimed at ensuring quality, safety, and performance by preventing foreign bodies or objects from being introduced into an installation. It involves resources such as control, signaling, sealing, and regular inventories to mitigate risks and prevent any object from being lost. Primarily used in the energy and nuclear sectors, as well as in industries involving piping and product transfer, FME zones utilize objects colored in fuchsia pink for easy identification. Francofil's Pink FME PLA filament and the FDM 3D printing technology enable the quick creation of custom tools and supports for easy identification in risk zones.

Image 1: The Francofil Pink FME PLA filament. Source: Francofil.

The Pink FME PLA filament by Francofil is designed specifically for FME applications in high-risk industries and has earned PMUC certification from the EDF (European Defence Fund). This material aligns with stringent standards for use in nuclear power plants, ensuring low halogen and sulfur content to avoid corrosion and toxicological hazards. The custom-developed Rose FME color (RAL 4003) allows for rapid visual identification in specific areas, facilitating maintenance, control, and operating activities in nuclear facilities. By adhering to strict safety and reliability standards, the filament contributes to the smooth operation of nuclear plants while ensuring safety and compliance with rigorous EDF standards.

Image 2: Various FME-safe objects. Source: Francofil.

The base for the Pink FME PLA is PLA (polylactic acid), the second most produced bioplastic and the most commonly used plastic in 3D printing. It is a biodegradable thermoplastic monomer with a unique origin. PLA is derived from renewable organic sources such as corn starch, sugar cane, sugar beet pulp or potato starch. PLA is very easy to 3D print thanks to its high surface energy. The Pink FME PLA filament prints just like standard PLA, with an extrusion temperature of 205 ºC and a speed of 50 mm/s. With this filament an enclosed 3D printer is not required.

Image 3: The FME zone danger sign. Source: Francofil.

Francofil's Pink FME PLA is engineered for superior extrusion, ensuring seamless adhesion between layers and exceptional fluidity during the process. This fluidity helps eliminate typical issues such as nozzle clogging or warping, while also providing excellent performance in overflow and bridging operations, surpassing many conventional PLAs. With a thermal range of 190 to 230 ºC, the filament is compatible with most 3D printer configurations. Its high-quality finish and ease of printing make it suitable for a variety of 3D printing projects, delivering professional results for prototyping as well as end-use parts without the challenges of more demanding materials.