Filafresh scented TPU

Tecnikoa is a Spanish manufacturer of filaments for 3D FDM printing. Currently, Tecnikoa produces only flexible TPU-based filaments with a degree of stiffness that allows printing with any 3D FDM printer in a simple way, whether it has a direct type or Bowden type extruder.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a thermoplastic, more specifically a linear elastomeric polymer belonging to the family of polyurethanes. This material is characterized by its high resistance to abrasion, certain chemical elements, UV rays and low temperatures. This set of properties makes the use of the TPU widespread throughout the industry.

Filafresh^® filaments are flexible TPU-based filaments with excellent physical and mechanical properties. However, the most outstanding feature is that these filaments are scented. Each Filafresh^® filament is colored and has an associated aroma. These smells remain in the pieces after 3D printing; a unique and original property. Tecnikoa ensures that the aroma of the 3D printed parts with these materials remains for two years, as long as the piece is not outside, exposed to high temperatures and other inclemencies; or be handled or come in contact with oil or dirt.

At the moment, the Filafresh^® range has the following filaments:

• Filafresh^® Strawberry Chewing Gum: Translucent Pink in color with an intense strawberry chewing gum smell.
• Filafresh^® baby cologne: Translucent mint color, with a baby cologne scent.
• Filafresh^® wild strawberry: Translucent Red color, with strawberry aroma.
• Filafresh^® sweet lemon: Translucent Yellow color, with an intense lemon smell.
• Filafresh^® acid apple: Translucent Green color, with an apple smell.
• Filafresh^® sweet peach: Translucent Orange color, with a peach smell.
• Filafresh^® fresh mint: Translucent Blue color, with an intense mint smell.
• Filafresh^® vanilla muffin: Translucent Purple color, with vanilla aroma.
• Filafresh^® cola drink: Translucent Dark brown color, with the smell of cola.
• Filafresh® incense: Light brown colour, with intense smell of Nag Champa incense.
• Filafresh® cannabis: Khaki green colour, with a cannabis scent.
• Filafresh^® pure licorice: Translucent Black color, with an intense licorice smell.

Image 1: Sample pieces printed with different Filafresh. Source: Tecnikoa.

As you can see, the colors of the filaments are closely related to the aromas and the elements that give rise to the name of the filament (chewing gum, strawberries, peach, etc.).

Filafresh^® filaments are non-toxic, although they do not have a food grade certificate. It is the responsibility of the user not to print too small things that children can choke on.

Applications:

Filafresh^® filaments are materials that can stimulate the creativity of the user. At the moment, the most common applications of these novel filaments are:

• Air Fresheners: With Filafresh^® filaments it is very easy to 3D print personalized air fresheners.
• Insoles: Thanks to the flexibility of these materials, it is possible to print insoles to prevent bad odor from the footwear.
• Accessories: Tecnikoa offers a series of bracelet designs to print with Filafresh^® filaments.
• Olfactory Marketing: People remember only 5% of what they see, 2% of what they hear and 1% of what they touch. However, 35% of what you smell is remembered. In addition, the memory of the human being is capable of remembering more than 10,000 different scents and yet only recognizes 200 colors. These differences compared to the other senses, make olfactory marketing have gone from a trend to a marketing strategy widely used by a large number of companies in various sectors. With Filafresh^® filaments you can 3D print cards or objects to be included in brand packaging, offering customers a plus and putting into practice that of olfactory marketing. Even for small runs, a packaging can be made with the filament itself, providing a plus to the final product.

Image 2: Collection of Moki Band bracelets. Source: Tecnikoa.

Without a doubt, the Filafresh^® flavored filaments from Tecnikoa combine aesthetics, mechanical properties and an original feature such as the aroma; becoming an innovative product that offers endless possibilities on a creative level.