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.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.

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.

Business News

'Jaw-Dropping Performance in 2024,' Says a Senior Analyst as Nvidia Reports Earnings

Nvidia reported its highly-anticipated third-quarter earnings on Wednesday.

Business News

'Do You Sell Cars?': Tesla CEO Elon Musk Trolls Jaguar Rebrand on X

The team running Jaguar's X account was working hard on social media this week.

Marketing

How Small Businesses Can Leverage Dark Social to Drive Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Dark social accounts for 70% of social media shares and is crucial for small businesses. Here's how you can tap into this hidden marketing opportunity.