Activities begin at the Graphene 3D Lab facilities

Jan 30, 2015 12:37 GMT  ·  By

We know that graphene was going to play a big role in the next technological leap, but we didn't actually consider that 3D printing would be the one to open the doors. At least not at first. Now we stand corrected.

Additive manufacturing was first developed around thirty years ago, but its role in industry was mostly understated until two or three years back.

Now, though, 3D printing is reaching every which way, insinuating itself into practically every level of the economy, from consumer toys to jet engines.

Now, the people at Graphene 3D Lab Inc. have announced that mass production has begun for graphene-based 3D printing filament, of all things.

Graphene being used for conductive filament

Graphene is an impressive material, usable in everything from superconductors to high-durability body armor, at least in theory.

It's all based on how the edges of graphene are cut. Something that seemed to pose a big problem until recently, when some intrepid researchers found a way to tailor and trim them.

Graphene 3D Lab Inc. has now started mass production of conductive graphene filament that can be used in 3D printed electronics.

That means that sales can start as early as the end of March, which will finally provide the company with a revenue source. Their equipment can create up to 10 kilograms / 22 pounds per hour.

No doubt that ratio will go up the more money they make and, by extension, the more they can expand their facilities. For those who want details, Graphene 3D Lab. has one large-scale thermoplastic extruder line for now.

“The Graphene 3D team has worked tirelessly to begin commercial production of our materials. We are excited to now be making the transition from developing the materials in our research lab to beginning industrial scale production and moving forward to revenue generation,” said Graphene 3D CEO Daniel Stolyarov.

“I am personally looking forward to offering our filaments to customers and to receiving their feedback on our products. Graphene 3D plans to continue expansion of production capacity in the near future, as we anticipate growing demand for our materials.”

Practical applications

All kinds of electronic devices figure in the future possibilities, but batteries are probably the first things that will get attention.

While high-efficiency CPUs and GPUs have allowed battery life to extend somewhat on mobile devices, the world sorely needs better power banks.

Deep Fried Graphene fluff balls are all well and good, but Pom-Poms like those need specialist approach. Better to go with that 3D printed graphene battery that has already been made and tested.