Advanced polymers engineered for Caracol Large Format Additive Manufacturing systems

Caracol works with its in-house material labs and materials partners to develop, qualify and supply new additive manufacturing polymers for its FGF (Fused Granular Fabrication) process. This includes high-temperature materials suitable for extreme environment applications such as autoclave production cycles, tested to guarantee efficient production, top technical properties, and minimizing costs and waste. Every day, we work to identify new 3D printing thermoplastic materials to fit our clients’ specific application requirements and help create custom compounds when needed.

Materials Portfolio

  • PET-G
    Polyethylene terephthalate glycol

    This polyester-based polymer can be found in recycled transparent, or glass fiber reinforced versions, and has excellent surface finishing and UV resistant properties. Maintains its dimensional stability up to 70°C  (158°F). Ideal for PVC-like, outdoor and indoor finished parts, cold tooling, design and furniture applications and architecture sector.

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    NATURAL
    PET-G

    COMPOSITE & RECYCLED
    rPET-G +30% Glass Fiber

  • ABS
    Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

    Recommended when glues, coating or other chemicals need to be applied, it has good mechanical properties and is stable during prints. Qualified for low temperature applications up to 80°C (176°F) like prototyping, vacuum tight molds and tools for trimming and gripping, and finished functional parts not subjected to mechanical pressure.

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    COMPOSITE
    ABS + 20% Carbon Fiber

    COMPOSITE
    ABS + 20% Glass Fiber

  • PP
    Polypropylene

    Highly resistant to solvents and chemicals, lightweight polymer, with good mechanical properties and impact resistance. It is qualified to produce functional parts in several sectors, suitable also for marine applications.

    COMPOSITE & RECYCLED
    rPP + 30% Glass Fiber

  • ASA
    Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate

    Recommended when glues, coating or other chemicals need to be applied, it also stands out for its UV resistance, good mechanical properties and high thermal resistance, up to 90°C (194°F). This material is qualified and employed for marine components, outdoor applications, design and furniture finished parts.

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    COMPOSITE
    ASA + 20% Glass Fiber

  • PLA
    Polylactic acid

    This biodegradable thermoplastic is derived from renewable plant resources like corn starch and sugarcane. It is ease of use, environmentally friendly and it is characterized by a smooth and glossy surface finish. It is used for decorative industry and indoor furniture. It is also available with bio-fillers.

    BIOBASED
    PLA

    BIOBASED & COMPOSITE
    PLA + Oyster / Olive / Pine

  • PC
    Polycarbonate

    Recommended for its great mechanical and thermal properties, up to 130°C (266°F). The carbon fiber-reinforced composite can withstand mid-temperature autoclave processes (up to 3-6 bars). It is ideal for functional and engineering applications, including autoclave molds and heat-resistant cure tools as well as lamination tooling.

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    COMPOSITE
    PC + 20% Carbon Fiber

  • PEI
    Polyetherimide

    Excellent flame retardancy with UL94 V0, outstanding heat-resistance, stable dielectric properties, excellent mechanical properties, high strength and stiffness up to 200°C (392°F), and great chemical resistance to fluids such as hydrocarbons and alcohols. Ideal for high-temperature autoclave tools and structural end parts in sectors like aerospace, automotive and transportation.

    COMPOSITE
    PEI + 20% Carbon Fiber

  • HDPE
    High Density Polyethylene

    HDPE CF is a lightweight, high-density polyethylene reinforced with carbon fiber, ideal for harsh, chemically aggressive environments. It offers excellent rigidity, thermal resistance, and dimensional stability, with low moisture absorption. Suited for energy sector applications like oil and gas piping, it ensures long-term durability, wear resistance, and mechanical strength.

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    COMPOSITE
    HDPE + 20% Carbon Fiber

  • PA
    Polyamide

    Technical polyamide with outstanding flame resistance, V0 rated per UL94 and EN 45545-2 R1 HL2 certified for railway applications.

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    COMPOSITE
    PA66 + 25% Glass Fiber

  • TPE
    High strength and flex elastomer

    This TPE-based high-strength and flexibility elastomer is ideal for optimized pliable structures. It goes up to 70 Shore A and 80°C (176°F) as working temperature, and it is extensively used to print large-scale rubber-like parts for logistics, furniture, seating and design-related components.

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    NATURAL
    TPE

Heron AM

Composite 3D Printing

Heron AM

The solid, turnkey LFAM platform for composites polymers extrusion with no scale limits. This hardware-software robotic system prints on up-to-7 axes and each of its custom-made features respond to specific industrial needs.

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