German speciality chemicals and plastics producer Evonik (Essen; www.evonik.com) and partner Electro Optical Systems (EOS, Krailling / Germany; www.eos.info) have developed what they claim is the world’s first flexible plastic material based on polyether block amide (PEBA) for use in 3D printing. The synthetic powder, which Evonik makes at its complex in Marl / Germany and EOS markets under the name "PrimePart ST", can be used in various technologies such as laser sintering, high-speed sintering or binder jetting.

Evonik said the PEBA powder is highly flexible, has excellent chemical resistance along with outstanding durability over temperatures ranging from -40 °C to 90 °C, making it ideal for producing functional 3D high-tech plastic parts, for prototypes as well as series products.