UL’s Performance Materials Division Introduces New Plastics for Additive Manufacturing Program (“Blue Card Program”)

UL, a global safety science organization, today announced a new Plastics for Additive Manufacturing Program (Blue Card Program). Specifically targeting materials for 3D printing, this new program serves as an extension of UL’s existing Plastics Recognition Program (Yellow Card Program). Unlike traditional manufacturing, such as injection molding, the 3D printing process introduces variability which significantly impacts properties and performance based on how test specimens are printed. The Plastics for Additive Manufacturing Program defines the additional requirements necessary to recognize plastics intended for 3D printing and 3D printed components and products. The Blue Card Program certifies that a material is appropriate for a specific 3D printing technology and helps ensure that the component or end-product manufacturer is using tested materials whose manufacture is being monitored at regular intervals by an independent test laboratory. “UL has been supporting client needs with solutions for Additive Manufacturing workforce development, facility safety, and equipment compliance. Adding the Blue Card Program to our Performance Materials offerings demonstrates our commitment to helping clients navigate and win in the challenging Additive Manufacturing space”, said Dr. Thomas Fabian, UL R&D Manager. UL recognized materials for 3D Printing are added to the UL iQTM for Plastics and PROSPECTOR® Databases. This helps plastics manufacturers who are interested in marketing their materials for use in 3D printed components that are UL certified, and it also helps component manufacturers that are interested in certifying their 3D printed components. Additionally, the Blue Card Program also assists end-product manufacturers who are interested in using 3D printed parts and components in their equipment.