KCL, a piloting service provider, has entered a partnership with CEAD, a large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) company, broadening CEAD’s portfolio of materials. KCL’s biocomposite materials have now been successfully tested with CEAD’s hybrid 3D printing systems, confirming compatibility and opening new opportunities for bio-based, circular production.

At the heart of this partnership is KCL Formi, a high-performance biocomposite material specifically developed for large-format 3D printing. Unlike conventional LFAM materials that rely on carbon or glass fibers, KCL Formi uses patented compositions of fine bleached cellulose pulp fibers in combination with thermoplastics, delivering both performance and sustainability.

“By replacing traditional reinforcement fibers with cellulose, we’re enabling a new class of materials that are not only strong, durable, and easy to post-process, but also recyclable, and safer to process,” said Eve Saarikoski, Development Manager at KCL.

The new material innovation offers several key advantages for manufacturers and designers, such as: lower environmental impact during incineration and improved recyclability; resistance to water and outdoor conditions; low shrinkage and fast cooling, enabling faster, more stable printing; and compatibility with various coatings, making it easy to mill and sand.

CEAD’s hybrid LFAM systems are fully compatible with KCL Formi materials, opening new opportunities for circular design and sustainable production at scale. This partnership empowers manufacturers to reduce waste, lower their carbon footprint, and explore new applications without compromising on quality or performance.

“At CEAD, we’re always looking to expand the range of materials we can recommend to our customers – especially those that align with the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing. KCL’s biocomposite materials bring exciting new possibilities to large-format 3D printing, and we believe they can play a valuable role in supporting more circular and responsible production practices,” said Bob Leutscher, Sales Area Manager at CEAD.