PLASTICS IN THE 3D PRINTING WORLD

3D printing on a continuous quest for advanced materials

The forthcoming PLASTPOL 2019 exhibition will also address the issue.  We asked Jacek Szczerbs, an industry expert from the Tworzywa.pl portal about the most interesting examples of new plastics available on the market

 Arnitel® ID2060 HT is a new Thermoplastic Copolyester (TPC) for 3D printing using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) This filament offers a unique flexibility, chemical resistance  prolonged high temperature resistance for printing demanding automotive air and automotive applications - says Jacek Szczerba Parts printed with the use of TPC can sustain high-temperature of 175°C (1000 hrs) or 190°C (500 hrs) and chemicals such as exhaust gas recirculation  condensate.

The copolyester properties make them suitable for under-bonnet applications, in air and fuel management systems components as well as in motor and vehicle shields.  Manufacturers may also use this material to to replace aluminium and rubber for light applications.  The material is available in reels, of 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm width.

Another market novelty is the Polymer Powder Evonik for 3D printing - adds the expert. The new polyamide powder (PA 6) from Evonik offers high mechanical strength as well as excellent chemical and temperature resistance.  Its heat deflection temperature (HDT B) is around 195°C. Moreover, the powder material stands out for its low, below 3 percent water absorption. This has a positive effect on processability in 3D printing and the dimensional stability of printed 3D components.

The world's industry experts describe this innovative product in this very way - thus this is his best reccomendation. "  “New, ready-to-use materials that are optimally adapted to the individual printer and expand the range of application to higher temperatures move the 3D printing industry one step further toward series production,” says Mark Zhao, founder and CEO of TPM 3D Chinese technology company for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)”  “We are seeing strong demand for 3D solutions in the higher temperature range – for example in the automotive and electronics industries.  That’s why we were pleased to launch the new temperature-stable material together with Evonik.”

The new polymer powder in Evonik's polyamide 6 series with its nearly round grain shape stands out for excellent flowability and application properties, making it suitable for all powder-based 3D printing technologies.

 Ed. (KK)