The range of materials for 3D printing in SLS technology is systematically expanded. In addition to previously reigning polyamides (e.g. PA 12), new materials appear that have been identified with other manufacturing technologies. Braskem, a Brazilian petrochemical company, in cooperation with Advanced Laser Materials (ALM) has announced the introduction of polypropylene (PP) powder suitable for use in industrial selective sintering (SLS) systems.
Advanced Laser Materials (ALM) is a subsidiary of EOS Group. Since 2018, companies have been working closely together, exchanging knowledge and experience while creating new materials. Currently, the company’s offer includes materials based on TPE and PA.
Jason Vagnozzi, leader of the additive manufacturing department in Braskem, talks about exciting opportunities to develop materials suitable for 3D printing. Cooperation with ALM has allowed the transformation of innovative vision into reality, and the newly created material enables achieving high quality 3D printing. Their material based on polypropylene is characterized by, among others low weight of models, flexibility and resistance to moisture or chemicals.
According to the creators, using their material, due to the high stability of the process, you can achieve 3D print quality comparable to the elements created by injection molding. The companies are determined to further expand the range of available materials based on polyolefins.
Donnie Vanelli, senior vice president of EOS Life Cycle Solutions, emphasizes the importance of access to various consumables in 3D printing processes. As a long-term goal of cooperation with Brask, he mentions offering a product of the highest quality and reliability at competitive prices.
Earlier, Evonik, a German company, being one of the leaders in the chemical industry, presented a new type of material for 3D printing in SLS technology – RESOMER. Their material, in addition to biodegradability, is also characterized by high quality and precision of created 3D prints. The developed material was created with a view to creating biodegradable implants, which are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to implants manufactured using standard methods.
Source: www.centrumdruku3d.pl