Farsoon – a Chinese manufacturer of 3D printers for 3D printing from powdered polymers and metals, announced the implementation of a high-temperature configuration for the 252P system, working in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF – an alternative name for SLS) technology. The company first presented this device in 2014 and since then it has become a popular solution for research units and small-scale production service providers. Previously, the 3D printer could operate at temperatures up to 280°C, but its new version is able to process materials to a maximum melting temperature of up to 340°C.
Thanks to the new functionality, Farsoon users can process an impressive spectrum of powdered materials: PA11, CF, ESD, TPU, PP, PBT, PA6, PPS, PAEK, PI and PTFE. The UT252P 3D printer is equipped with a 250 × 250 × 320 mm build chamber and a 100 W CO2 laser. It also has improved 8-zone temperature shielding, and thermal control enables the UT252P to process the above-mentioned high-temperature and high-performance engineering materials for applications as well final.
In parallel with the development of the new version of the UT252P 3D printer, Farsoon’s polymer applications team has been working with multiple suppliers to optimize high-temperature materials in powder form for use in the SLS process. One recent success was Farsoon’s sintering of a PAEK material with a high melting point of over 340°C.
During beta testing, parts produced on the UT252P were found to have consistent results in terms of thermal stability, surface quality and mechanical properties. Farsoon also reported that the material can achieve a low refresh rate, which offers great potential for lower material costs and a “truly sustainable manufacturing process.”
Source: www.farsoon-gl.com
Photo: www.farsoon-gl.com (press materials / all rights reserved)