Germany based igus – world leading manufacturer of cable management systems and polymer plain bearings has been strengthening its position on the market of specialized 3D printing materials for many years. Its flagship products in this area are so-called “tribofilaments” – thermoplastics used in FDM technology, characterized by high resistance to abrasion. The company is also developing a line of materials used in SLS technology – selective sintering of powdered plastics with a laser. Its latest product in this area is iglidur I3, which has undergone a fire test for materials used in the passenger compartment of motor vehicles acc. FMVSS 302 standards for the interior of motor vehicles.
The test procedure, which was introduced in the United States under the name “Federal Automotive Safety Standards“, sets out resistance requirements for materials used in the passenger area of motor vehicles, such as cars or trucks. As part of the iglidur I3 test, an average thickness of 2.02 mm was printed, which was then burnt with a Bunsen burner at a flame height of 38 mm. The material reached an average combustion speed of 18.8 mm / min, which makes the requirements of the standard met with more than five times the reserve.
iglidur I3 is in powder form and is used in SLS technology. In addition to its high resistance to combustion, it is characterized by the high abrasion resistance typical for igus products, thanks to which it can be used extensively as a material for all types of moving parts.
Main photo: elements printed in 3D technology, made of triboelmom for printing using the SLS method, iglidur I3, increase the interior security of vehicles, which was confirmed by a fire test, according to FMVSS 302. (Source: igus GmbH)