New Plastic Powders for 3D Printing
Ecological compatibility, high technical performance and low manufacturing costs are the main attributes of two new powder materials introduced by EOS, Germany, for layer-by-layer 3D printing of plastic components in its additive manufacturing machines.
PrimePart Plus (PA 2221) represents a breakthrough in polymer development, as significantly more of the material can be recycled after it has previously been in the build chamber of an EOS machine. Such material has undergone elevated temperatures but has not been laser-sintered, i.e. it occupied the spaces around and within the final components.
Conventional plastic materials are usually refreshed for the next build cycle with fifty per cent or more new powder, whereas for PA 2221 the figure is 30 per cent. The result is a considerable saving in the amount of powder that has to be scrapped. The technical performance of the finished plastic parts is not diminished and the overall key performance indicators achieved are only slightly lower than those of the established EOS powder, polyamide 12-based PA 2200.
The second plastic material, PA 1101, is a natural-colored polyamide 11 characterised by high elongation at break and good impact resistance combined with a balanced performance profile. Less non-renewable resources are used in the production of this material compared with polyamide 12.
The material is particularly suitable for applications where the finished product contains functional elements that require high material ductility, such as integral hinges, as well as for parts that need high impact resistance. Another typical application for this material is in the series production of components used in passenger cars, for example, where it is important that the parts do not chip.
Peter Klink, EVP Sales at EOS in Germany said, "Our customers expect material solutions that support the ever widening range of applications in the best possible way.
"These two new plastic materials used in our FORMIGA and EOSINT P-series machines allow components to be manufactured even more efficiently by laser-sintering.
"With PA 1101, we have been able to extend significantly our portfolio of plastic materials, previously dominated by polyamide 12. We are looking forward to developing new and exciting applications which have not been possible with the materials available so far."
About EOS
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Germany, EOS is the technology and market leader for design-driven, integrated e-Manufacturing solutions for industrial applications. EOS offers a modular solution portfolio including systems, software and materials as well as services like maintenance, training, specific application consulting and support. As an Additive Manufacturing (AM) process, it allows the fast and flexible production of high-end parts at a repeatable industry level of quality. The technology paves the way for a paradigm shift in product design and manufacturing. It accelerates product development, offers freedom of design, optimises part structures - also enabling lattice structures - and as such creates significant competitive advantages for customers. For more information visit www.eos.info
On behalf of:
EOS Electro Optical Systems Ltd
The Innovation Centre
Warwick Technology Park
Gallows Hill, Warwick, CV34 6UW
Tel: 01926 623107
Fax: 01926 623108.
E-mail: stuart.jackson@eos.info
Web site: www.eos.info
Contact:
Stuart Jackson
Regional Manager, UK & Eire
