NPE2018 New Technology Focus: 3D Printing Materials & Applications

Techmer PM  (S27015) is focusing on its recent material development innovations in areas such as 3D printing, advanced composites and sustainability. Highlights include the company’s collaborative effort with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and BASF to design two new, 3D-printable, engineering thermoplastic compounds: Electrafil PPS 3DP and Electrafil PPSU 3DP. Specifically developed for high-temperature autoclave tooling applications used in composite part production, the highly- engineered, carbon fiber-reinforced compounds come in pellet form for use in new, pellet-fed 3D printers. Their versatility was proven by successful testing on two large-format additive manufacturing systems—Cincinnati Inc.’s BAAM and Thermwood Corp.’s LSAM.

Two new 3D-printed tooling projects are also highlighted: Thermwood chose Techmer’s Electrafil ABS LT1 3DP to 3D-print a huge tool to make a marine boat hull on its LSAM system. Using a Techmer ABS compound reinforced with carbon fiber ORNL 3D-printed a trim-and-drill tool that set a new Guinness Book World Record for largest solid item ever manufactured on a 3D printer.

Lehvoss (S31147) is highlighting new Luvocom 3F, designed for extrusion-based 3D printing processes including fused-filament fabrication (FFF/FDM). The product line is dedicated to easy 3D printing with excellent mechanical properties. Polymers are tailored to 3D printing for different processes and are said to offer improved layer bonding and enhanced printability. Examples include modified PAEK materials free of warpage with optimized z strength. The injection molding quality of printed parts is reportedly 100% consistent.

SABIC (S15023) is featuring some of its latest materials for 3D printing including Lexan EXL AMHI240F PC filament for FFF/FDM, one of several new filaments with distinctive performance characteristics that SABIC plans to launch in 2018.  Two new healthcare thermoplastic filaments are also being unveiled.

BASF (S15023) is highlighting its partnership in 3D printing for plastics applications with creator of specialty filaments Essentium Materials, College Station, Texas. The company is aiming to develop a broad range of materials, with a focus on its substantial polyamide nylon portfolio and to address a variety of additive manufacturing processes.