Jun 1, 2017 | By Benedict
Advanc3d Materials, a producer of 3D printing materials based in Hamburg, Germany, has released AdSint PP flex, a polypropylene 3D printing powder for laser sintering. The material is characterized by its “excellent plasticity, high elongation (29%), low moisture absorption, and durability.”
Polypropylene (PP), a thermoplastic material with excellent mechanical properties, is the most frequently used commodity plastic in the world. A relative latecomer to the additive manufacturing game, PP is nonetheless becoming more common in FDM 3D printing thanks to its desirable mechanical properties.
In today’s 3D printing materials market, there are both “true” PP filaments, like Vertbatim’s recently released PP 3D printing material, and imitation PP materials, including Formlabs’ Durable Resin 3D printing material, an SLA 3D printing resin that was designed to effectively mimic the properties of PP.
Because they are generally used in FDM 3D printers, genuine PP 3D printing materials are usually found in the form of filament spools. That’s why Advanc3d Materials’ announcement that it has developed a PP powder for laser sintering comes as something of a surprise.
According to the Hamburg-based materials specialist, its new material is designed for selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printers—generally used to process metal powders—and can be used for applications in the automotive, electrical, and sport industries, as well as healthcare and orthopedic products.
“AdSint PP flex is characterized by an excellent plasticity, high elongation of 29%, low moisture absorption, and durability,” Advanc3d Materials says. “It is comparable to standard polypropylene and a very good alternative to PA (nylon). With this new SLS material, prototypes and small series can be produced directly from PP, so that the installed material matches that of the serial production.”
Advanc3d Materials gives several reasons why customers should be tempted to use its new PP 3D printing powder over other SLS powders. For one, the material can be post-processed using established methods like thermoforming or sealing. And secondly, it can be easily recycled: a recycling rate of 80-100% represents, in the company’s words, an “important cost advantage compared to PA.”
AdSint PP flex is available in 2 kg canisters or 20 kg bags, and has been “successfully tested” on several common SLS 3D printers.
Advanc3d Materials makes 3D printing materials for both SLS and FDM 3D printers, claiming a high level of “chemical expertise” and “process competence” thanks to its experience working with a wide range of 3D printing equipment. Its other SLS powders include PA12, TPU, PS, conductive powders, and carbon fiber reinforced composites. Its FDM filaments include PLA, ABS, PETG, and a wood imitation material.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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Hi, We are very interested in manufacturing some very small detailed parts (approx. 11x15x0.8mm) via 3D print, SLS process. We also require the material to have excellent chemical resistance properties such as Polypropylene, PPSU/PPSF, Polyjet PP. Can you recommend any companies you supply to that may be able to help us? Kind regards
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