Evonik and its long-term industry partner Hewlett-Packard jointly developed1 a new elastomer mainly used in the field of 3D printing. The jointly developed new material is a flexible high-performance specialty powder based on thermoplastic polyamide (TPA) and optimized for the industry-leading HP Multi Jet Fusion (multi-jet fusion) technology. It will be held from November 10 to this year. Appeared at the Formnext Connect exhibition held on the 12th.
The new TPA powder is a flexible and lightweight printing material, which is characterized by extremely low density, only 1.01 g/cm, and a Shore A hardness of 91. This high-performance powder is very suitable for functional high-tech 3D plastic parts with high requirements for ductility and energy feedback, such as prototypes and series products such as sports equipment or auto parts.
Evonik and HP successfully cooperated
The new ready-to-use powder material meets all processability standards and is suitable for production-grade parts developed using HP Multi Jet Fusion technology. The powder can be used with HP Jet Fusion 4200 series 3D printers to quickly produce high-quality parts, bringing customers an efficient and reliable experience similar to the PA12 polyamide commonly used in HP 3D printing.
Tim Weber, Global Head of Materials for 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing at HP, said: "As we continue to make breakthroughs in additive manufacturing capabilities and accelerate industry development, we always value open cooperation with materials leaders like Evonik. We are very pleased with both parties. On the basis of long-term cooperation, we once again provide customers with an attractive new material, and look forward to seeing various innovative applications developed using TPA's flexible and lightweight characteristics."
Sylvia Monsheimer, Head of Innovative 3D Printing Technology Market Department, said: “Developing new ready-to-use specialty materials according to customer needs is one of Evonik’s core values. As a leading manufacturer in the industry, Evonik provides all important 3D printing technologies. Innovative high-performance powders, filaments and liquid resins. The new TPA powder is a perfect example of successful cooperation between Evonik and HP. The two parties have worked closely together in the development of 3D printing materials and technology to develop a perfect printing solution. Achieve a smooth, trouble-free printing process."
Help GoProto realize the infinite possibilities of 3D printing applications
In addition, with Evonik’s new TPA powder, customers can quickly produce elastomer parts through 3D printing without the use of tools, which can be used to manufacture real and usable prototypes. Many Evonik customers, including the American rapid prototyping company GoProto, are developing new and innovative applications. Jesse Lea, President and CEO of GoProto, commented: “Our customers have used new powders to manufacture pipes, bellows, footwear products, sports equipment, wearable devices and wiring harnesses/connectors. These products have high wear resistance. Many high-quality materials, such as energy return, durability, and light weight, have been well received in practical applications. GoProto is very pleased to be able to bring great value to customers’ new product development in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment."
Evonik is the world's leading producer of polyamide 12 (PA 12) powder, which has been used in additive manufacturing applications for more than 20 years. The company's various ready-to-use material series include polyamide 12 and polyamide 613, as well as other flexible TPA and copolyester powders, all of which are sold under the INFINAM brand.