Solvay announced that it has signed a research and development cooperation agreement with Aerosint to develop an economical and feasible SLS printing process for high-performance polymers.
High-performance polymers such as KetaSpire® PEEK (polyether ether ketone) and Ryton® PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) have the potential to open new paths for the demanding applications of additive manufacturing (AM), but currently they are focusing on major powder fusion technologies Such as selective laser sintering (SLS) applications still have limitations.
"SLS machines capable of processing high-temperature polymers are usually precisely designed and assembled from complex and expensive components. However, there is an obvious operating cost problem in the production process at the moment, namely those 'used but unfused' Powders have problems with excessive waste of up to 90%, "
Aerosint general manager Edouard Moens said. "The space-selective multiple powder deposition system we are developing is patented, enabling each layer of expensive, high-performance polymers to be contained by an infusible, lower-cost support material, reducing material waste to Very low level. "
New technologies will open up huge potential for additive manufacturing (AM) system manufacturers in the medical, aerospace and automotive sectors.
Solvay has been working with Aerosint for more than two years and has been committed to supporting Aerosint's development of disruptive technologies by providing advanced materials, processes and fusion technologies.
"As with all innovative and breakthrough technologies, many challenges remain to be overcome, including the development of optimized high-performance additive manufacturing (AM) polymer powders that can be used with unmelted materials at high temperatures for multiple applications. Powder deposition process, "said Brian Alexander, Solvay Specialty Polymers Global Product and Application Manager for Additive Manufacturing.
"This technology will not only make the price of high-performance polymer 3D printed products more humane, but will also open up huge potential for manufacturers of additive manufacturing (AM) systems in the medical, aerospace and automotive sectors, making them Competitive industrial processes. "