Solvay, a leading global supplier of polyamides, has continuously strengthened its Sinterline® Technyl® MMI polyamide (PA6) product family, and recently launched MMI® Technyl® simulation design services1 to assist 3D manufacturing of automotive functional parts. With excellent injection molding technology, this predictive simulation design platform has taken a big step forward in the design optimization of 3D printing of technical parts.
This is Solvay's first combination of Sinterline® powder and predictable analog design technology-MMI Technyl® Design, to successfully implement 3D manufacturing of an intake manifold for Polimotor 2. The Polimotor 2 project aims to develop an all-plastic engine weighing only 63-67 kg (138-148 lbs), which is about 40 kg (90 lbs) below the current standard engine product, in order to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Based on in-depth knowledge of Sinterline® material parameters and laser sintering printing processes, predictable simulation designs show that the intake manifold design can be 30% lighter than previously thought.
"This intake manifold printed with Sinterline® Technyl® PA6 technology is easy to operate and will not fail in real working conditions," said Matti Holtzberg, the designer and principal of the Polimotor project. "Combining predictable analog design with 3d printing technology can better leverage the benefits of weight reduction."
"Successful verification of the performance of PA6 3D printed parts will facilitate technological upgrades and the transformation of traditional manufacturing," adds Dominique Giannotta, Solvay's Sinterline® project leader. "The enthusiastic feedback and keen interest of many people in the automotive industry will also continue to advance this technology to provide them with combined services in the near future."
® Sinterline and Technyl are registered trademarks of Solvay
1 MMI Technyl® Design is an advanced analog design technology based on Digimat ™ developed by e-Xstream, a software company of the MSC Group.
Solvay Engineering Plastics
Solvay Engineering Plastics is a global manufacturer of polyamide-based engineering plastics. For more than 60 years, the department has been developing, producing and promoting a full range of high-performance materials under the Technyl® brand to meet the stringent application needs of the automotive, consumer, and electrical product markets. With the support of 6 production bases around the world, Solvay Engineering Plastics Business Unit makes full use of its unique expertise and innovation capabilities to work more closely with customers to meet their needs through global technology and R & D centers.
About Solvay
Solvay is an international chemical and high-tech materials company dedicated to helping customers innovate, develop, and implement high-value, sustainable products and solutions. These products and solutions reduce energy consumption, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, optimize the use of resources and improve living standards. Solvay serves end markets worldwide, including automotive and aerospace, consumer goods and healthcare, energy and environment, electrical and electronics, construction and construction, and industrial applications. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels and has approximately 30,900 employees in 53 countries. Estimated net sales revenue for 2015 was 12.4 billion euros, 90% of which came from its top three global businesses. Solvay AG (SOLB.BE) is listed on the Euronext NYSE in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB: BB-Reuters: SOLB.BR)