Be it with FDM Additive Manufacturing or Selective Laser Sintering, several companies of the industry aim to boost their production capacity.
BASF and DSM have recently purchased several industrial 3D printers from Prodways. BASF aims to accelerate its R&D efforts by leveraging Prodways selective laser sintering. The machines can achieve high printing temperatures, which is one of the main requirements to print PA6 materials, developed by the material producer. According to Prodways, the 3D printers can also satisfy the manufacturing of a recently developed polypropylene.
DSM on the other hand, has chosen the same technology in order to process its new PBT powder Arnite© AM1210. Designed for selective laser sintering, the material integrates electrical, mechanical and flame-retardant properties, which makes it a good candidate for the production of electronics and electrical industries.
The compatibility with Prodways ProMaker P4500 printer has already been proven. Therefore, Prodways will also be able to supply this material.
In the FDM category, a UK-based independent research and technology organization invests in an FDM-based Fortus 450mc 3D Printer. MTC’s mission consists in both meeting demanding production applications for UK manufacturers and developing new innovative solutions that will enhance productivity and profitability across their businesses.
As a reminder, the centre has been working with Stratasys technology since 2017. Then, the technology is mainly leveraged for engineering tooling and complex end-use parts.
Commenting on the investment, which was made via Stratasys’ local partner, Tri-Tech 3D, MTC Senior Research Engineer Hoda Amel, explains, “We have been very impressed with our PolyJet 3D printers, and adding an FDM-based solution to the line-up is a natural evolution as we look to expand our production-grade additive manufacturing capability to develop early stage new solutions for UK manufacturers that can then be passed on to the supply chain. Most notably, we now have access to a wide range of high-performance thermoplastic materials that enable us to explore multi-composite parts and complex tooling for engineering applications that continue to be sought by customers.”
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