New Materials Available for Rapid Prototyping
Laser Sintering materials represent a significant element in the cost of producing parts, thus it is hardly surprising that machine operators are looking for materials that offer lower cost and improved recycling. Additionally both operators and end users of laser sintering seek better surface finish and greater functionality.
To this end Plunkett Associates is working both directly and through Associates to advance the uptake of the alternative powders in the UK. These powders do not originate from a machine vendor but have been developed independently for use on both 3D System and EOS platforms.
There are a number of grades available:
Innov'PA 1550
A nylon 12 material with tight particle distribution, offering a high level of recyclability, good surface finish and excellent mechanical properties. (Also available in black)
download the innov'PA 1550 datasheet
Innov'PA 2550 GBAL
A nylon 12 material with added glass spheres and aluminium flakes, resulting is a material with a good combination of stiffness and elongation to break. The tight particle range results in good surface finish and high resolution of detail. A low refresh rate offers an economic advantage to this material that can be processed on both 3D Systems and EOS equipment.
download the innov'PA 2550 GBAL datasheet
TPE210S
A TPE material designed for ease of use combined with good surface finish and high elongation. Post infiltration allows a variety of colours to be produced.
download the TPE210S datasheet
FR 106
This is a flame retardant, nylon 11 based material, capable of passing FAR 25.853, 12 and 60 second burn tests. The material retains a high level of elongation to break, a characteristic of nylon 11 materials.
…other nylon 11, nylon 12, fire retardant and reinforced materials on the way.