How do I achieve tougher or more flexible SLS parts?
Whilst the standard SLS materials (Nylon or Glass Filled Nylon) are white and provide durable, rigid and stable parts, sometimes you might need something a little bit tougher or a little bit more flexible – or even in black. The good news is Ex Black and Flex offer impact resistant and flexible options and Plunkett Associates can deliver both!
EX Black is a tough, impact resistant material that performs like Polypropylene or ABS. It is ideal for applications that undergo repeated shock or flexural loadings as it won’t fracture. Not only that, but thin walls down to 0.5mm are achievable if built in an appropriate orientation, allowing parts with living hinges or snap fits to function for several hundred cycles. Additionally it comes in black so avoiding the need to paint or dye a white SLS part. Typical applications of this material include duct work, enclosures, connectors and bumpers.
As the name suggests, Flex is a flexible material with the look and feel of a Rubber or Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). It can undergo elastic deformation of up to 100% without breaking, tearing or permanently distorting. Hardness off the machine is in the 45-75 shore A range and can be increased by post infiltration. Typical applications of this material include gaskets, hoses, seals and over moulded grips.
Plunkett Associates can offer both these materials, so talk to us today about your application. We’d be more than happy to provide a quote.
