3D Systems, Ems-Griltech Partner to Advance Materials Innovation

3D Systems and Ems-Griltech have entered into a partnership to improve additive manufacturing (AM) materials development. Combining 3D Systems’ experience as an AM solutions partner with Ems-Griltech’s experience in the specialized manufacturing of polyamides has enabled the companies to develop a nylon copolymer — DuraForm PAx Natural.

It is said this material possesses properties similar to injection-molded plastics and features high impact resistance with high elongation at break in any direction. DuraForm PAx Natural is designed to be used with any commercially-available selective laser sintering (SLS) printer, regardless of the manufacturer — facilitating ease of integration into existing production workflows. 3D Systems is the sole distributor of this material which can be used to manufacture tough, lightweight, production-grade parts for applications such as orthotics, tooling handles, splints and braces, ducting in rugged environments, living hinges, liquid reservoirs and enclosures requiring high impact and high toughness.

DuraForm PAx Natural is designed to print at a low temperature, which facilitates efficiencies in both printing and postprocessing. When compared to other nylon materials, the company says DuraForm PAx Natural enables reduced time to parts in hand, which not only helps service bureaus and manufacturers maintain their competitiveness but also helps accelerate supply chains. The low printing temperature of this material enables high throughput, and its designation as a clean running material results in low operator maintenance. With the lower printing temperature, parts can be ready to ship the day after an order is received, the company says.

DuraForm PAx Natural is said to possess long-term stability ratings of over five years indoor for mechanical properties and color. When parts are postprocessed using vapor honing, finished parts have translucency and smooth finishes, which widens the breadth of applications for which this material can be used. In addition, the company says the vapor-honed DuraForm PAx Natural material moves the elongation at yield capability past that of PA-11 and PA-12 materials. This material is also said to have high reuse rates (a recommended 30% refresh rate), which helps reduce waste and decrease production costs.

“With DuraForm PAx Natural, we’re not only bringing a product with leading mechanical properties — we’re also delivering a new material for use with any SLS printing technology, which we intend to expand to other powder-bed fusion platforms,” says Dr. Edwin Hortelano, senior vice president, materials engineering and development, 3D Systems. “This is our first step in opening 3D Systems’ materials portfolio to the entire industry which allows a broader pool of manufacturers to realize the benefits of this unmatched material. We look forward to introducing more PAx-based materials among others in the future.”

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• Node Audio’s Hylixa high-fidelity speaker takes advantage of selective laser sintering (SLS) from 3D Systems to 3D print a compact construction with an uncompromised sound range.