Evonik’s Infinam TPA Is Elastomer Powder Material for SLS 3D Printing

Evonik is expanding its portfolio of elastomeric materials for powder bed fusion 3D printing technologies with Infinam TPA 4006 P, a powder grade that is specially optimized for all types of open source selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing machines.

Infinam TPA 4006 P is a PA12 elastomer consisting of polyamide 12 segments and softening segments. It is characterized by rubber-like properties and outstanding impact strength, and thus excellent rebound behavior. The 3D printing elastomer features high process stability and excellent powder flow properties, making it suitable for all types of SLS technologies. Also, the fine powder can be manufactured with reusability rates of 50/50 virgin versus used material.

“Elastomer-based 3D printing applications play a crucial role of the additive value proposition. Mostly, like limited editions of infinite designs or high customization, they perfectly showcase what 3D printing stands for,” says Arnim Kraatz, Evonik diirector of powder bed fusion. “By offering new, optimized 3D printing materials, we enable our customers to take advantage of the unique set material properties in order to explore and scale up new applications.”

The company says that 3D printed parts from Infinam TPA 4006 P show an excellent surface resolution and feature detail, while exhibiting outstanding durability over a wide temperature range from -40°C to 90°C. The powder is also well suited for manufacturing of functional 3D high-tech plastic parts — for prototypes as well as series products. Furthermore, TPA has been used for decades as a material of choice for a variety of consumer goods applications like footwear.

Evonik’s range of elastomeric 3D printing materials includes two types of powders for powder bed fusion 3D printing technologies — thermoplastic amide Infinam TPA and thermoplastic copolyester Infinam TPC. Infinam FL, a rubber-like photopolymer resin for photocuring 3D printing, completes the current portfolio of elastomeric materials for industrial 3D printing.

Evonik’s 3D printing activities are bundled in the group’s Additive Manufacturing Innovation Growth Field. The strategic focus is on the development and manufacturing of industrial, ready-to-use high-performance materials for all major polymer-based 3D printing technologies.

---

• Learn about Evonik’s collaboration with Farsoon on Infinam Thermoplastic Copolyester. Infinam TPC (thermoplastic copolyester) is a ready-to-use, elastomer-grade material for powder bed fusion 3D printing that can enable customers to unlock new markets and applications.
   
• Read about the addition of three Infinam photopolymers to Evonik’s product portfolio. These photoresin products are for use in common UV-curing 3D printing processes such as stereolithography (SLA) or Digital Light Processing (DLP).