Both companies want to enable market access to new large-scale industrial applications in the higher temperature range. Evonik is contributing its expertise in polymer-based 3D printing materials and Farsoon its expertise in powder-based 3D printers to the collaboration. In this context, the specialty chemicals company has already successfully tested the ready-to-use plastic powder Infinam PA 6005 P (polyamide 613) with higher temperature resistance on Farsoon's ST252P and HT403P series machines. The development of new formulations is underway.

Materials for limitless 3D applications

"Close cooperation between material and machine manufacturers is essential to open up new 3D applications. The results of our test series clearly show that Infinam PA 6005 P, with its higher melting point of 215 °C, can not only be processed well on Farsoon's ST252P and HT403P machines, but can also be reused. We have used our synergies to develop a market-ready system solution," says Wolfgang Diekmann, Director Research, Development & Innovation Additive Manufacturing at Evonik.

Infinam PA 6005 P is a high-performance powder from Evonik's polyamide 6 series. The material has high mechanical strength, high chemical and temperature resistance and low water absorption - less than 3 percent. This has a positive effect on processability in the 3D printing process and the dimensional stability of the printed component. The objects printed from the PA-613 powder material impress with their high rigidity and mechanical stability, even in thin-walled constructions.

Technology synergies open up new applications

Farsoon's machines offer configuration options that can reach process chamber temperatures of up to 220 °C (HT) or up to 280 °C (ST). Enhanced thermal controls, temperature-protected components and open parameters offer customers the ability to process high-performance polymers such as Evonik's PA 613 with excellence. The machines are equipped with high-speed scanners and powerful lasers. The high productivity of component manufacturing makes series applications increasingly accessible.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer further opportunities to the additive manufacturing market by proactively supporting new applications in the higher temperature range," says Dr. Dirk Simon, Managing Director of Farsoon Europe GmbH and responsible for plastic material topics in Farsoon's Global Management Team. "The excellent compatibility of our SLS machines with Evonik's plastic powders and the very interesting property profile of the PA-613 components form an important basis for the market success of our customers."

Polymer powder with good flow behavior

Thanks to its almost round grain shape, the Infinam PA plastic powder from Evonik's polyamide 6 series is characterized by its excellent flow and application behavior and can be used in all powder-based 3D printing technologies. The high-temperature material is produced using a special process at the Marl site.

Evonik is pooling its expertise in the field of 3D printing in the Additive Manufacturing innovation growth field. The strategic focus is on the development and production of new high-performance materials for all important polymer-based 3D printing technologies. In this context, Evonik has reorganized its product range under the new INFINAM® brand and is driving 3D printing as a large-scale industrial manufacturing technology along the entire value chain.