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Home AI: Technology, News & Trends Igus Unveils High-Temperature Resistant SLS Printing Material

Igus Unveils High-Temperature Resistant SLS Printing Material

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3D printing material

iglidur i230 is igus’ first 3D printing material to withstand temperatures up to 110°C for the manufacture of engineering plastic parts
  
In the future, 3D printed engineering plastic parts will be able to withstand higher application temperatures, such as those found in automotive engine compartments. Currently, commercially available SLS printing materials are in danger of deforming at temperatures above 80°C. In contrast, igus’ new powdered material iglidur i230 can withstand long-term application temperatures of up to 110°C. It is also free of PTFE. It is also PTFE-free and has a wear resistance that is approximately 80 percent higher than that of the conventional material PA12.
  
Nowadays, more and more engineers are using 3D printers to produce parts quickly and cost-effectively, especially for small series and prototypes. Selective laser sintering (SLS) is particularly popular. This additive manufacturing process focuses on making parts (such as slide bearings) by melting plastic powder layer by layer to form them. The problem, however, is that parts made from standard SLS-printed materials such as PA12 can usually only be used in applications where the temperature does not exceed 80°C. The problem with this is that the material can be used in a variety of applications. Once this limit is exceeded, the material softens and loses its dimensional stability. This results in the process not being able to be used in many applications, such as bearings in automotive engine compartments, industrial equipment or various air conditioning and refrigeration systems.” As customer demand for 3D printed plain bearings for applications with high ambient temperatures increased, we then developed a new SLS printing material, iglidur i230,” says Paul Gomer, 3D printing materials development engineer at igus. Tests carried out in a qualified external laboratory according to DIN ENiSO 75 HDT-A and HDT-B standards proved that the new material does indeed have excellent high-temperature resistance. The test results show that the powdered print material is suitable for long-term application temperatures of up to 110°C. It can even withstand temperatures of up to 110°C for short periods. It can even withstand application temperatures of up to 170°C for short periods without deformation. In addition, the material has static dissipative properties and thus protects machines and equipment from electrostatic discharges and the fires and explosions that can result from them. Like many other igus materials, iglidur i230 is PTFE-free.

80% Higher Abrasion Resistance than PA12

Not only does iglidur i230 have excellent resistance to high temperatures, but it also runs extremely well. Tests carried out in the igus in-house laboratory have shown that this print material is approximately 80 per cent more resistant to abrasion than PA12.” The service life of 3D-printed plain bearings made from iglidur i230 is significantly longer as a result, which contributes to the efficiency of machines, equipment and vehicles and reduces the need for maintenance.” Gomer said. The material also has about 50 per cent higher mechanical strength than PA12 at room temperature. In addition, the material successfully withstood a load of 94 MPa in bending tests.” This offers numerous benefits, such as the fact that a slide bearing with a smaller wall thickness can achieve the same component strength, which saves space and reduces weight in a compact installation space.” Gomer emphasises. Finally, 3D-printed plain bearings made from iglidur i230 also reduce lubrication efforts for the user. This is due to the solid lubricant integrated in this SLS-printed material, so that parts can run dry with low friction.

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