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Evonik develops PEBA powder for 3D printing.
Global specialty chemicals firm, Evonik has developed the world’s first flexible plastic 3D printing material based on PEBA (polyether block amide).
The new high-performance powder, recognised for its high elasticity and strength, is suitable for a variety of powder-based 3D printing technologies such as laser sintering (LS), high speed sintering (HSS) or binder jetting.
Parts produced in the new PEBA powder present a high degree of flexibility, chemical resistance and durability over a wide temperature range from -40°C to 90°C. Application areas include high quality, fully functional, flexible plastic parts for prototyping or series production.
The material was developed in collaboration with German industrial 3D printing leader, EOS for use in its plastic laser sintering systems. The powder is available under the name "PrimePart ST" and has already been successfully adopted into the portfolios of multiple service providers.
“Flexible polymer materials significantly expand the options for additive manufacturing because they allow us to realise new, demanding applications in attractive markets,” says Fabian Stoever, senior product manager for polymers at EOS. “In addition, the variety of materials not only enables us to produce individual high-tech functional components, but also to develop much more sophisticated 3D concepts that make use of the entire material range."
Thomas Große-Puppendahl, head of the Engineered Products Product Line at Evonik, added: “New innovative products that are developed in bespoke projects in close cooperation with our customers form an important cornerstone of our organic growth."
The development expands on Evonik’s existing product portfolio of synthetic materials for 3D printing. Earlier this year, the company, announced plans to build a new €400 million polyamide 12 (PA12) production complex in a bid to increase its PA 12 capacity by more than 50%. It has also played a key role in HP's 3D printing Open Materials Platform in helping to formulate a customised, high reusability PA12 powder suited to HP's Multi Jet Fusion system.