TECHNOLOGY | 3D PRINT COMPOUNDS
Above: Braskem is working with Advanced Laser Materials to develop PP powders for SLS manufac- turing systems
“The key challenges in extrusion-based additive manufacturing of common PP are the typically pronounced warpage and adhesion problems of PP on common printing substrates,” says Joan Miravitlles, Marketing Manager at LyondellBasell. “The Beon3D range is specifically designed for 3D printing to overcome these challenges. Therefore, we offer industrial customers solutions for the additive manufacturing of PP that enable fast, precise, and reliable manufacturing at the highest level.” The Beon3D product family is currently focused
on extrusion additive manufacturing techniques that use filament materials. “Our materials are specifically designed to be processed with all common printer systems and also to allow reliable scaling for customers,” Miravitlles says. “Extrusion-based additive manufacturing is a
robust and cost-competitive technology that allows the application of various polymers, and especially polymer compounds, to produce functional multi-colour and multi-material parts in a single process step. Additionally, extrusion-based additive manufacturing is exceptionally flexible in producing customised parts over a wide size range and in any quantity. Consequently, it is comple- mentary to conventional processing techniques and allows for a unique integrative combination for tailored mass production,” he says. LyondellBasell claims that its Beon3D products
provide fast, precise and reliable processing even at high volumes. “Beon3D products are chemical and temperature resistant and create durable, low-density parts,” says Miravitlles. “It is due to our expertise in various industrial markets such as transportation, electrical and electronics, as well as building and construction, that we are able to bring the Beon3D product family to our customers providing them with innovative and efficient 3D printing solutions.”
48 COMPOUNDING WORLD | May 2021
Bright future While the use of PP compounds in the 3D print sector is still emerging, leading additive manufac- turing industry experts predict a bright future for the polymer. According to Prof Dr Rolf Muelhaupt, additive manufacturing expert at the University of Freiburg in Germany, the combination of materials such as LyondellBasell’s Beon3D PP compounds with current additive manufacturing technologies will enable new material properties previously unthinkable in the sector. “Producing sustainable finished products in one-step has become a reality through the combination of design, digitisation and manufacturing,” he says. Spain’s Repsol has also expanded its range of PP compounds for 3D print applications, with two new grades formulated for production of high mechani- cal performance components using FFF and FDM techniques introduced this year. The compounds join the current three grades launched in 2020. Isplen P3D820FM is a highly mineral filled medium flow PP that offers high rigidity and dimensional stability and low warpage together with good impact performance and optimal surface appearance. It is UV stabilised and is said to offer good scratch resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use. Repsol Isplen P3D630FV is a glass fibre reinforced PP indicated for applications that require very good impact resistance, high rigidity, and low deformation and shrinkage. It is also UV stabilised. Also targeting PP but in the different area
of powder-based technology, Braskem and Advanced Laser Materials (ALM), a leader in materials development for additive manufacturing, have introduced a PP powder for selective laser sintering (SLS) industrial 3D printing. The two companies began their partnership in 2018, focusing specifically on the development of polyolefin-based powders for SLS. The new PP powder is the first commercial product launched under the joint collaboration. SLS uses thermal energy from a laser to selec- tively sinter polymer powder layer-by-layer to produce a three-dimensional, solid geometry. It is used in industrial applications in automotive, aerospace, packaging and consumer goods. The launch of the new PP powder is said to bring a number of enhanced benefits to the SLS additive manufacturing process. These include lighter weight, moisture resistance, durable living hinge capabilities, improved recyclability, chemical resistance and enhanced processing stability, as well as an elongation at break and flexibility that is comparable to injection moulding PP grades.
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IMAGE: BRASKEM
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