New Amorphous Polymer Developed for SLS 3D Printing
Written with artificial intelligence.
BlueSky Polymers, Insight Polymers, and Advanced Laser Materials (ALM) have introduced a new amorphous, reactive polyetherimide (xPEI) specifically for selective laser sintering (SLS) applications. This development aims to enhance the performance of high-temperature parts, overcoming previous limitations associated with traditional PEI polymers in SLS processes.
New Polymer for 3D Printing
Amorphous polymers, known for their disordered molecular structure, are typically processed using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). However, BlueSky Polymers, Insight Polymers, and Advanced Laser Materials (ALM) have engineered a new reactive polyetherimide (xPEI) designed for selective laser sintering (SLS).
ALM's expertise in powder modification and production scalability supports the effective application of xPEI in SLS. This polymer maintains the isotropic properties characteristic of PEI, offering superior heat and chemical resistance along with tensile strength in demanding production environments. Previously, the high melt viscosity of PEI limited its use in SLS printing of amorphous high-temperature components.
Theo Dingemans, Chief Technology Officer of BlueSky Polymers, highlighted that this chemistry allows for the design of parts using high-performance polymers compatible with existing SLS and FDM systems. xPEI is based on the Sabic Ultem™ backbone and is available as both a reusable powder for SLS and filament for FDM, boasting low flammability and an infinite shelf life.
Applications for xPEI include air handling in aviation, exterior components for drones, fluid handling systems in data centers, and surgical tools that require sterilization. Insight Polymers is now producing xPEI in multi-kilogram quantities, which provides manufacturers with the flexibility to create complex parts with reduced material waste compared to traditional methods.
In summary, the introduction of xPEI marks a significant advancement in SLS 3D printing, promising to meet the growing demands for robust, high-performance polymer parts across various industries.