Arkema @ formnext
Arkema, the chemical and materials company, has partnered with 3D printing hardware manufacturer, EOS to develop high temperature additive manufacturing powders.
The collaboration was announced at formnext powered by TCT last week in Frankfurt. At the same event, EOS unveiled its new EOS P 500 platform – the company’s work with Arkema will focus on producing materials supported by this machine.
With the introduction of the EOS P 500, the German company was launching a ‘new era of manufacturing.’ EOS attracted a large crowd at formnext powered by TCT and also announced Materialise as the first customer of the new product.
The machine is said to offers 30% lower cost per part than the EOS P 396 and can manufacture parts twice as fast thanks to a dual-laser system and new re-coater. Materials, in classes such as PA6, PBT, PET, PPS and PEKK, can be processed at up to 300°C, making possible the manufacture of automotive and aerospace applications, and electronic components, among other things.
EOS unveils P 500 polymer machine
At formnext, Arkema showcased PEKK Kepstan, the latest addition to its PAEK family, and compatible with the P 500 machine. Arkema says it is ideally suited for metal replacement such is its high service temperature, chemical resistance and fire retardency, and thus has potential for use in demanding applications. As the two companies partner, they are seeking to accelerate the use of additive manufacturing in the making of industrial applications.
EOS will also be looking to the likes of BASF and Evonik to develop similarly high-performing materials.
