EOS introduces three high-performance 3D printing materials for industrial use

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EOS has introduced three new high-performance additive manufacturing (AM) polymer materials to its portfolio through its ALM subsidiary.

ALM is a customised materials solutions division of EOS, and its latest material products are being suggested for use in industrial applications, particularly in the aerospace sector. The materials, ALM HP 11-30, ALM FR-106 and ALM PA 640-GSL, are already being utilised by multiple EOS partners in North America and will be available throughout Europe from March 2018.

The ALM HP 11-30 product is a carbon fibre-reinforced polyamide 11 material, which boasts high strength, impact resistance and a good elongation at break. Additionally, EOS says parts made with this material have well-balanced mechanical properties. It is being touted as a material best suited to mechanical wear and applications which are required to be tough and durable. EOS believes it will therefore be of particular interest to the motorsport industry.

ALM FR-106 is a flame-retardant polyamide 11, said to feature significant strength and toughness. Meeting FAR 25.853 aviation standards, the material is being highlighted as an option for players in the aerospace industry. This standard concerns aircraft cabin safety and focuses on the flammability of certain products. The ALM FR-106 material, EOS suggests, is ideal for the additive manufacture of housings, casings and hard-wearing fasteners, parts where flame-retardant properties and thin walls are an advantage.

The third addition to EOS material portfolio, the ALM PA 640-GSL, is a polyamide 12 material filled with hollow glass microspheres and carbon fibres. It delivers the same properties as a normal glass filled polyamide but is lightweighted, according to EOS. This makes the material ideal for the production of parts which require low weight, high strength, and rigidity. ALM PA 640-GSL is also said to have increased thermal resistance and excellent surface quality. Potential beneficiaries include the aerospace, shipping, sports, model making, and motorsport sectors.

Together, the three materials enhance EOS AM materials portfolio, and enables greater opportunities for industrial players.

“EOS is broadening its range of available materials, while also opening up new application areas for industrial 3D printing at the same time,” commented Dr Tobias Abeln, Chief Technical Officer at EOS. “ALM materials – like EOS materials – are going through extensive quality testing in order to fulfil high customer requirements, particularly from even highly regulated industries. As of February 2018, ALM received its formal ISO 9001:2015 certification that specifies the requirements for a quality management in organisations.”

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