Solvay launches new high-performance AM filaments.
Global chemical firm, Solvay is launching three specialty polymer filaments at RAPID + TCT this week, the first in a wider portfolio of additive manufacturing products as the company plans to "take AM to the next level".
Based on the company's KetaSpire PEEK and Radel PPSU polymers, Solvay is gearing up to deliver specialty polymer filaments and powders designed specifically for high-end AM applications.
Two of the filaments leverage Solvay's high-performance KetaSpire polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer, recently showcased in Solvay's AM Cup 3D printing challenge. Both PEEK filaments are designed to enable good fusion of printed layers, high part density and exceptional part strength including in the z-axis.
The third filament is based on Solvay's Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), offering excellent layer fusion, high transparency, excellent elongation and superior toughness for 3D printed parts.
"Solvay's new AM filaments signal an important convergence between additive manufacturing and specialty polymers technology, which is needed to deliver on the promise of high-end 3D printing," said Christophe Schramm, business manager for additive manufacturing at Solvay's Specialty Polymers global business unit. "With today's launch, Solvay is laying the foundation of its strategy to become the leading global supplier of advanced AM-ready polymer solutions for 3D printing technologies. We're also collaborating with leading industry innovators in printing, process and design to develop new material solutions based on our specialty polymers portfolio."
Alongside materials for extrusion-based processes, the company is also developing a powder based on its NovaSpire polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) polymer aimed at AM applications in aerospace and healthcare.
In addition to material products, Solvay has also launched a new e-commerce platform which will provide direct access and transparent pricing for its advanced AM material solutions. The site will also serve as portal to a series of simulation, testing, and prototyping services that leverage Solvay's growing partner network and open ecosystem approach.
Solvay has unveiled that the new KetaSpire PEEK AM filament will be the first polyetheretherketone polymer included in e-Xstream engineering's Digimat simulation software due for launch in June 2018.
Building on a long-standing partnership with e-Xstream, Solvay plans to expand the number of specialty polymers available for simulation on the Digimat platform and enable customers to 'print it right the first time'.
Part of the latest edition of Digimat 2018.1, Digimat for Additive Manufacturing will enable designers and engineers to accurately predict warpage and residual stresses of 3D-printed KetaSpire PEEK parts as a function of additive manufacturing processes, such as fused filament fabrication (FFF).
