Thermoplastic powders for powder bed fusion
Rilsan® Invent PA11 (Nylon 11) for powder bed fusion
Rilsan® Invent PA11 (polyamide 11) powders are a range of high-performance, 100% bio-based materials designed for powder bed fusion. Parts 3D printed with Rilsan® Invent PA11 powders display superior mechanical properties and weight saving compared to PA12 (polyamide 12), with outstanding impact resistance, and higher ductility and elasticity.
Key benefits
The material of choice for sustainable series production
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Superior performance and lower environmental impact compared to PA12
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Easy to print
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Advanced bio-circular material – 100% Bio-based and recyclable
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Excellent resistance to oils, fuels and hydraulic fluids
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Excellent Impact resistance
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Superior Elasticity & ductility and fatigue resistance
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EU Food contact (No 10/2011) statement available
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Cosmetic packaging statement available
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USP Class VI compliant
DATA - Rilsan® PA11
Advanced Bio-Circular (ABC) Materials
Arkema is a pioneer in amino 11 chemistry. Our flagship Rilsan® PA11 elastomers have a proven legacy in meeting some of the world’s most demanding material challenges. This chemistry is derived from the castor bean, a sustainable, renewable crop that does not compete with food and does not cause deforestation. These are not "just" bio-based materials, however. They are truly advanced polymers that ultimately help the world reduce its carbon footprint... a carbon footprint that is further reduced when these ABC polymers are recycled & reused.
Don't let the common misconception about bio-based materials fool you when it comes to 3D printing! That's right, the backbone of Rilsan® PA11 is 100% based on a feedstock of castor oil AND there is no compromise in performance when compared to its closest relative, non-bio-based PA12. Learn more about our Pragati Initiative for sustainable castor farming in India here.
Impact resistance
3D printed Rilsan® PA11 parts can pass the interior part crash test for automotive applications, an extreme situation that most other 3D printed materials fail. Due to this incredible impact resistance PA11 also passes the safety standards for bicycle helmets, and is being embraced by the cycling community, as seen in the HEXR example above.
Stress-strain curve
The improved ductility of PA11 compared to PA12 allows designer to design thinner and lighter parts while using less material. The flexibility and durability of the material helps improve the lifetime of the part, yet if a failure does occur, the ductile breaking mechanism creates a safer environment compared to a brittle fracture seen in PA12 that could send dangerous shards into the air.
Fatigue curve
The graph below illustrates how a PA11 printed part under static load will maintain its mechanical strength over time compared to PA12 where we have observed up to 60% lower performance compared to PA11. This fatigue resistance is great for applications like the Bowman Rollertrain™ bearing cage shown above.
Kepstan® PEKK for powder bed fusion
Kepstan® PEKK (PolyEtherKetoneKetone) is the latest addition to the PAEK (Poly-Aryl-Ether-Ketone) family, and is ideally suited for metal replacement thanks to its very high service temperature, chemical resistance, and excellent fire retardancy.
Key benefits
The material of choice for metal replacement
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Bringing cost saving solutions compared to subtractive technologies
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Commercially available solutions for both amorphous or semi-crystalline parts
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Easier to print than PEEK - Minimal part warping in FFF, higher recycle ability in SLS
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High modulus and strength
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Outstanding high temperature performance
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Inherent flame resistance, low smoke generation, and toxicity
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Excellent chemical resistance (oils, fuels, Skydrol, and hydraulic fluids)
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Outstanding mechanical properties; wear, compression and impact
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High dielectric strength and good insulating properties
Pebax® Invent Elastomers for powder bed fusion
(coming soon)
Pebax® Invent elastomers are an incredibly versatile range of materials. They are extremely lightweight, flexible, fatigue resistant, impact resistant, and exhibit unmatched energy return compared to alternative materials like TPU.
Download Pebax® Rnew® Thermoplastic Powder for Powder Bed Fusion Brochure
Key benefits
The material of choice for flexible and durable applications
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Easy to print
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Superior performance compared to TPU
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Partly bio-based (grades starting at 30%+)
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Excellent elastomeric properties and fatigue resistance
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Superior flexibility at low temperature
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Extremely lightweight
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Excellent energy return
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Unique soft-touch feeling for raw parts
Courtesy of erpro 3D factory
Courtesy of erpro 3D factory
Courtesy of erpro 3D factory
Orgasol® Invent PA12 (Nylon 12) for powder bed fusion
Orgasol® Invent PA12 powders are an excellent choice for powder bed fusion additive manufacturing. These powders are great when the part appearence and definition is the number one priority. Parts printed with Orgasol® PA12 will have an ultra-smooth finish with great color durability. The very low refresh-rate (high powder recyclability) also helps lower printing cost.
Download Orgasol® Thermoplastic Powder for Powder Bed Fusion Brochure
Key benefits
The material of choice for rapid prototyping
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Reduce cost thanks to high recyclability
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Excellent part detailing reminding injection molded parts
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Among the lowest refresh rate in the market
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Minimize post-treatment operation
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Excellent color durability
DATA - Orgasol® PA12
Very low refresh rate
The recyclability of SLS powders is highly dictated by the evolution of the powder viscosity. Orgasol® Invent Smooth PA12 powders does not evolve under the SLS process temperature, indicating a very high re-usability of the powder after a production run.
Surface smoothness
Parts printed with Orgasol® Invent Smooth result in a very smooth finish compared to other PA12 powders on the market.
