#prodways

A Schulman, Prodways launches first plastic material for 3D printing

A Schulman Inc (SHLM) has launched the first PA6-12T plastic material for 3D printing using selective laser sintering. This new glass filed material is launched by Prodways, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of industrial 3D printers, and is the result of an exclusive partnership between the two companies.

In November 2016, A Schulman and Prodways announced the signature of an exclusive strategic partnership.

Less than 12 months, the collaboration between A Schulman’s and Prodways’ R&D teams has led to the launch of PA612-GB 3800, the first PA6-12T plastic powder on the 3D printing laser sintering market. Through this launch, both companies open up new possibilities for the 3D printing of high-performance plastic parts that are usually made of injected plastic or metal, in particular for the aviation, automotive and rail industries.

PA6-12T is a plastic material that is used with conventional plastic processing techniques to produce parts that require rigidity, impact resistance and a capacity to withstand high temperatures. PA612T is also characterized by its low sensitivity to moisture absorption, allowing it to maintain its mechanical properties in humid conditions.

Using the new PA612-GB 3800 powder, it is now possible to 3D printed plastic parts that can deliver high-performance mechanical properties, even with complex geometrical structures such as fuel circuits or pump bodies. Such structures are difficult, or impossible to produce with conventional injection techniques.

With its unique mechanical properties, when used for high-performance parts, PA612-GB 3800 can replace machined metal by printing lighter and more effective plastic parts with an optimized design - such as casings, the top parts of motors or ballast systems, the company said.