Evonik’s New Innovations in Powder Bed Fusion: Introducing Carbon Black Powders and Flame-Retardant PA12 Materials
Evonik, a leader in advanced materials for powder bed fusion (PBF), has unveiled two groundbreaking materials at Formnext: INFINAM 6013 P and INFINAM 6014 P carbon black powders, as well as a halogen-free flame-retardant material, HP 3D HR PA12 FR, developed in collaboration with HP. These innovations are poised to transform 3D printing for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.
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INFINAM 6013 P & INFINAM 6014 P: Carbon Black Powders for UV-Resistant 3D Parts
Evonik’s INFINAM 6013 P and 6014 P are designed to address a critical challenge in PBF manufacturing: maintaining consistent black coloration and enhanced UV resistance in 3D-printed parts. These powders offer unique benefits over conventional materials, where carbon black is often added during compounding, leading to uneven fading when parts are scratched or worn.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Consistent Black Coloration: Unlike dyed materials that fade over time, Evonik’s embedded carbon black ensures parts retain their rich black hue. This makes them ideal for high-visibility applications like automotive interiors and exteriors.
2. Improved Wear Resistance: By embedding carbon black directly into the material, parts are more resistant to wear and scratches, ensuring durability in demanding environments.
3. Enhanced Isotropy: The powders improve elongation in the Z direction, resulting in more isotropic parts—crucial for functional applications like structural components.
4. Safer Handling: Embedded carbon black reduces the risk of airborne particles, minimizing inhalation hazards for workers during production.
Applications
Automotive: Black parts for car interiors and exteriors, where durability and color retention are critical.
Aerospace: Lightweight, UV-resistant components for outdoor exposure.
Consumer Goods: Durable parts for outdoor applications, such as protective cases or sports equipment.
Arnim Kraatz, Director of Powder Bed Fusion at Evonik, emphasized the significance of these powders:
> “These properties make our carbon black powder an ideal material for producing 3D-printed items destined for use outdoors—especially in applications that need to withstand elevated exposure to heat and light.”
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HP 3D HR PA12 FR: A Halogen-Free, Fire-Retardant PA12 Material
In collaboration with HP, Evonik introduced HP 3D HR PA12 FR, a fire-retardant polymer designed for industries with stringent flame-resistance requirements, such as rail, automotive, and industrial manufacturing.
Key Advantages
1. Halogen-Free Composition: Addressing environmental concerns about halogenated flame retardants, this material offers a safer and more sustainable alternative.
2. High Reusability: With a reusability rate of 50%, this material supports sustainable manufacturing while reducing waste and production costs.
3. Versatility: Compatible with the HP Jet Fusion 5600, this material allows the production of high-quality, flame-resistant parts for diverse industries.
François Minec, VP and Global Head of 3D Polymers at HP, highlighted the material’s impact:
> “This innovative material, which is 50% reusable, enables cost-effective production of high-quality parts and is poised to be a breakthrough in 3D printing, paving the way for scalable applications in consumer electronics.”
Applications
Rail and Automotive: Flame-retardant parts for vehicles and infrastructure components.
Industrial Equipment: Safer components for factories and machinery.
Consumer Electronics: Scalable solutions for devices requiring flame-resistant parts.
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Advancing Additive Manufacturing Techniques
Evonik’s innovations reflect decades of expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques. For powder bed fusion, the company uses:
Precipitation Hardening: A high-volume method requiring expertise to ensure uniform powder properties.
Cryogrinding: A technique that enables fine particle distribution but requires advanced technical proficiency.
The incorporation of carbon black directly into the material is a major advancement, allowing higher concentrations of carbon black in each particle. This improves powder flow, enhances surface finishes, and reduces post-processing needs.
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Sustainability and Efficiency in Focus
Evonik’s commitment to innovation extends to sustainability. For instance, the halogen-free composition of HP 3D HR PA12 FR aligns with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. Its high reusability supports a circular economy, making 3D printing more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
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Revolutionizing Industry Applications
Evonik’s new materials cater to a growing demand for functional, durable, and sustainable 3D-printed components.
Automotive: Black, UV-resistant parts for vehicle interiors and prototypes.
Aerospace: Lightweight, flame-resistant components for outdoor applications.
Consumer Electronics: Durable, scalable solutions for electronics production.
Dominic Stoerkle, Head of Evonik’s High-Performance Polymers, praised the collaboration with HP:
> “Partnerships like these help Evonik continue to develop innovative technology that puts customers at the center of our business.”
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Visit Evonik at Formnext
Evonik’s latest materials can be explored at Formnext in Hall 12.1, Booth C39. For those unable to attend, these groundbreaking materials will soon be available for commercial use, signaling a new era in high-performance, sustainable 3D printing.
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