Arkema, a world chief in specialty supplies, is poised to showcase a number of developments in additive manufacturing at Formnext 2024, together with the most recent supplies and collaborations with know-how suppliers equivalent to HP and Axtra3D.
Arkema’s function in additive manufacturing has been transformative, leveraging many years of experience in specialty supplies to ship options that improve efficiency whereas assembly the rising demand for sustainability.
The corporate’s intensive portfolio contains liquid resins for UV curing, thermoplastic powders for powder mattress fusion, and thermoplastic pellets for filament extrusion. These supplies allow precision, effectivity, and scalability throughout various industries, offering producers with the instruments wanted to innovate responsibly.
A dedication to sustainability
On the coronary heart of Arkema’s technique is its dedication to sustainability, as evidenced by initiatives designed to cut back carbon footprints, optimize assets, and develop recyclable supplies. Amongst its most notable improvements are bio-attributed resins, which mix excessive efficiency with environmental duty. For instance, the Sarbio 7407 versatile acrylate oligomer incorporates 84% USDA-certified biobased content material and delivers elastomeric efficiency for demanding purposes. Equally, the Sarbio 7405 toughening oligomer gives a superb stability between hardness and adaptability whereas being 50% biobased.
One other standout is the N3xtDimension N3D-PR184-BIO materials, which supplies stiffness, accuracy, and simple processability with 53% licensed biobased content material. Arkema’s bio-based PA11 polyamide chain is yet one more vital achievement, boasting a carbon footprint of simply 1.3 kg CO2e/kg. Produced in line with stringent ISO requirements, this materials is broadly utilized in light-weight, high-performance purposes, showcasing Arkema’s capability to mix sustainability with superior performance.
Partnerships driving innovation
Collaboration has been key to Arkema’s success in advancing sustainability and innovation. By way of partnerships with trade leaders, the corporate has developed game-changing supplies and applied sciences that tackle the challenges confronted by additive manufacturing customers. One such breakthrough is the introduction of Orgasol PA12 powders, which supply the best recyclability available on the market for selective laser sintering (SLS) know-how. These powders assist cut back manufacturing prices considerably whereas delivering superior floor finishes and aesthetics.
Arkema’s partnership with HP has enabled the launch of extremely reusable thermoplastic powders, enhancing the efficiency of HP’s Multi Jet Fusion know-how. Equally, collaborations with Stratasys and Speedy Form have expanded using Arkema’s UV supplies, enhancing the precision and flexibility of 3D printing throughout industries like automotive, aerospace, dental, and industrial manufacturing.
Arkema’s collaboration with Axtra3D exemplifies how partnerships can push the boundaries of innovation. The qualification of N3xtDimension flame retardant resins for Axtra3D’s Lumia X1 printer represents a big step ahead in addressing transportation and electronics purposes. This collaboration combines Arkema’s materials experience with Axtra3D’s groundbreaking Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) know-how, delivering distinctive print high quality and effectivity.
Round financial system and on-demand printing
Arkema’s sustainability efforts lengthen past materials growth to incorporate initiatives that promote a round financial system. The Virtucycle program is a main instance, establishing partnerships to gather and recycle used polyamide powders and printed elements. This strategy reduces waste, conserves assets, and helps a extra sustainable manufacturing ecosystem. By collaborating with firms like EOS, HP, and Materialise, Arkema ensures the viability of recycling efforts throughout the additive manufacturing trade.
One other notable initiative is the Easy3D platform, which simplifies materials choice and connects clients with certified suppliers for on-demand 3D printing companies. This platform enhances effectivity and accessibility, empowering producers to streamline their operations whereas accessing high-quality options tailor-made to their particular wants.
