igus introduces a new SLS printing material with excellent high-temperature resistance

iglidur i230 is igus's first 3D printed profile for making engineering plastic parts that can withstand temperatures up to 110°C

In the future, 3D printed engineering plastic parts will be able to withstand higher usage temperatures, such as those found in the engine compartments of cars.

Right now, commercially available SLS printing materials run the risk of deformation at temperatures above 80°C.

In contrast, igus' new powdered material iglidur i230 is able to withstand prolonged use temperatures of up to 110°C. It is also free of PTFE.

In addition, it is PTFE-free and about 80% more wear-resistant than the conventional material PA12.

A true all-rounder for high temperatures: The new SLS printing material iglidur i230 can withstand temperatures of up to 110°C. It is also extremely resistant to bending.

At the same time, it has excellent flexural properties and is PTFE-free.(Source: igus GmbH)

Nowadays, more and more engineers are using 3D printers to produce parts quickly and cost-effectively, especially for small production runs and prototypes.

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is particularly popular. This additive manufacturing process is primarily used to create parts (such as slide bearings) by molding plastic powders layer by layer by melting them.

The problem, however, is that parts made from standard SLS-printed materials such as PA12 can generally only be used in applications where the temperature does not exceed 80°C. The problem with this is that the parts are not made from the same material.

Once this limit is exceeded, the material softens and loses its dimensional stability.

This prevents the process from being used in many areas of use, such as car engine compartments, industrial equipment or bearings in various air harmonic and refrigeration systems.

"Following the increased customer demand for 3D printed plain bearings for use in high ambient temperatures, we have therefore developed a new SLS printing material, iglidur i230."

said Paul Gomer, 3D printing material development engineer at igus. Tests carried out in qualified external laboratories according to DIN ENiSO 75 HDT-A and HDT-B have proven that the new material has excellent properties.

The new material does indeed have excellent resistance to high temperatures. The test results show that the powdered print material is suitable for long periods of time at temperatures of up to 110°C. It can even withstand short periods of time up to 110°C. It can also be used for short periods of time at high temperatures.

It can even withstand temperatures of up to 170°C for short periods of time without deformation.

In addition, the material is static dissipative and thus protects machines and equipment from electrostatic discharges, as well as from fires and explosions that could result.

Like many other igus materials, iglidur i230 is PTFE-free.

80% higher abrasion resistance than PA12

Not only does iglidur i230 have exceptional high temperature resistance, it also runs extremely well.

Tests carried out in the igus in-house test laboratory have shown that this print material is approximately 80% more resistant to abrasion than PA12.

"The service life of 3D-printed plain bearings made from iglidur i230 is thus significantly extended, which contributes to the efficiency of machines, equipment and vehicles and reduces the need for maintenance.

" said Gomer. At the same time, the material's mechanical strength at room temperature is approximately 50 percent higher than that of PA12. In addition, the material successfully withstood a load of 94 MPa in a bending test.

"This can bring many benefits, such as the fact that a slide bearing with a smaller wall thickness can accomplish the same component strength, thus saving space and reducing weight in a compact installation space.

" emphasizes Gomer. Finally, 3D printed plain bearings made from iglidur i230 also reduce the user's smoothing efforts.

This is due to the solid lubricant integrated in this SLS-printed material, which allows the parts to run dry with low friction.