As part of an ongoing collaboration with Victrex, the University of Exeter has commissioned a new additive manufacturing (3D printing) platform designed to optimize the advantages of PAEK polymers

The University of Exeter collaborated with Victrex to complete the commissioning of the new EOS P 810 high temperature polymer laser sintering platform. This strategic arrangement aims to introduce the next generation of VICTREX ™ PAEK polymers and composite materials while improving the performance of this additive manufacturing process. The investment and commissioning of new advanced equipment is expected to accelerate the commercialization of additive manufacturing materials for high-performance parts.

Exeter's Additive Layer Manufacturing Center (CALM) is one of the centers that commissioned this newly launched equipment very early. "Now, we can use the next-generation high-temperature system EOS P 810 for more in-depth research." Professor Oana Ghita, the head of CALM at the University of Exeter, explained. "The new equipment allows us to link basic research with commercial manufacturing processes, optimize materials and their applications, while taking into account new thermal, optical and mechanical upgrades, and provides us with accurate insights into the detailed dynamics of laser sintering . "

The operating temperature of the new EOS P 810 is 300 ° C, which is ideal for the new low-melting PAEK polymer designed and optimized by Victrex for additive manufacturing. This ready-to-use machine has a forming space volume of 700 x 380 x 380mm and is equipped with two 70-watt lasers. The research work invested in this machine aims to ensure that with the gradual promotion of the platform throughout the supply chain, the future demand for large parts can be easily realized.

Ian Smith, Innovation Director at Victres, added: "This is an exciting milestone in our collaboration with the University of Exeter. We announced our cooperation in 2018 and are working together to create an effective ecosystem to accelerate Commercialization of additive manufacturing materials for performance parts will ultimately meet customer needs. "

Note: PAEK or polyaryletherketone is a general term for a series of high-performance thermoplastics including polyetheretherketone, such as VICTREX ™ PEEK.

------ This article comes from other websites