07/09/2021
ELIX Polymers participated successfully in the FUND3D 3D-printing research project
ELIX Polymers participated in the FUND3D research project, which was set up in 2018 and financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. It was co-financed by the European Union with the aim of promoting technological development, innovation and research. Apart from ELIX the companies Gaiker, Flexix and Ikor participated in this research project. The target was to develop and validate 3D-printing and post-processing materials for building functional moulds or tools for industrial application. The research was largely focused on developing new thermoplastic compounds and post-treatments to improve dimensional stability, thermal and machining performance and electrical and thermal conductivity.
The FUND3D project has included different lines of research:
- Developing 3D-printing materials that meet the specifications imposed on tools for electrical applications, rubber injection moulds and moulds for thermostable polymer composite processing.
- Developing 2.85-mm 3D-printing filaments and assessing their printing capacity in both desktop and industrial open-code equipment.
- Researching the effect of process variables and 3D-printing strategies on the mechanical properties and surface finish of the printed products.
- Researching after-treatments to enhance the thermomechanical and functional features of the printed products, paying special attention to the possibility of hybridisation of 3D-printing technology with processing technologies and thermostable resins.
ELIX Polymers grades for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), more commonly known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), have already been validated by filament producers, 3D printer makers and final part manufacturers. ELIX has developed a wide product portfolio with a general-purpose grade (ELIX ABS-3D GP), high impact grade (ELIX ABS-3D HI), ABS/PC blend (ELIX ABS/PC-3D) and a grade for food contact and medical applications (ELIX ABS-3D FC). The products can be used for prototypes, spare parts and also for serial, functional parts.
More details about ABS products for 3D-printing can be found in the following brochure:
https://www.elix-polymers.com/downloads/catalogues
