Recently, EOS has launched a high-precision SLS 3D printing system, which doubles the diameter of the spot and has a wall thickness of up to 0.22mm. EOS is always working towards more sustainable materials, systems, and processes. At the Formnext 2022 exhibition, EOS launched two environmentally friendly polymer powders for 3D printing: the climate-neutral PA 1101 and the PA 2200 polymer material that can reduce carbon emissions. At the show, EOS also showcased the FORMIGA P 110 polymer SLS 3D printing system capable of manufacturing high fine resolution (FDR).
△FORMIGA P 110 FDR Polymer SLS System
EOS staff published: "When it comes to responsible manufacturing, we currently assess the climate impact of every aspect of industrial 3D printing to create transparency of the status quo. We also assess and improve production efficiency. For our new environmentally friendly green materials, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible. And we invest in gold-standard climate protection projects to offset unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainability is not only a key driver for us, but also for our customers increasingly important, for example in the consumer goods industry."
EOS' BU polymer materials vice president added. "Most of our customers so far trust the excellent properties of our PA 1101 and PA 2200 materials. We are proud to offer them carbon-reduced and even neutral versions. This enables us to support their sustainability goals while maintaining the proven part quality they depend on."
When it comes to 3D printing materials, EOS focuses on three aspects: material procurement, material consumption during the 3D printing process, and reusability of materials for continuous production of parts and reducing powder waste.
For material sourcing, EOS pays particular attention to three factors: the choice of polymer for 3D printing, how the polymer powder is generated, and how qualified additive manufacturing powder is processed on the EOS system. Depending on the choice of raw materials, the CO2e footprint of AM powder production can reduce waste by improving production efficiency and quality, and increasing the reusability of materials throughout the production process.
PA 1101: Climate-neutral polymeric materials
PA 1101 is a bio-based material with a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline-based polymers. The production efficiency of this material has been and will continue to improve. EOS now offers a PA 1101 climate-neutral material. The term climate neutral reflects the broad inclusion of other greenhouse gases in climate change, even though carbon dioxide is the most abundant. The material has proven quality and material composition, but it is now climate neutral to support the customer's own climate protection and sustainability goals. The client will receive a certificate attesting to the correct calculation and offset of the application.
△Parts made of bio-based PA 11 material with high impact resistance and elongation at break
PA 2200: Carbon-Reducing Polymeric Materials
PA 2200 has a range of properties that are notable in terms of final part performance. The material is traditionally a gasoline-based polymer with a high climate impact. EOS aims to continuously improve the production efficiency of this material while delivering the added value of PA 2200 CarbonReduced's nearly 45% reduction in CO2 footprint. In the production of the material, renewable energy sources are used.
△PA 2200 print sample
FORMIGA P 110 FDR system: for fine and stable components, smooth surfaces, ultra-thin walls
Fine Resolution (FDR) is the right solution when delicate structures with fine surfaces and thin walls are key to application build-up. EOS has developed FDR technology for its polymer systems to improve customers' ability to print fine details. At Formnext, EOS launched the FORMIGAP 110 FDR polymer system.
Unlike other options in the EOS system portfolio, it uses a CO2 laser with twice the spot diameter of existing SLS technology. With it, extremely fine surfaces can be achieved, as well as delicate and stable components with a minimum wall thickness of only 0.22 mm. The material has a processed layer thickness of 40 microns and is characterized by high impact strength and elongation at break.
△EOS’ fine resolution FDR plug
This opens up new areas of application where precision engineering is required, for example, optics, gears, and components of small engines, small valves, pipes, impellers, plugs, and electronics. FORMIGA P 110 FDR is able to bring more variety and attention to detail to the industry when choosing the right polymer 3D printing technology.