EOS adds to range of additive manufacturing metals and plastics

Krailling, Germany and Novi, MI - EOS is expanding its range of additive manufacturing materials by making a nickel alloy commercially available and by introducing two new plastic materials for industrial 3D printing.

NickelAlloy Hx
The heat- and corrosion-resistant nickel-chrome-iron-molybdenum alloy has a high degree of strength and resistance to oxidization, even at high temperatures. For this reason, it will see frequent application in temperatures up to 1200ºC. The material is optimized for processing in the EOSINT M 280 metal system and is typically processed with a layer-thickness of 20 micron.

"The material is particularly well suited for deployment in applications that are exposed to high thermal forces, giving rise to a significant risk of oxidization. Typical areas of deployment that we are seeing include aerospace with combustion chambers and their component parts. The material is also ideal for use in heating elements, in conveyor ovens, or industrial blast furnaces," says Christiane Krempl, product marketing manager metals.

Siemens Energy uses EOS' additive manufacturing process and NickelAlloy HX for constructing prototypes, for rapid manufacturing, and for rapid repair of industrial gas turbines, says Andreas Graichen, product developer (gas turbines) at Siemens Energy.

Parts built from EOS NickelAlloy HX can be subsequently heat-treated in order to partially modify the characteristics of the material. Whether hardened or in their original built form, parts can be finished as required, and surplus unexposed material can be re-used.

Two new plastic materials: PrimePart ST and PrimePart FR
PrimePart ST (PEBA 2301) is a soft, flexible, and elastic material belonging to the group of thermoplastic elastomers and is available immediately for EOSINT P 395 systems. In the coming months, availability will be extended to the EOS FORMIGA P 110 and EOSINT P 760 systems. PrimePart FR (PA 2241 FR) is a flame-retardant Polyamide 12 and is available now for both the current EOSINT P 395 and P 760 systems, as well as for the EOSINT P 390 and P 730.

PrimePart ST
Possessing an elongation at break of 200%, together with a good elastic restorative capacity and rebound elasticity PrimePart ST was developed to support the production of flexible, rubber-like parts. The optimized design ensures that parts will return to their original shape, even after significant deformations. Post-production infiltration is not necessary for achieving good mechanical properties and surface qualities. In the temperature range of -40 to 90°C, the material demonstrates very good fatigue performance. If desired, it supports many post-production options for treating the manufactured part, including roto-finishing, flame-treatment, flocking, paint finishing, and smoothing. This facilitates the realization of specialized surface-finishes that meet the specific and varied requirements.

Industries where this plastic would be of use include sporting goods, consumer goods (particularly in housings with risk of breakage through impact), automobiles, medical instruments, and hose, grip and handle industrial production.

PrimePart FR
This new flame-retardant material is especially suitable for application in the aerospace sector. This replenishable material – the recommendation is to use at least 60 percent new powder – meets the relevant flame-proof requirements at wall thicknesses of just 1.0 mm. Replenishability significantly cuts the costs of part manufacturing. In addition, the material demonstrates improved mechanical properties: a tensile strength of 49 MPa with an elongation at break of 15%. Typical applications in the field of airplane interiors would include ventilation ducts and outlet vents.

Photo: Adapter made of EOS NickelAlloy HX for use in chemical industry. (Source: EOS GmbH)