The PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) was printed in 3D at the last edition of Formnext by 3M.
According to the US company, with 3D printing it is possible to make PTFE components with complex geometries and fine details that go beyond the capabilities of conventional processing techniques.
A technology based on photosensitive liquid PTFE resin which – underlines 3M – has already been successfully adopted by some customers operating in different industrial sectors, from components that must guarantee high chemical resistance to applications in the electronic sector.
PTFE is known as a problem solver and is the material of choice for a wide variety of demanding sectors and environments. Now, thanks to a revolutionary 3D printing process developed by 3M, it is possible to produce PTFE parts with complex geometries and precise details that go beyond the capabilities of conventional processing techniques.
“Our first technology in the industry has proven to be an incredibly valuable and versatile solution to many customer challenges that previously could not be addressed with machined PTFE and similar conventional manufacturing methods,” says Tim Schniepp, Business Additive Manufacturing Manager of advanced 3M materials.
3M’s proprietary technology combines the powerful advantages of additive manufacturing and PTFE to offer new opportunities to customers. Whether it’s creating parts to withstand the toughest chemical processing environments or providing a precise fit for a unique electronic application, customers can bring their designs to life like never before.
At Formnext, participants had the opportunity to see this technology in person with examples of where it has already been adopted by customers in all sectors. They were able to talk to experts about the capabilities of the technology and the ideal applications for 3D printed PTFE parts, as well as getting in touch with 360-degree product display models and printed samples.
For technology, 3M supplies high quality finished parts, operating as a service office and contract manufacturer for prototypes, small lots and mass production of 3D printed parts. The company has involved many key industry leaders to introduce and validate performance, accepting orders and production parts for the past year and is now planning to fully commercialize the technology in 2020.
In addition to 3D printed PTFE, 3M is developing solutions for other additive manufacturing technologies with additional fluoropolymers and high-performance materials that will be launched in the coming years.
