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| Polypropylene filaments, pellets and powder can be used in industrial and desktop printers |
Braskem, taking another important step in its innovation strategy, launches this month a portfolio of exclusive products for the additive manufacturing segment, popularly known as 3D printing, which is experiencing robust growth in Brasil. The market, whose main characteristics are decentralization of production and customization of solutions, also has helped to combat the novel coronavirus with the production of face shields and components for mechanical respirators, for example.
Braskem's solutions made from polypropylene (PP) have proved attractive for additive manufacturing, given the recyclability, impact strength and dimensional stability of the raw material, which features the capacity to make durable hinges and lower density than other types of plastics. PP for 3D printing can be found in the form of pellets and filaments, both of which are produced in Brazil, and powder, which is imported from the United States. The products also can be used in both industrial and desktop 3D printers.
Braskem's PP filaments, which are available in 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm diameters, were developed with the user in mind and deliver a better balance of mechanical properties, dimensional stability and printing performance. Developed for the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process that uses a laser to synthesize polymer powder, polypropylene powder is the result of a partnership with Advanced Laser Materials (ALM), a subsidiary of EOS North America. The material is recognized for its mechanical performance, dimensional stability of printed parts and high reuse rates of the remaining printing powder at the end of each cycle. Meanwhile, PP pellets were developed in collaboration with Titan Robotics with a focus on ATLASTM, an innovative platform for pellet extrusion on an industrial scale.
3D printing's relevance to Braskem as a producer of raw materials in terms of market growth is growing. It is a disruptive technology with strong appeal due to its transformational innovation, which drives the development of solutions that are relevant in the context of industry 4.0 and sustainability aspects, since it is a completely decentralized production process that minimizes losses and material waste, while also having benefits from the logistical standpoint.
The products in the form of filaments and pellets for direct use with 3D printers can be acquired directly from Braskem, while powder products are marketed globally by Advanced Laser Materials (ALM). Braskem's PP filaments also are marketed by 2M3D, Braskem's official distributor of 3D printing filaments for South America.
