TPI November 2020

Products & developments

Victrex launches VICTREX AM PAEK filament optimised for additive manufacturing

Victrex, an expert in high-performance polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyaryletherketone (PAEK) polymer solutions, has launched the VICTREX AM™ 200 filament, which has been specifically developed and optimised for additive manufacturing. The first 3D printing equipment supplier to offer Victrex´s new AM PAEK filament is INTAMSYS, based in China, a high- tech company that provides high- performance 3D printing materials, direct additive manufacturing solutions and software. Jakob Sigurdsson, Victrex CEO, said: “This new generation of Victrex additive manufacturing PAEK filament represents an important step forward for Victrex and we are excited now

to work closely with INTAMSYS. Due to excellent co-operation with companies and institutions that pursue innovation in additive manufacturing, such as INTAMSYS, as well as Victrex´s continued research, we have been making sustained progress toward creating truly innovative components based on the design freedom of additive manufacturing, combined with the high performance of PAEK polymers.” INTAMSYS has conducted physical and mechanical performance tests on the new VICTREX PAEK filament material. The tests were performed on different printers including the smart dual nozzle FUNMAT PRO 410 3D Printer. This industrial-grade, high-temperature 3D printer can print parts up to

305*305*406mm, can handle a variety of complex structures and can print a variety of materials such as PEEK, PEEK- CF, PEKK, PC, PC-ABS and other high- performance materials. Charles Han, founder and CEO at INTAMSYS, added: “Our test results to date have shown that the VICTREX AM 200 filament has a better interlayer adhesion than other PAEK materials on INTAMSYS´ machines. Compared with unfilled PEEK, it is designed with slower crystallisation, lower melt temperature and a viscosity finetuned to the filament fusion process – such as easier flow in the build chamber after leaving the nozzle. Higher flow in open air (low shear rates) also promotes interlayer bonding and stability during printing. “All of this contributes to an improved interlaminar adhesion, easier printing (less shrink and warp), and a better suitability for FDM 3D printing, compared to other similar options, based upon the testing we have done at INTAMSYS up to this point.” INTAMSYS is also the first company to be part of Victrex´s proposed filament fusion network supporting this new filament. The network aims to facilitate the use of the innovative high-performance VICTREX AM materials based on PAEK polymers and includes further material solutions specifically developed for use in additive manufacturing technology. These materials are designed for high temperature resistance requirements with excellent mechanical properties for AM parts. Victrex´s new PAEK AM filament has been developed to support a variety of demanding applications because of its very high wear resistance, high temperature resistance, fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance to fluid/chemical, which when combined have the potential to increase design freedom and production cost efficiency. Victrex www.victrex.com

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2020

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