Fluorinated polymers, aka fluoropolymers, may not be as glamorous as diamonds, but they’re an integral material in numerous manufacturing processes. The fluorocarbon-based plastics are distinguished by their high-performance durability and resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. Used in everything from aerospace and defense applications to non-stick cooking surfaces, fluoropolymers are everywhere – except for in 3D printers.
While there are numerous varieties of fluorinated polymers, perhaps the one that will benefit the most from 3D printing is polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, more commonly known as Teflon. PTFE, which is frequently used in applications such as sealing and lining, generates a lot of waste in production. 3D printing it – which 3M will be the first to do – will significantly cut back on that waste. In addition, companies who take advantage of the process will be able to manufacture complicated, multi-component polymer structures in one piece rather than having to mold and assemble multiple parts.
“3D printing is developing at a rapid pace and is opening up a number of exciting developments for the processing of fully-fluorinated polymers, particularly for PTFE which is a real quantum leap,” said Paula Johnson-Mason, Global Director Fluoropolymers at 3M. “This additional new manufacturing process will give us increased flexibility and accelerate product design cycles as spare parts can be manufactured digitally without the need to create new tools.”
3M and their subsidiary, Dyneon, will be introducing the new patent-pending technology at the global plastics and rubber trade show K 2016, which will be taking place in Düsseldorf from October 19 to 26. Expect more details about the technology to be revealed at that time; at this point, 3M hasn’t said much in terms of the specifics of the fluoropolymer 3D printing process. They’re excited about it, though, which means the entire manufacturing industry should be excited. That’s one more 3D printable material – or, really, in this case, class of materials – that can be checked off the list. Discuss further over in the 3D Printed Fluoropolymers forum at 3DPB.com.
[Source: EPPM]