Additive Manufacturing Polymer

Additive Manufacturing Polymer

The perfect solution for polymer products for 3D printing

The manufacture of polymer products for 3D printing is increasingly becoming a genuine challenge, since the trend is moving towards ever finer products. In addition to limiting particle distribution in the upwards direction in the 70 – 100 μm range, dedusting is also often required in order to separate the amount of < 10 – 20 µm dust that interferes with printing. In order to achieve perfect results with which you can ideally work, you need specialists like us from Hosokawa Alpine.

FINEST GRINDING FOR OPTIMUM RESULTS

In order to achieve perfect particle size distribution, two different processes are possible, depending on the product, batch size and task:

  • INLINE: Grinding process with integrated screening / classifying
  • OFFLINE: separate screening and / or classifying stage
     

Separation of coarser particles after grinding can in most cases be performed most economically by using tumbler screening machines. They are installed downstream of the grinding stage.
An additional dedusting of the product in the < 10 – 20 μm range or an upper particle size limitation in the 70 – 100 μm range usually represent a major challenge for producers. This is where the Hosokawa Alpine air classifiers come into their own, which allow infinitely adjustable separation cuts for upper particle size limita­tion or for removal of the dust content. Our classifiers can be operated inline with the grinding plant but equally efficiently offline.

Advantages of inline classifying over offline classifying:

  • More compact installation
  • Reduced footprint
  • Less handling expenditure
  • Lower personnel costs
  • Lower investment costs
  • Less effort required for cleaning
  • Simpler explosion protection concepts

System for cryogenic grinding of polymers for 3D print with integrated classification

Polymer

< 100 [%]

d97 [µm]

d90 [µm]

Throughput [kg/h]

PE

32

460

400

143

PP

22

325

245

78

PA-6

59

282

220

330

PA-6

95

122

104

70

PVC

57

320

170

66

PS

72

163

66

110

PMMA

83

130

120

143

The table provides the guideline values for comminution of different polymers on the CW II classifier mill.
Brochure Additive Manufacturing Polymer

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Planning the entire process

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