High-precision polyolefin compounds belong to a new generation of thermoplastic elastomers, with many characteristics such as excellent physical and mechanical properties, good low temperature resistance and processing rheology. It has been widely used in automotive parts, photovoltaic film, wire and cable, mechanical tools, household products, toys, entertainment and sporting goods, shoe soles, seals, hot melt adhesives and other fields. In the field of photovoltaic, compared with the current hot EVA film, POE film has better resistivity, water vapor barrier and other properties, and does not produce corrosive substances, so there is more room for growth in double-sided double-glass modules in the future.

DIPROmat 

DIPROmat Ltd. develops and produces deformation-free semi-crystalline thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers designed for 3D printing. Radiation cross-linked polymers, especially highly reinforced precision polyamides, are part of this portfolio. The two founders of the company, Michaela Moriconi and Uwe Stenglin, have made the company "grow by leaps and bounds" thanks to their many years of experience, and as a result another high-performance material has entered the market.

Highly reinforced precision polyamide

The production of new, almost distortion-free, highly reinforced precision polyamide materials has caused a great deal of response. In additive manufacturing, for example in fused deposition molding processes, also known as filament ( FFF / FDM ) or particle printing ( FGF ), mold shrinkage and resulting distortion is a major problem. With carbon fibers and special glass fiber polymers, DIPRO®mat achieves molding shrinkage values of 0% / 0.2% (longitudinal / transverse). In the field of carbon precision DIPRO®mid, even a +0.1 % / -0.1 % (longitudinal / transverse) polyamide for 3D printing has been developed.

Injection Molding Process Market

The injection molding process market soon expressed a desire to also use dimensionally precise, highly reinforced polyamides (40-60% fiber reinforcement). DIPRO®mat, with the support of ROTFELD Consulting, met this requirement and created a complete line of precision polyamides. Aesthetically pleasing surfaces, almost no warpage and energy-efficient processing at lower melt temperatures (approx. 35-40°C) are convincing arguments compared to PA66 and the well-known partially aromatic polyamides. In addition, for these complex polyamides, the influence of humidity on the part properties remains very small. Carbon fiber reinforced precision polyamides, including hybrid fiber reinforced (CF/GF reinforced materials) with low shrinkage and very good surface finish, can be processed in 3D printing and injection molding, facilitating the transition from AF prototypes to injection molded series.

 APIUM P400 High Performance Dual Nozzle 3D Printer

▲Apium P400 Dual Nozzle Multi-Material High Temperature 3D Printer

The Apium P400 is a high-temperature 3D printer with an IDEX independent dual-jet multi-material system for PEEK, PEI ULTEM™ and other high-performance materials. The P400's ZoneHeating intelligent temperature control system provides better adaptive heating management of temperature during the printing process. The next-generation adaptive zone heating system provides excellent interlayer adhesion, maximizing the strength and quality of printed parts. Printed polymers such as PEEK are isotropic isotropic to meet individual product application scenarios.

First printed sample of carbon fiber reinforced precision polyamide processing 

▲Image credit: Apium print material: DIPRO®mid Carbon

With the Apium P400 new generation adaptive zone heating system, a homogeneous and beautiful surface with high strength in the stacking direction is achieved. Only the uppermost layer melts and therefore has a high interlayer bond. At the same time, the lower layers can be cooled down so that the surface quality is not affected by any further heat.

Glass fiber reinforced high performance polyolefin 

▲Photo credit: Grauts GmbH

While a full range of high energy precision polyamides (DIPRO®mid), including the Economy range, is available, combining precision materials with polypropylene was previously unthinkable. the difference between the DSC melting point, typically 161°C, and the lower solidification temperature, 112-124°C (depending on the nucleation of the PP grade), is significant, resulting in high shrinkage and thus severe warpage.

DIPRO®mat, together with ROTFELD-Consulting, has developed a range of unreinforced and special glass fiber reinforced high performance polyolefins that have almost no shrinkage, are surprisingly tough and do not lose any heat deflection temperature compared to conventional impact modified PP, as the Tg (glass transition temperature) of the blended composition is 160 °C.

The development of high-precision polyolefin compounds initially originated from additive manufacturing, but the relatively large warpage and deformation of the printed products made them unusable. However, through new research and development, the 3D printing injection molding process is now not only returning to injection molding for 3D printing applications, but also enhancing its accuracy! The 3D printing injection molding process is suitable for individual customization or small batch production. Because of its fast printing speed, 3D printed molds enable manufacturers to respond faster to customer demand for new products, so it is helpful for short-term product final development and production. JT Technology has a complete set of data analysis and personalized solutions for 3D printing molds, please feel free to consult us if you need.