Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) are among the types of non-metal 3D printing materials that closely resemble the mechanical properties of metals. They possess numerous outstanding characteristics, including high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, insulation, flame retardancy, low friction self-lubrication, biocompatibility, and high temperature sterilization. These advantages make them popular materials in high-end applications such as automotive, defense, aerospace, and medical industries. However, the printing of high-performance polymers is particularly challenging due to their strict requirements for molding temperature. This necessitates the use of printing equipment with advanced temperature control and relevant printing parameter control capabilities, while also ensuring good stability.
PEEK model printed by SLS(left) and printed by FDM(right)
Southern University of Science and Technologyis a national "Double First Class" university, a national pilot university for comprehensive reform of higher education, a high-level university of science and engineering in Guangdong Province, and a high-level university in Guangdong Province. The ultimate department I majored in is the Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering. The main research areas of this department include intelligent manufacturing, forming manufacturing and 3D printing, precision machining technology, soft matter design and manufacturing, energy engineering, robotics, and automation. We possess a complete set of 3D printers and 3D scanning teaching and research equipment, including electron beam, laser, light curing, thermal fusion, and adhesive bonding, as well as relevant design and simulation software.
The Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering at this university, in collaboration with the Shenzhen Key Laboratory for High-performance Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Materials, has successfully procured and utilized the TPM3D S320HT high-temperature laser sintering additive manufacturing system. Additionally, we have developed our own PEEK polymer material and molding techniques. Our primary research and application areas include medical implants, biocultivation, and high-end manufacturing. We have made significant progress in achieving stable and controllable printing processes, resulting in high-performance components with great potential for industrial application.
Various models printed by TPM3D S320HT
The TPM3D 320HT laser sintering additive manufacturing system has obtained TÜV CE certification from Germany's TÜV Rheinland and has been successfully installed and operated by multiple customers. It is capable of maturely printing PEEK and PEKK materials, and possesses the following features:
1. Ultra-high temperature laser sintering printing: The powder bed and forming cylinder can reach temperatures of 350℃/300℃ respectively, enabling the printing of high-temperature materials such as PEEK/PEKK.
2. Flexible printing size: The S320HT is a small to medium-sized molding equipment with an internal size of 320×320×380mm. In addition to material and process development, it can also be used for new product development and small-scale production of high-performance materials.
3. Flexible powder replacement: Equipped with an open breakout station (OBS), enables fast cleaning, powder filtering, and powder replacement, making it more suitable for material and process development needs.
4. Oxygen concentration monitoring: Equipped with an oxygen concentration monitoring system, it displays the oxygen content inside the equipment in real-time.
5. Built-in nitrogen generator: No need for external nitrogen tanks or nitrogen generators, reducing unnecessary trouble and costs.
6. Adjustable temperature in designated height areas: Enhances freedom of placement and utilization of molding space.
7. Flexible addition and removal of parts: The powder cylinder and high-temperature chamber can be separated, allowing for the addition of powder and parts during the printing process. This means that when there is an urgent printing order, it can be directly added to the equipment currently printing without waiting for the next start-up.
8. Optimized powder spreading device: The scraper does not require leveling, and the intelligent dual scraper powder spreading device has stronger material compatibility. It can print materials such as nylon 12, nylon 11, nylon 6, TPU, PP GF, glass fiber reinforced nylon, carbon fiber reinforced nylon, aluminum powder reinforced nylon, PEEK/PEKK, etc.
9. High material reusability: Adding 20% new powder to the recycled powder can achieve excellent performance (PA12).
