Covestro partners with Farsoon to use PBT and TPU powders for laser sintering 3D printing

Materials manufacturer Covestro operates Farsoon laser sintering systems at its additive manufacturing facilities in Germany and the Netherlands (formerly DSM) to test the processing and printing of new materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene.
Butylene terephthalate (PBT)
.
Downstream customers have validated these parts for end-use applications in the automotive, electrical and consumer industries
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Based on customer feedback and success, the two companies are strengthening their collaboration to facilitate mass production of 3D printing
.

Both Farsoon and Covestro are committed to the idea of ​​an open system, so customers are free to choose materials for their 3D printing system that suit their end use
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In this collaboration, Covestro contributed its expertise in polymer-based 3D printing materials, while Farsoon contributed its expertise in powder-based laser sintering machines
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Covestro has successfully launched TPU and PBT polymer powders developed on the Farsoon 252P series of machines
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Developing more powders and upgrading them to a larger range of applications is part of the enhanced collaboration
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Opportunities to expand the 3D printing market

Covestro, Farsoon and the Seifert Logistics Group (SLG) in Ulm, Germany, jointly developed TPU components for footwear
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Seifert Logistics manufactures TPU components at high productivity levels on the Farsoon SS403P
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Covestro, Farsoon and a partner from the automotive industry have collaborated to develop end components for automotive interior applications using conventional DSM PBT powder Arnite® T AM1210 (P)
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Dr Dirk Simon, Managing Director of Farsoon Europe Ltd and member of Farsoon's global management team, said: "We are very pleased to expand the opportunities in the Additive Manufacturing market by actively supporting new applications for new polymer powders
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The polymerization of Farsoon SLS machines with Covestro These powders are very compatible, and these powders offer very interesting properties that provide an important foundation for our customers’ market success
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”

high productivity

Farsoon machines are all true open systems, which means the operator can optimize process parameters to achieve the highest productivity for the part quality required for the selected material
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The high temperature and overtemperature configurations of the Farsoon machine allow processing chamber temperatures to reach 220°C or 280°C, respectively
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These machines are equipped with high-speed scanners and powerful lasers
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Farsoon is committed to helping make the manufacture of 3D parts cheaper, such as its Fiber-laser Flight™ technology
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The high productivity of part production makes serial applications increasingly accessible
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Geoff Gardner, Innovation Director for Additive Manufacturing at Covestro, said: “By working closely with printer manufacturers, we can test materials during development and provide customers with proven material and printer solutions.

The Farsoon SL printer, in particular Its Flight™ technology can operate in standard and high temperature, so we can print PBT, PP and TPU on the same printer
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Also, due to their higher accuracy and productivity, and lower cost per piece, they are well suited for industrial production
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"