Evonik has developed new Infinam powders with carbon black encapsulated in the core-shell. The PA12-based Infinam 6013 P and Infinam 6014 P 3D-printable powders possess a relatively substantial amount of carbon black in the core of each particle. These latest innovations in PA12 polymer applications for 3D printing will be on display at Formnext 2024, Nov. 19-22.

Produced through the precipitation process, these carbon black powders are specially designed for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) techniques like selective laser sintering (SLS), and offer high flowability and homogenous sintering. Also, the high core-shell carbon black content enables true pigmentation uniformity, minimizes visibility of surface abrasion and wear, and provides elevated resistance to ultraviolet rays and greater isotropic performance.

“These properties make our carbon black powder an ideal material for producing 3D printed items destined for use outdoors — especially in applications that need to withstand an elevated exposure to heat and light, such as those found in the aerospace and automotive industry,” says Arnim Kraatz, director of powder bed fusion at Evonik.

To better serve the needs of this specialized customer base, the carbon black embedded Infinam 6013 P and Infinam 6014 P powders will be available for direct purchase from Evonik.

Evonik has also worked with HP Inc. to jointly develop HP 3D HR PA12 FR, a robust, PA12-based 3D-printable polymer which is a 3D-printable, halogen-free flame-retardant material with 50% reusability.

“We are very excited to be introducing the new HP 3D PA12 FR, a halogen-free, flame-retardant polymer enabled by Evonik,” says François Minec, vice president and global head of 3D polymers at HP Inc. “Our long-term partnership is key to developing innovative solutions to continue growing the industry. This innovative material, which is 50% reusable, enables cost-effective production of high-quality parts and is poised to be a breakthrough in 3D printing, paving the way for scalable applications in consumer electronics.”

Evonik also notes the positive results of the HP partnership. “It is the latest application of an encapsulation technique enabled by Evonik’s specially pioneered precipitation method,” says Dominic Stoerkle, head of Evonik’s High Performance Polymers’ Long Chain Polyamides product line. “Partnerships like these help Evonik continue to develop innovative technology that put customers at the center of our business.”

Other key properties include the powder’s 50% reusability, which leads to less waste, improves the efficiency of the manufacturing process and lowers the product’s overall environmental impact. Additionally, items made from HP 3D HR PA12 FR are cost-effective and possess exceptional surface aesthetics, facilitating the finishing process.

The 3D-printable powder will be available directly from HP Inc. and compatible with HP JF 5600 Series 3D Printing Solutions. Similar to other Infinam PA12 powders from Evonik, HP 3D HP PA12 FR is produced using 100% renewable energy sources at the chemical site in Marl, Germany.