Suction pipe made of PET | FFF process | Application: automation
The terms “additive manufacturing” or “3D printing” include a wide variety of manufacturing processes. Depending on the requirements, e.g. in terms of material, exactness or quantity, we select the best possible process for the specific application.
To identify the optimal process, it helps us a lot if we know the application of the component. Interesting parameters are e.g.:
In many cases we have the possibility to process the identical material to be used in further development steps or in series production.
In the field of 3D printing, there are many manufacturing processes and many different materials. From this variety of combinations, we can define the optimal implementation for your application. We rely on the manufacturing processes FFF and SLA.
Another benefit is the combination with our conventional manufacturing processes; this means that additive manufactured components can be reworked in our plastics technology area if required.
We can produce prototypes in a wide variety of manufacturing processes and materials:
We will be happy to advise you on suitable manufacturing processes and ideal materials for your application.
The FFF process, also known as the FDM process from the Stratasys company, is probably the best-known 3D printing process. A plastic wire (filament) is fed into a heated print head. There, a nozzle melts the filament and applies it layer by layer to the build platform.
FFF is considered one of the most cost-effective 3D printing processes with a very wide range of materials at the same time. We have specialized in processing especially high-tech materials for high mechanical and thermal loads with this process.
High diversity of materials
Hollow and thus very light components can be manufactured
Cost-effective for small and medium quantities
Minimal material consumption, particularly interesting for high-quality high-tech materials
Suitable for the production of load-bearing components
Medium accuracy, but can be improved by mechanical rework
Longer manufacturing process
Textured surfaces in layer direction
Mechanical load capacity in x, y and z different
The SLA process is the oldest patented manufacturing process. In this process, a liquid synthetic resin is cured layer by layer by a laser. This process can also be used to process different materials with special properties.
Components with special requirements in terms of accuracy and optical demands can be manufactured with it.
Very high precision
Very high surface quality
Large variety of materials
Filigree geometries can be produced
Elaborately reworking
Final product not permanently UV resistant
No hollow, closed components possible
Materials not available in other manufacturing processes
By means of a laser, the desired material is melted in powder form, layer by layer, and the individual layers are bonded together in the process. The variety of materials is somewhat limited with this process.
Especially for the production of higher quantities, this process can offer an economical alternative.
Suitable for the production of load-bearing components
No support structures necessary
Low-cost series production
High precision
nefficient for small quantities
Surfaces slightly textured
Limited choice of materials
Test component made of PA | SLA-process
Compact Compressed Air Manifold made of Resin Clear | SLA-process | Application: automation
Examples of applications of additive manufactured parts
Hänssler Kunststoff- und
Dichtungstechnik GmbH
Edwin-Reis-Str. 5
68229 Mannheim, Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 621 48480-0
Fax: +49 (0) 621 48480-33