Covestro is bringing 3D printed industrial components to Fakuma, demonstrating its customised polymer materials for additive manufacturing for many sectors and applications.
Covestro
At the Fakuma 2018 trade fair, Covestro will be presenting a complex shock absorber which was manufactured using 3D printing.
The prototype shock absorber, which will be on display at the Covestro stand, marks another milestone on the way from the creation of individual prototypes to the integration of various functions and mass production.In addition to its high degree of functionality, the unique feature of the shock absorber is the production of the individual parts from three different products and with the aid of three different manufacturing processes. The outer spring of the 40 x 7 cm part is made of powdered thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). It was shaped layer by layer using selective laser sintering and is notable for its elasticity and high abrasion resistance. The adjusting screw inside the shock absorber has to be very strong and hard. For this reason, it is made of filaments of Covestro's robust polycarbonate material, using the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process. The air chamber in the interior is created from a liquid polyurethane resin. The digital light processing method has proven itself for such components with filigree structures – as in this case as well.
"This complex structure would not have been possible with conventional production processes," said Lukas Breuers, Marketing Manager for 2D and 3D printing at Covestro. "Another new development is the combination of different materials with various, tailor-made properties. This has enabled us to significantly expand the possibilities of additive production and its areas of application.”
Hall B4, Booth 4206
