Igus announces its new iglide i230 3D printing material for selective laser sintering (SLS). This new powder material can withstand temperatures up to 110°C, expanding the use cases for SLS-printed polymer components.

During SLS, a printer melts plastic powder layer by layer to form bearings and other components. However, parts made from standard SLS printing materials — such as PA (nylon) 12 — are generally limited to applications less than 80°C. Higher temperatures cause the material to become soft and lose dimensional stability, preventing SLS-printed components from being used in applications like automotive engines.

"As the demand for 3D-printed plain bearings for applications with high ambient temperatures has increased, we have developed a new SLS printing material called iglide i230," says Paul Gomer, 3D printing material developer at igus.

Tests performed according to DIN EN ISO 75 HDT-A and HDT-B have demonstrated iglide i230's heat resistance. Printed parts made from the material do not deform at 80°C. They can withstand long-term exposure to temperatures of 110°C — and even short-term exposure to 170°C without deforming.

"3D-printed plain bearings made from iglide i230 have a significantly longer service life, increase the efficiency of machines, systems and vehicles and reduce the need for maintenance," says Gomer.

At the same time, iglide i230 offers 50-percent more mechanical strength than PA 12 at room temperature.

"This makes it possible, for example, to achieve the same component strength in plain bearings with a thinner wall thickness and to save room and weight in compact installation spaces," emphasizes Gomer.