A French SME has developed a new powder for SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printing, which is certified for food contact. The technical team in this project has a total 31 years of experience in SLS.
Additive manufacturing today is a reliable production technology for small series, it simplifies assemblies and the production chain when comparing traditional production methods, like injection moulding.
Choosing polyamide 11 (PA11), a bio-sourced polymer, allows for a step in the good direction of sustainable plastics.
The development of a safety blue material when printed and post-processed opens a range of applications where optic detection is a must. The polymeric parts are mass colour, an innovative step in 3D printing where colour was obtained by dyeing, dyed parts in the safety sector are not ideal, as a broken inner piece is still white.
SLS parts offer infinite possibilities for producing complex shapes; this technology doesn't need printing support.
The blue powder can be used for example to manufacture tools, grippers or scrapers frequently used in food production lines. Thanks to the blue colour of the pieces, optical sensors can detect for example if a piece of a tool has fallen into the food material, and thus prevent safety risks.
Advantages & innovations
SLS has advantage in industrialization of 3D printing technology.
Complete freedom of design (no support needed).
Good mechanical properties when compared to other 3D printing methods.
PA11 Material is a bio-sourced polymer.
Mass colour is resistant to wear and tear of the parts.
Blue colour allows for optical detection or esthetic parts.
Parts resistant to post processing (physical or chemical smoothing).
EU certification for food contact.
Innovative material is processable in all SLS machines in the market.
Process parameters can be provided.
Stage of development
Already on the market
Partner sought
Food industry enterprise interesting in application development by using 3D printing
Design office (parts manufacturers) using SLS interested in expanding their food contact materials and in testing this product.