Page 28 - Plastics News January 2021
P. 28

FeAtures




          With AM  capable  of  replacing  so  many  traditional   such as cold-weather sports, airless tires and automotive
          materials, the question many ask is simple: could this   components. Keeping astride of developments like this
          part be made additively?                              can be very profitable, as you might find a material that

          Many parts have exacting specifications to meet the unique   meets your application requirements. Even better, a new
          needs of the end product. However, AM materials have   material might inspire you to tackle a part in an entirely
          found use in every industry from medical to aerospace to   new way.
          consumer products. “There are many additive materials   However, the usability of materials is only one concern.
          that perform as well as – or better than – traditional   Another is cost.
          plastics,”  Nanry  says.  “Whether  you  need  something
          to withstand harsh environments or you simply need    Do Additive Materials Cost Too Much?
          something with high durability, AM can cover your needs.”   Cost has always been a major factor when weighing out
          For example, materials like Epoxy 82 (EPX 82) are often   viability for production, and in AM this is no different.
          used in agriculture and construction thanks to the high   While newer materials often have the tendency to cost
          strength-to-weight ratio and high max use temperature.   more than those made through traditional manufacturing
          On the other hand, Rigid Polyurethane 70 (RPU 70) is often   techniques,  advances  in  technology  can  quickly  drive
          used for housings thanks to its durability and flexibility.  down the price. Many additive materials have reached
                                                                the point where they are cost-effective, even in high
          Additive can also create opportunities for new part   production lines.
          designs. For example, AM can be used to consolidate parts,
          eliminating the need for costly, complex assemblies. In   Even with falling prices, the unit costs of AM materials can
          some cases, part consolidation can eliminate the need   be quite high, and it is understandable if this deters some
          to  manufacture separate  hinges, gaskets,  or threaded   manufacturers. However, the material is not the only cost
          connectors, which usually improves the quality of the   to making a part. “It’s important to evaluate the complete
                                                                cost structure for an additively manufactured part,”
                                                                Nanry says. “Calculating the total landed cost – including
                                                                factors like tooling, machining, and warehousing – shows
                                                                that additive can be significantly less expensive than CNC
                                                                machining or injection molding in some cases.”
                                                                If a company is going to seriously consider additive in a
                                                                manufacturing environment for many projects, it needs to
                                                                hit on all five factors: materials, speed, quality, scalability
                                                                and cost.
                                                                So, are you considering additive manufacturing in the
                                                                right ways or are you fearful of additive because the
          part. Additionally, AM makes complex lattices possible,
          enabling users to reduce the weight of the part without   technologies you've looked at fall short on one, two
          affecting its strength.                               or  three  of  these  five  aspects?  Well,  it’s  time  to  start
                                                                asking the right questions to help your company better
          These parts  can be made using HP High Reusability TPA.  understand if additive manufacturing is right for your
          Vitally, more materials are constantly in development. For   organization.
          example, HP 3D High Reusability TPA is a light, flexible   With both the materials and the technology in a constant
          material with enhanced rebound resilience. It is also   state  of  flux,  it  can  be  daunting  but  then  traditional
          extremely resistant to becoming brittle in cold weather,   manufacturers need to update themselves getting set up
          maintaining elastomeric properties well below freezing.   in an AM space.
          Combined, these properties make it ideal for applications
                                                                                            (Courtesy: Plastics Technology)




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