A startup company is offering technology to use carbon-reinforced engineering polymers in 3D printing.
Arevo Labs of Saratoga, Calif., says it has developed process and materials expertise to use carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes in commercially available filament fusion 3D printers. The development also includes algorithms to make 3D objects with predictable mechanical properties.
Arevo says it has worked on composites based on several Solvay engineering polymers such as KetaSpire polyetheretherketone, AvaSpire polyaryletherketone, Radel polyphenylene sulfide and PrimoSpire self-reinforced polyphenylene. The new company says it has overcome technical challenges posed by advanced, reinforced polymers in 3D printing by optimizing polymer formulations and by using innovative extrusion techniques. Its patent-pending technology combines the benefits of printing complex geometries with reinforced materials that resist high temperatures and chemicals. Advanced algorithms allow production of light, strong parts.
“OEMs in the aerospace and defense industries, in particular, can now use lighter and stronger production parts not possible to manufacture using conventional methods until now,” states Arevo founder Hemant Bheda.
Arevo's technology can provide a new level of performance, adds Solvay Specialty Polymers director of strategy and marketing Jens Hoeltje.
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