BTech Innovation

Model P220 -Apium

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Special polymers require special handling: High-performance plastics have outstanding mechanical and thermal properties. However, there are some difficulties when printing these materials. Target: A fully crystallized part, good surface finish and good layer adhesion. What does it take to achieve this? To ensure a fully crystallized component and good adhesion of the layers, more energy is required in the uppermost layers than in conventional materials. This additional energy in the form of heat can be given in various ways. The following three methods are the most commonly used:

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Apium Adaptive Heating system

(Apium P220)

Energy is given only where it is needed – in the uppermost layers. We do this by installing a zone heater just above the print surface, which creates a hot air film.

Why this solution? We get a fully crystalline component with very good surface quality and good layer adhesion at the same time. No other method can meet these three goals simultaneously. In addition, due to the relatively small heated area, our process is extremely agile and energy efficient.

For good surface finish and tight tolerances, it is important that the part stays firm in the lower regions to prevent micro-movements during printing. This hardness is achieved by staying just below the softening temperature (Tg) of the printing material.

Only the uppermost layers have temperatures above Tg. This is necessary for good layer adhesion.

Compared to the space heater, the space heater is very agile and can be quickly adjusted to any desired condition. This allows us to print small details without smearing them.

Heated building volume 120°C - 220°C

(Apium P220)

The entire production volume is heated to 220°C. High temperatures provide a fully crystallized component and good layer adhesion. However, the surface quality of this process is lower.

The large thermal mass that must be heated before each printing process results in long heating times and high energy consumption. In addition, high temperatures in the assembly area have a negative effect on bearings and other mechanical components.

Temperatures throughout the part are well above the softening point (Tg) of the component. As a result, the material loses its stiffness and the movements of the print head create micro-movements. This results in a loss in surface quality and tolerances.

In addition, local overheating can occur, which causes smearing of small details.

Heated production area 60°C - 120°C

(Apium P220)

Here again, the entire production area is heated to 120 °C. Due to the significantly lower temperatures, the part cools very quickly and therefore cannot crystallize completely. This causes amorphous phases in the component. These can be recognized by their dark discoloration.

These steps have a negative impact on the mechanical, chemical and thermal availability of the components and must be subsequently crystallized with an additional working step.

After the printing process, the part is annealed in the furnace. This results in the conversion of amorphous phases to a crystalline structure.

This process causes a change in density and causes deterioration of the component. This effect is particularly strong in more complex geometries.

Dimensional accuracy cannot be avoided with this method.

The Apium Adaptive Heating System combines the advantages of the other two methods. It heats only where necessary. Other areas remain cooler to provide adequate rigidity. This leads to the best possible component quality.

The Apium Adaptive Heating System combines the advantages of the other two methods. It heats only where necessary. Other areas remain cooler to provide adequate rigidity. This leads to the best possible component quality.

Best Part Tolerances

For good surface finish and tight tolerances, it is important that the part stays firm in the lower regions to prevent micro-movements during printing. This hardness is achieved by staying just below the softening temperature (Tg) of the printing material.

Only the uppermost layers have temperatures above Tg. This is necessary for good layer adhesion.

Compared to the space heater, the space heater is very agile and can be quickly adjusted to any desired condition. This allows us to print small details without smearing them.

New extrusion technology

Our extruder was developed with flexibility and robustness in mind. The feed force, which is four times higher than the previous model, makes it possible to process fiber-reinforced high-performance polymers with a high percentage of filler. Specially designed filament guide automates the loading process.

Monitored Print Process

By integrating a camera system, temperature recording and the use of servo motors, the printing process is continuously monitored. This allows the printer to intervene independently when deviations occur.

Repeatability

Integrated calibration routines ensure consistent part quality. The software automatically notifies you of any maintenance work and guides you step-by-step through the procedures.

Documentation and Security

All the important parameters of a printing process are automatically presented in a PDF protocol. Integrated user management prevents unwanted access. We decided against cloud-based solutions for your data security.

Integrated Software

The control software has been specifically adapted to our printer hardware and is optimized for processing high-performance polymers. An intuitive user interface allows for easy operation of the printer. You can always manage print jobs and check the status of the printer.

Innovative Materials

The open system allows the use of other materials not available in our product portfolio. The P220 also allows the processing of sinterable metal-filled filaments.

Technical support

Our service department will train you in the use of your printer. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the printer and other challenges of 3D printing of high-performance polymers.