Learn more about polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) & PP powder here. The overview shows and explains the differences and advantages compared to the standard materials. Automated post-processing is ensured by the PostPro® systems from AMT Ltd.
Clear advantages over standard materials in powder bed fusion
Compared to PA12 and PA11, PBT has better mechanical properties and much lower moisture absorption, as well as higher heat resistance. In a joint development with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, AM POLYMERS is currently developing a PBT material which is characterized by good processability and good mechanical component properties comparable to injection molding.
No need for high temperature system
Unlike other PBT powders, no high-temperature equipment is required for processing ROLASERIT® PBT01. The material can be processed on all common standard systems for powder bed fusion. Hence, this material is available on the market without restrictions.
Ductility that pays off
ROLASERIT® PBT01 has mechanical properties corresponding to typical injection molded PBT materials. In addition, it has a high elongation at break of 14 % compared with other available powders, with good layer-to-layer bonding in the direction of building.
As a result, even finer structures can be produced without the risk of damage when unpacking or blasting.
- Young's modulus [N/mm²]: 2750 - 6350
- Tensile strength [N/mm²]: 51 - 54
- Elongation at break in %: 8 - 14
Polypropylene – PP
With a market volume of approx. 20 %, PP is one of the most widespread plastics of all and is used in almost all industries. In particular, there are numerous applications in the chemical industry, medical technology and the automotive sector. More than 35 % of all plastic parts in a vehicle are made of polypropylene.
Low material costs are easy on your wallet
Compared to the standard PA12 and PA11, polypropylene stands out in particular due to its excellent chemical resistance at a low density and lower material costs. AM POLYMERS has been offering PP in various versions since 2017. It is harder and more heat resistant than PE and easy to process on all machines, thus meeting your specific requirements in the best possible way.
PP01 and PP01GR (Powerful yet affordable)
ROLASERIT® PP01 and PP01GR can be used for a wide range of applications, from simple casings, ventilation systems, parts for household appliances or liquid containers to functionally integrated elements. ROLASERIT® PP01 is the first PP type commercialized by AM POLYMERS. It is characterized by processing properties comparable to PA12 and PA11. The material is processable on all machine types. Unlike other PP materials, handling with a blade is unproblematic. The costs of this material are significantly lower than the prices of usual standard materials, so that its use offers economic advantages for many component groups but also for prototypes.
Perfect quality
PP01 has a low tendency to curl and warp, making it easy to set up a robust processing. Components made of PP01 have good mechanical properties and, in contrast to many other new material developments for powder bed fusion, exhibit ductile part behavior with elongations at break exceeding 30 %.
The fracture behavior corresponds to that of PA12, with the otherwise typical characteristics of PP.
- Young's modulus [N/mm²]: 820
- Tensile strength [N/mm²]: 18
- Elongation at break in %: > 30
PP03O and PP03GR (PP in top form)
The newly developed ROLASERIT® PP03O expands the portfolio of powder-bed fusion by a material with outstanding ductility and injection molding properties.
For the first time, no lower elongation at break must be accepted, as was previously the case in additive manufacturing. Most materials only show results in the range below 50 % for the xy-plane. With over 200 % elongation at break, PP03 plays a pioneering role in the field of materials for laser sintering. Results of up to 80 % are also achieved in the building direction.
PP03 in Bestform
The processing of PP03 is possible on all common laser sintering systems without any problems. New application possibilities with extended functionality. Compared to PP01, components made of ROLASERIT® PP03O allow an extended use of functionalities such as film hinges. The high ductility guarantees that the function is maintained even after numerous cycles. PP030Compared to many other PA12 and PP materials for powder bed fusion, this new development is characterized by exceptional impact strength and notched impact strength values.
Based on its high ductility, this material is excellently suited for series production, so that applications in car interiors are also possible.
Young's modulus [N/mm²]: 800
Tensile strength [N/mm²]: 21
Elongation at break in %: > 200
PP04 (Increased requirement profile for particularly high demands)
ROLASERIT® PP04 is currently being developed and is intended to offer a polypropylene with a higher stiffness and strength profile than PP01 and PP03.
The aim is to better cover the special requirements in the automotive sector.
AM POLYMERS is constantly working to expand the range of materials in the field of polypropylene.
Beyond the PP04, several PP modifications are currently being qualified.
Increased requirement profile for particularly high demands
- Young's modulus [N/mm²]: 1300
- Tensile strength [N/mm²]: 25
- Elongation at break in %: > 10
PP05 (The inexpensive alternative for your mass production)
As a particularly cost-saving option, we have developed the PP05 in addition to the PP01.
With only a slight decrease in the component characteristics and at the same time good processability, we were able to significantly reduce the costs of the powder compared to PP01.
The material is therefore particularly suitable for the production of prototypes and also enables a reduction in the cost of parts compared to PA12.
- Young's modulus [N/mm²]: 820
- Tensile strength [N/mm²]: 18
- Elongation at break in %: > 18
