Solvay: Research and development of advanced polymer matching 3D printing technology

Global supplier of high performance polymers - Solvay in Specialty The rapid growth trend of polymers and engineering plastics, and synthetic manufacturing (AM)/3D printing technology play its leading role. Solvay's expanded 3D printing capabilities are part of the global group's most advanced, easy-to-use solution to replace its metals.

It is mainly used for transportation, and its role helps to reduce the weight of cars and airplanes, the carbon dioxide emissions can reduce the waste of their products, and give more design flexibility.

Solvay's established AM technology center and industrial enterprise Sinterline Technyl in Lyon, France, opened a new laboratory at the Alpharetta Research and Innovation Center in Georgia to promote the development of its advanced materials AM. In addition, Solvay has equipped a campus facility in Brussels, Belgium, dedicated to developing and promoting the software design for MSC Software's Cannes Gray e-Xstream. Solvay is also creating a provider that can solve network problems, and the AM value chain spans regions ranging from universities to equipment manufacturers.

Solvay has many years of experience in the production of Sinterline Tecny polyamide 6 (PA6) material at SLS, which has higher stiffness and thermal properties than the more competitive PA11 or PA12. They are available in clear glass bead filled grades, which are suitable for automotive, transportation, and SLS construction applications. In addition, unfilled parts have been tested for appropriate USP VI medical applications.

Solvay is developing other specialty polymers in Alpharetta, including AvaSpire polyaryl ketone (PAEK), KetaSpire polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Radel polyphenylene (PPSU) for electrofused filament (FFF), and Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) compatible with SLS. A number of products will be available for sampling in late 2016, including clean and fiber-filled Solvay KetaSpire PEEK, and Radel PPSU for FFF 3D printing.

With the acquisition of Cytec, Solvay is in a leading position in polyether ketone ketone, which itself has confirmed that SLS is the material for processing.