Thermoplastic filaments and additive manufacturing

Ensinger produces filaments and 3D printed components made from high temperature plastics and offers application advice to all issues around additive manufacturing of high performance plastics. Where high temperature plastics are required in FFF processes, Ensinger filaments are very well suited. There are stock materials available as well as the option to develop customized filaments.

Engineers of all Ensinger branches and divisions are in continuous exchange to provide specialised materials best fitting to the customers applications. The goal is to supply customers with high quality materials which can be used for new technologies like additive manufacturing.

On the basis of a vast and longstanding experience in working with high temperature thermoplastics Ensinger offers consultation for the whole workflow of additive manufacturing. In this new and ever-changing enviroment of 3D printing, we work in close co-operation with universities, research organisations and printer manufacturers. Our specialists will help you to find the right material for your desired application, provide you with high quality filaments and consult you throughout the process of the printing, machining and all finishing processes.

Additive manufacturing with Ensinger filaments enables forms of products which are not possible with any other processing technology. This opens application fields for high performance plastics that were unthinkable before.

• Free forms, honeycomb and lattice structures
• Integration of functions: parts that previously had to be produced in several pieces can now be produced in one go and in one piece
• Freedom in design

3D print is an additive process, in which objects are being constructed in layers starting from the base. Different processing technologies are available. The suitable technology depends on the mechanical properties, the different advantages of the materials and the aesthetic requirements.

Together with the partners Ensinger is engaged in different processing technologies. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is looking very promising for the future of processing high performance thermoplastics. The focus is on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF).

Beginning with the compounds, which can be modified according to specific customer requirements, moving right through to the production of the actual filaments, which are then used for producing parts via additive manufacturing. Additionally, further processing such as machining, surface finishing and laser marking can be used to optimise the result.

• Additive manufacturing is especially suitable for individualised parts.
• For lightweight construction lattice and honeycomb structures can easily be erected.
• The topology can be improved by adapting the geometry to the flow of forces in the part and the load of it.
• In rapid prototype production view and function samples significantly reduce the development time leading up to series production.
• Parts for the aftermarket do not have to be produced on stock and stored, but can instead be produced in short terms according to requirements.
• Parts can be individualised according to customer or application requirements.
• Fashion and lifestyle products, as well as automotive parts can be produced exclusively.
• Freeforming permits extravagant designs.

Application examples