Ensinger showcases additive manufacturing capabilities with high-performance plastics for filaments

German plastics processor Ensinger firms up in the field of additive manufacturing using engineering plastics. The Nufringen-headquartered Ensinger, which is engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of compounds, semi-finished products, profiles and technical parts made of engineering and high performance plastics through extrusion, machining and injection moulding, says it is working with a range of different methods, focusing predominantly on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). This technology offers particularly promising perspectives for high-performance thermoplastics.

Working in collaboration with a number of different partners, the plastics specialist is able to cover the entire value chain, starting with raw materials which can be modified at Ensinger in line with specific customer requirements. Filament fabrication benefits from the company’s 50 years of experience in the field of extrusion technology.

The Industrial Profiles and Tubes Division produce the filaments from engineering and high-temperature plastics to an exemplary standard of precision. The products are then carefully tested and packaged.

As a result of close collaboration with different printer manufacturers, the filaments can be processed using high-performance printers. Ensinger will be showcasing eight different materials for additive manufacturing at K2016 being held in Germany with products ranging from the antistatic Tecaform AH SD (POM-C SD) through Tecason S (PES) to Tecapeek (PEEK).

Ensinger will also be exhibiting four components made from Tecaflon PVDF (PVDF), Tecason P (PPSU) and Tecapeek (PEEK). These are produced using 3D printers from the companies Gewo Feinmechanik and Indmatec. The precision components will be further machined on their functional surfaces. The Machined Parts Division is also backing this ultra-new technology, which enables production in line with the very narrowest of tolerances.