Ever since he first launched his two 3D printer models, Davide Ardizzola, founder of 3NTR, has focused on the professional applications for his heavy duty systems. The A2 and A4 models are extremely sturdy, enclosed, full metal FFF 3D Printers, based on the over 50 years experience of the mother company Jdeal-Form (which makes components for bras) in polymer use and applications.
3NTR already offers Nylon 6 filament, produced internally for its machines and it is now tackling an even more challenging material, one that could pave the way towards a huge range of applications: PEEK. The company has already successfully printed a small prototype with it and the research continues.
PEEK, or PolyEther-Ether Ketone, is an extremely interesting material for 3D printing applications. It was first synthesized in 1972 by the UK based multinational corporation Victrex, which is still its largest manufacturer and distributor. Because of its high glass transition and fusion temperature (143° and 343° respectively) it requires particular components both for extrusion and to avoid deformation during deposition. So much so that one of the common uses of PEEK is as an insulation material in RepRap extruders.
However further research for direct 3D printing applications is worthwhile due to its properties offering performances comparable to the ULTEM family of polymers offered industrially by Stratasys. Wikipedia reveals that PEEK is a colorless organic thermoplastic polymer in the PAEK (polyaryletherketone) family and that it is used in engineering applications. That’s because it is extremely resistant to thermal degradation and it also has a high chemical and wear resistance.
“PEEK is not impossible to 3D print but it is not trivial anyway,” says Ardizzola. “So far the quality we have obtained is not up to our desired goal but we are making progress. Our printers are particularly fit for use at the very high temperature required by PEEK and can integrate a special print surface for better results. We are doing a lot of research and we are also looking for someone with an engineering background to join our team.”
I could think of worse places for makers to want to work at than the Northern Italian countryside, for a company that makes bras and 3D printers.
