Roboze has developed two new, filled filaments with which it wants to replace metal as a raw material. It concerns a PA 6 reinforced with carbon fibers (Carbon PA Pro) and a PEEK matrix, reinforced with carbon fibers (Carbon PEEK). Both materials are further developments of earlier filaments for 3D printers.
The Italian manufacturer of industrial 3D printers sees a growing demand for high-quality composites, with properties comparable to metal alloys and ceramics. This demand is actually developing in all industry segments. Carbon PA Pro and Carbon PEEK are the answer to this. According to Roboze, these filaments can replace metal in applications in extreme conditions. With the combination of research in materials science and the production process, Roboze increases the application possibilities with the ultimate goal of accelerating the digital transition of companies and economic development.
Both PA 6 and PEEK with significantly higher carbon fiber content
An application of Carbon PA Pro is this tool for positioning the drill on a fuselage. The 3D printing costs 3 hours and € 30. (photo Roboze)
Strong as aluminum
Carbon PA Pro contains more carbon fibers than before in the new version. This results in 50% better properties. For example, the material, printed on the Roboze machine, is 1.6 times stronger than its predecessor and twice as stiff. Its tensile strength (171 MPa) is in the same order of magnitude as light aluminum alloys, but it weighs only half that. Roboze sees applications for this material in grippers for robots, in motor sports and in stressed parts of drones, among other things.
Greater strength in Z direction
Roboze also succeeds in increasing the carbon fiber content with Carbon PEEK. This improves the layer adhesion by 50% and the 3D printed parts achieve a tensile strength in the Z direction of 55 MPa. Typical applications include bearing retainers, bushings, power processing tools, seals, thrust washers, pump and compressor parts, aircraft parts and fasteners. Thanks to its high toughness, very high continuous operating temperature and glass transition temperature and high melting point, it is a metal substitute. This allows components to become lighter, essential in industries such as aerospace and defense.
