The Most Innovative Materials at Formnext 2022

3D printing materials are undoubtedly one of the main elements in the value chain, giving the final part all its mechanical and chemical properties. Today, there are more and more advancements in the field of 3D materials, from polymers to metals and even rarer ones such as silicone or ceramics. Thanks to these innovations, users of additive manufacturing are able to design parts that are more resistant, lighter, sometimes flexible or even more durable. These materials can be used to meet the constraints of demanding sectors such as aeronautics, medical or automotive. But what are the innovations presented at Formnext 2022? Read on to find out!

Elkem Silicones’ Materials

Silicone is an increasingly popular material in the additive manufacturing market, with interesting properties for many industries. Among the players offering a 3D printing solution is Elkem Silicones, a specialist in silicone for several years now. It is taking advantage of Formnext this year to expand its range of materials for additive manufacturing, AMSil™ and AMSil™ Silbione™. The company is now able to offer silicones from ShoreA 10 to ShoreA 70 for Liquid Deposit Molding (LMD) based processes. Elkem Silicones is also showcasing a new water-soluble support material, AMSil™ 92100, at its booth F91 in Hall 12.1, which will allow users to imagine even more complex geometries. Finally, this year’s booth is equipped with a Swiss Deltatower 3D printer, allowing parts to be printed with multiple silicones at the same time. You will be able to obtain an elastomeric part with different Shores! Come and discover different applications live on the booth and click HERE to learn more!

Photo credits : Elkem Silicones

Sandvik’s Metallic Powders

We continue our series on 3D materials with Swedish metal powder manufacturer Sandvik and its Osprey® range of solutions. This year at Formnext 2022, the collection has expanded to include copper. This is composed of fine and medium particles and offers high thermal and electrical conductivity, allowing for better heat transfer and thermal expansion coefficient matching. More generally, the Osprey® range of metal powders is now used in medical implants, aerospace and precision engineering, but also in many other sectors.