Case study: 3D printed PEEK spare parts prevents expensive production downtime

3D printed PEEK spare parts prevents expensive production downtime

At 3D4makers we are specialized in the production of high-performance filaments for FFF 3D printing (Fused Filament Fabrication). The majority of the polymers produced are high-temperature polymers, which have extremely high melting temperatures and therefore place great demands on filament extrusion systems. Our highly specialized systems are based on in-house development. Certain parts are purchased and include standard machine parts. When components fail, the entire system frequently comes to a halt, resulting in costly production downtimes. Components are produced as much as feasible in-house to maximize reliability. High-performance polymers are also frequently utilized in 3D printing. A gear in the extrusion line's melt pump serves as an illustration of this. The constant temperature range for this is +/- 200 ° C.

3D printed PEEK spider for filament production line

Fig. 1: Gear made of PUR and 3D-printed gear made of LUVOCOM 3F PEEK 9581 NT

During use, the component broke down (Fig. 2). The system stopped when the gear started to deform. Purchasing replacement parts would have required many days. Production would have suffered greatly as a result. A CAD design was made for a rapid repair, and the gear was produced on-site with a Intamsys funmat HT 3D printer within two hours. Due to its great chemical resistance, high strength and toughness, excellent tribological characteristics, and permanent temperature resistance of 260°C, the chosen material, LUVOCOM 3F PEEK 9581 NT, was used. The alternative, which was actually just meant to be a temporary fix, has excelled to the point where it has been in use for many years already.

 

Pur spider in melt pump3D printed PEEK spider in melt pump
Fig. 2 (left) : PUR-made gear that is deformed         
Fig. 3 (right): 3D-printed gear made of LUVOCOM 3F PEEK NT Filament
3D printed PEEK spider ambient temp measurement
Fig. 4 (above) : 207°C are measured as the ambient temperature at the 3D printed gear.                                                                                                                                   
This case study was created in collaboration with LEHVOSS Group. For more information, please visit www.lehvoss.de [lehvoss.de]

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