Toray Industries has launched Toraypearl PA12 a new spherical Nylon powder designed to be widely compatible with powder bed fusion (PBF)-type 3D printers that will improve surface smoothness and increase high impact strength in 3D printed parts.
Conventional PA12 powders account for approximately 70% of feedstock in the polymer PBF market, owing to their ability to be processed well at relatively low temperatures.
However, conventional PA12 powders for 3D printing typically consist of irregularly shaped particles, which hinder uniform packing and result in parts with rough surfaces that require post-processing such as polishing. Additionally, gaps between particles can generate internal micro-voids, leading to reduced density that prevents the material from fully exhibiting its mechanical properties, including impact strength.
Toray says it overcame these challenges by drawing on its proprietary spherical particle technology, backed by years of polyamide polymerisation and resin processing R&D, as well as its experience supplying Toraypearl PA6, used for 3D printing applications as automotive components, office chairs and power tools.
By applying this spherical particle technology to PA12, Toray’s latest material offers a claimed 2.5× improvement to surface smoothness (Ra ≈ 7 μm), as well as doubling impact strength (Charpy impact strength – a material’s toughness and energy absorption capacity under high-strain, sudden-shock loading – at 50 kJ/m2).
The added durability, airtightness and mechanical reliability, should thereby expand its potential use in both prototypes and functional parts, explains a Toray spokesperson.
Toraypearl PA12 adds to Toray’s product lineup that it says is growing in response to global demand for high performance materials in the 3D printing market.
Toray already offers a portfolio of resin materials including Toraymill PPS, a polyphenylene sulfide resin milled powder, launched in 2017 for applications such as electric vehicles and aerospace.
Guided by its corporate philosophy, “contributing to society through the creation of new value with innovative ideas, technologies and products,” Toray remains committed to delivering innovative materials that support industrial advancement and sustainable growth.
