Farsoon and Covestro strengthen cooperation in engineering powders

Materials manufacturer Covestro operates Farsoon Laser Sintering Systems in their German and Dutch (legacy-DSM) additive manufacturing facilities for testing the processing and printing of new materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polypropylene (PP) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Downstream customers have validated such parts for end-use applications in automotive, electrical and consumer industries. Based on customer feedback and success, the two companies are strengthening their collaboration to foster series production of 3D-Printing.

Both Farsoon and Covestro are committed to an open systems philosophy so customers are free to choose materials for their 3D-printing systems that suit their end-use applications. In this collaboration, Covestro is contributing its expertise in polymer-based 3D printing materials and Farsoon its expertise from powder-based laser sintering machines. Covestro has already successfully launched TPU and PBT polymer powders developed on Farsoon 252P-series machines. The development of additional powders and the upscaling to larger series applications is part of the strengthened collaboration.

Expanded opportunities in the 3D printing market

Covestro, Farsoon and Seifert Logistics Group (SLG) in Ulm, Germany jointly developed TPU parts for footwear. Seifert Logistics fabricates TPU parts on a Farsoon SS403P at high productivity levels.

Covestro, Farsoon and a partner from the automotive industry collaborated to develop end-use parts for interior car applications using legacy-DSM PBT powder Arnite® T AM1210 (P).

"We are very pleased to extend the opportunities to the additive manufacturing market by proactively supporting new applications with new polymer powders," says Dr. Dirk Simon, Managing Director of Farsoon Europe GmbH and member of Farsoon's Global Management Team. "Farsoon SLS machines are very compatible with Covestro's polymer powders, which offer a very interesting property profile to form an important foundation for our customers' market success."

High productivity

Farsoon machines are all truly open systems which means operators can optimize process parameters for highest productivity at required part qualities for the material of choice. The High-Temperature- and Super-Temperature-configuration of Farsoon machines allow process chamber temperatures of up to 220 °C or 280 °C, respectively. The machines are equipped with high-speed scanners and powerful lasers. Farsoon is committed to help making fabrication of 3D-parts cheaper, for instance with its Fiber-laser Flight™ Technology. The high productivity of parts production makes series applications increasingly accessible.

"By collaborating closely with printer manufacturers, we can test materials in the development process and provide customers verified material and printer solutions", said Geoff Gardner, Innovation Director Additive Manufacturing at Covestro. "Farsoon SL printers and especially their Flight™ Technology can run at standard and high temperatures so we can print PBT, PP and TPU all on the same printer. And with their higher accuracy and productivity, and lower cost per part, they are well suited for industrial production."

Both companies will showcase their polymer powder materials and printers at Formnext 2021, which takes place Nov. 16-19 in Frankfurt, Germany, Covestro at booth C11 and Farsoon at booth G 19, both in Hall 12.1.