Validation of the use of advanced polymers through low-cost additive manufacturing

• Grant number: 22/13625-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Processes
• Agreement: SEBRAE-SP
• Principal Investigator: Gabriel Rodrigues Cavalcante Domene
• Grantee: Gabriel Rodrigues Cavalcante Domene
• Company: Gabriel Rodrigues Cavalcante Domene
• CNAE: Fabricação de artefatos de material plástico não especificados anteriormente

Abstract

The project in question for this phase of the program consists of the technological validation of a prototype of a 3D printer capable of extruding materials with temperatures of up to 500 °C, with a heated chamber of up to 150 °C, making it possible to print the most complex existing polymers, such as example PEEK, PEKK, Ultem and others. These polymers, also called "super materials", have high performance with excellent mechanical and thermal properties, whose printed parts can replace metal parts. The validation of this technology is motivated by the fact that there is no national manufacturer, and it is necessary to import very high-cost equipment, making implementation unfeasible for many industries. Our equipment will be the first LATAM 3d printer to be able to process and manufacture parts and components using super materials. Also presenting a significant cost reduction (compared to imported equipment), making it possible to expand opportunities for 3d printing within the national industry. Additive manufacturing already has a history of very significant gains for the industry, among established partners, more than 5 million in proven savings have already occurred. Our objective with the partner company 3M is to validate the operation and implementation of parts manufactured in super materials with our equipment. 3M already has 3D printing technology implemented in its operation, but limited to conventional low-complexity polymers. With our equipment, we want to expand the range of materials that can be manufactured within the group, increasing the number of spare parts projects produced through additive manufacturing. (AU)