Polyplastics has established a MEX* process 3D printing technology that uses DURACON^® polyoxymethylene (POM). Since this technology produces physical properties close to those of injection molded articles despite being 3D printed, it can also be applied in preliminary evaluations of physical properties, functions, durability, and other properties without needing a mold, thus helping to accelerate the product development cycle.
*MEX: Material Extrusion

*Physical property values updated on 24th Oct 2022

The superior physical properties of POM also achieved in 3D printed articles

　The MEX process is a typical 3D printing technology that uses thermoplastic resin materials. With resin filaments as the material inputs, this method produces three-dimensional structures by repeatedly tracing and layering while depositing melted material extruded through a tiny nozzle. Conventionally, only amorphous resins or resins with low crystallinity (e.g., ABS, polyamide) had been applicable in the MEX 3D printing process. With POM’s high crystallinity and rapid rate of crystallization, controlling its shrinkage and warpage deformation and limiting its staged peeling had been extremely difficult when applied in the MEX 3D printing process, so it had not sufficiently come into practical use.

To address this, Polyplastics aimed to establish an MEX 3D printing technology for DURACON^® POM by combining a more appropriate selection of POM grades with molding conditions optimized for their crystallization behavior. Using this technology, physical properties close to those of injection molded articles can be achieved even in 3D printed articles.

Figure. Flexural properties of 3D printed articles using DURACON^® POM

Preliminary evaluations without a mold! Also applicable for minimum-sized lots of custom products

　After designing a shape by 3D CAD or other means, a prototype of the actual shape can be quickly produced with this 3D printing technology using DURACON^® POM and it can be applied in preliminary evaluations of physical properties, functions, durability, and other properties, aside from simply verifying the shape. In addition to accelerating the product development cycle at worksites, this technology could also be applied in manufacturing processes, including minimum-sized lots of custom products.

Figure. DURACON^® POM filament material

 

Movie. MEX 3D printing with DURACON^® POM
(updated on 27 June 2023)

Now accepting requests for trial samples

Going forward, Polyplastics aims to offer DURACON^® POM 3D printing technology as a new technological solution, while at the same time developing additional DURACON^® POM filament materials for use in 3D printing, including reinforced grades.
　We are also accommodating requests for actual trial samples. If you are interested in receiving a sample or would like any more information, please either contact one of our sales representatives or click “Contact Us” at the top-right of this page to inquire.

*Physical property values updated on 24th Oct 2022

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