Advanced ultra-temperature PBF: Farsoon and AM-Rauch complete successful beta phase

The 3D printing market is constantly evolving and the demand for industrial printers that can process high-temperature materials is growing. Farsoon is working closely with AM-Rauch, a leading supplier of high-performance polymers, to develop innovative solutions in the field of polymer powder bed fusion and open up new fields of application.

AM-Rauch focuses on the development of process parameters and the production of precision-manufactured technical components in series production, particularly for the demanding requirements of the medical and manufacturing industries. As part of the collaboration, a beta test of Farsoon’s mid-size Super-Temperature PBF ST252P system and a customized large format system, the Ultra-Temperature PBF Flight UT501P, was successfully conducted. The aim of these tests was to develop high-temperature materials for new applications in order to optimize prototyping and medium-scale series production.

Following extensive tests to qualify high-performance polymers, several specialized high-temperature polymers can now be processed on Farsoon systems for volume projects. This includes the development of process parameters for two different polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) materials: TORAY PPS-GF25 and LUVOSINT PPS 9268 BK.

Bernd Rauch, owner of AM-Rauch, oversaw the pilot phase and expressed great satisfaction with the collaboration between AM-Rauch and FARSOON Europe. “Apart from a few suggestions for machine improvements, we are very pleased with the system’s performance, which made the decision to fully integrate the machine after the pilot phase an easy one. We are excited for the next generation of UT large-format machines, which will be developed in alignment with customers’ requirements.”

The bespoke UT501P system features a robust fiber laser and an ultra-temperature capability of up to 340°C, enabling the production of large format parts with volumes of up to 440 x 440 x 450 mm for the first time. This means that high-quality components can be produced at competitive costs. Further materials from the PAEK family are to be qualified in the near future, expanding the range of high-performance polymers available for additive manufacturing.

Since 2014, Farsoon has been a major player in the field of high-temperature laser powder bed fusion (PBF) and has launched several powerful systems that reach chamber temperatures of up to 280°C. With the introduction of the UT252P platform in 2023, Farsoon is further expanding its technical capabilities to serve demanding applications in materials engineering, medical technology and aerospace.