Application Report
3D printing of silicone components with ViscoTec print heads
Successful 3D printing with a moisture-responsive silicone is achieved thanks to the one component print head from ViscoTec
One of the most prestigious universities in the United States of America is concerned with the additive manufacture of moisture-curingsilicones. In particular, a research group in Mechanical Engineering is faced with the challenge of creating individual gripperattachments made of silicone and, in this context, not to ignore certain requirements.
Initial situation
Especially in industrial applications, the requirements for individual components are becoming increasingly complex. Flexible elastomers have been used for a considerable time in soft robotics, as well as in pneumatic operating systems. In both cases, gripper attachments, which are specially adapted to a component,have tobe produced in a complicated process. In addition, only a small range of flexible elastomers for 3D printers that meet the high requirements in terms of tensile strength, UV and chemical resistance exists. The challenge faced by the scientific staff was to optimize the gripperattachments bionically and to match the material properties to the application. The decision was made for the ViscoTec print head, which best met the requirements for the 3D printing of silicone.
Procedure and result
Based on a 3D printer, moisture-curingsilicone and the ViscoTec print head, basic tests were carried out to validate the optimal process parameters. At the beginning lines were printed to determine the relationship between volume flow, layer thickness and linespacing. Finally, the first functional components of the gripperattachment could be created. In a final proof, the printed parts were successfully tested for their usability.
Customer benefits
By using ViscoTec printheads, the customer benefits from the following added value:
• 3D printing of a commercially available silicone
• 3D printing of bionically optimized components
• Reduction of the probability of failure of the gripperattachments through optimized bionic design
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ViscoTec - Perfectly dosed!
ViscoTec primarily deals in systems required for conveying, dosing, applying, filling and emptying medium to high-viscosity media. The headquarters of the technological market leader is in Töging (Upper Bavaria, in the district of Altötting). In addition, ViscoTec has subsidiaries in the USA, in China and in Singapore and employs about 150 people worldwide. Many traders around the world extend this international distribution network. In addition to sophisticated solutions even in the most complicated tasks, ViscoTec offers all components for a complete application from one source: from procurement, through to product preparation to dosage. This guarantees a successful interaction of all components.All fluids with a viscosity of up to 7.000.000 mPas can be conveyed and dosed almost pulsation-free and with extremely low pressure. For each application there is comprehensive consultation - and where necessary in collaboration with the customer - extensive tests are carried out. ViscoTec dosing pumps and dosing systems are optimally adjusted to the respective application: in food applications, in the automotive, aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical and in many other industries.
Contact:
Felix Gruber, Business Development 3D printing
ViscoTec Pumpen- u. Dosiertechnik GmbH
Amperstraße 13 | 84513 Töging a. Inn | Germany
Tel.: +49 8631 9274-0
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ViscoTec Pumpen- u. Dosiertechnik l.: +49 86319274-0
Amperstraße 13 | 84513 Töging a. Inn | Germany +49 8631 9274-300
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