AE12
The material system for plastic parts
The material system AE12 was developed by Additive Elements as an experienced 3D printing service provider especially for the Binder Jetting process. It is based on PMMA and gives the finished part properties that were not possible before with alternative manufacturing processes. Compared to manufacturing with SLS, significant cost savings and higher productivity can be reached.
Further details on the mechanical properties and design recommendations can be found in our technical data sheet.
The profiles of requirements of a plastic are very different. Characteristics such as hardness, elasticity, temperature behaviour and chemical compatibility are typical application requirements. Through the combination of powder and pressure fluid as well as the design of the process, far-reaching changes of the resulting part properties can be achieved in order to realize special applications.
The process
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PRINTING
The model is built as usual on the 3D printer, but the powder is selectively filled with liquid. The model is left in the powder cake.
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HARDENING
The complete assembly of the parts is carried out in a heat chamber, where the model reaches its final strength.
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EXTRACTION
The model can be removed without special care.
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BLASTING
The model is blasted manually or automatically.
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READY
The model impresses with its good surface, strength and dimensional accuracy.
Mechanical properties
| Basic material | PMMA powder |
| Binder | Methacrylat-base |
| Tensile strength | 30 MPa |
| Tensile elongation | 2,5 % |
| E-module | 1500 MPa |
| Density | 1 g/cm³ |
| Residual porosity | <15 % |
| Temperature resistance | 80 °C |
| Tolerance | 0,5 mm + <0,5 % |
| max. part size | 2000 x 1000 x 1000 mm |
| Layer thickness | 100 μm |
| Wall thickness | min. 1 mm |
Comparison AE12 – PA12
AE12
5x more productive
100% powder recycling
50% cost savings
no thermal warping
PA12
limited part size
high refreshing rate
restricted packing density
high production costs