Additive manufacturing with plastics as a driver for innovation

Additive manufacturing with plastics is becoming increasingly important and is establishing itself as a key technology in a wide range of industries. From ultra-lightweight parts in automotive engineering to highly specialized components in medical technology, 3D printing shows just how versatile plastics can be. The range of processes is particularly impressive, from powder-based fusion to UV-cured resins.

A current example is Protolabs, a leading provider in the field of digital manufacturing, which has introduced numerous innovative materials and technologies in recent years. These include polyamides such as PAx Smooth Natural, which is characterized by toughness, flexibility and a smooth, translucent surface. The vapor-smoothing variant of the material even enables applications in which transparency and visual representations of liquids are crucial. EPX 82, a material with high chemical and thermal resistance, also significantly expands the range of applications for 3D printing.

In addition to new materials, Protolabs is also focusing on the further development of printing technologies. The introduction of Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) enables a level of precision and component quality that was previously unattainable. These developments offer new opportunities, particularly for sectors such as the automotive and aerospace industries, which rely on lightweight construction and high load-bearing capacity. The ability to realize complex internal structures and individual designs without additional tools is a decisive advantage.

The future of additive manufacturing with plastics will be significantly shaped by innovations in materials and processes. Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role, as many polymers are recyclable and can therefore contribute to the circular economy. Protolabs and other companies are demonstrating how technological advances can not only complement existing production methods, but also open up completely new areas of application. The next few years promise exciting developments that will further exploit the potential of 3D printing.