AIMPLAS and Arburg research new materials for 3D printing

The Spanish Technological Institute of Plastics (AIMPLAS) and machine manufacturer Arburg have been working together since July 2024 to qualify new materials for industrial additive manufacturing. At the center of this partnership is the Freeformer 200-3X, which is installed at AIMPLAS and used for extensive material testing. The common goal is to develop applications for the medical sector that meet strict requirements for material properties such as strength, biocompatibility and durability.

AIMPLAS relies on Arburg’s Plastic Freeforming (AKF), an open 3D printing process that processes conventional plastic pellets and offers the flexibility to customize process parameters. The Freeformer 200-3X enables AIMPLAS experts to test various modified materials such as medical polylactide and biopolymers. The aim of these tests is to optimize material properties and develop additive manufacturing solutions that are suitable for orthopaedic applications and resorbable implants, for example. The materials are tested for their tensile strength, elongation at break and solubility to ensure that they meet the requirements of medical technology.

A key advantage of the freeformer is the ability to flexibly adjust the parameters, which is particularly relevant for the production of small batches and individualized products. AIMPLAS can therefore manufacture products that not only meet medical standards but can also be customized. The freeformer’s open system architecture makes it possible to add new materials as required and to adjust the print settings to the specific requirements of the application.

Under the terms of the collaboration, the Freeformer 200-3X will remain on loan to AIMPLAS for one year to support testing and experimentation. In September, AIMPLAS researchers were trained by Arburg specialists to fully utilize the potential of the Freeformer in a medical context. The results of this collaboration could pave the way for new applications in 3D printing and further establish additive manufacturing as a valuable alternative for the production of medical products.