The Fraunhofer Institute for Additive Production Technologies IAPT is planning a feasibility study on the additive manufacturing of silicone seals to evaluate their potential for industry. The study aims to clarify the extent to which the technology can be used economically for the production of complex or small series. Companies from various sectors can participate and contribute their own questions to the project.
Seals are essential components in numerous branches of industry, including mechanical engineering, chemicals and automotive production. Currently, they are usually manufactured using conventional processes. However, additive manufacturing (AM) could offer advantages due to its flexibility, especially when it comes to individual geometries or small quantities.
The study focuses on material tests and the evaluation of suitable AM technologies for silicone seals. The researchers are analyzing mechanical properties, chemical resistance and surface quality. Factors such as roughness, freedom of design and hard-soft connections are being investigated. The aim is to compare the practical suitability of additively manufactured seals with existing production methods and to identify their advantages.
The potential benefits of additive manufacturing in this area are manifold. For example, AM could make the production of tools for prototypes or complex geometries superfluous. The technology also enables decentralized production, making companies less dependent on global supply chains. Companies that want to react flexibly to market changes or offer customized solutions could benefit in particular.
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