Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS) has announced the launch of SAF ReLife, a software-based solution that enables the conversion of waste PA12 powder from other additive manufacturing technologies into high-quality parts. This solution provides a way to reuse unused powder from powder bed fusion processes such as selective laser sintering (SLS) and high-speed sintering for use in the Stratasys H350 printer. This enables customers to increase their material efficiency, reduce cost per part and lower their carbon footprint.
“SAF ReLife gives customers a unique ability to make high-quality parts with powder considered waste from other polymer powder bed fusion processes,” said Neil Hopkinson, Vice President, Additive Manufacturing Technology, Stratasys. “Our patented unidirectional print-and-fuse architecture and thermal control uniquely enable this capability at production volumes.”
Wehl Green, a leading service bureau, tested the SAF ReLife technology in beta operation using SLS waste powder for production. The result was a 20 percent saving in production costs per component and a significant reduction in waste due to the repeatable use of the SAF process. Wehl Green was also able to shorten production times and deliver new parts to customers within 48 hours.
“By utilizing the SAF ReLife technology, we’ve cut production costs while producing parts that meet strict industrial specifications. It’s a game-changer for our competitiveness,” said Javier García, Manager and Co-founder, Wehl Green. “Thanks to Stratasys’ SAF ReLife project, we’ve been able to turn PA12 waste into high-quality parts. This circular economy approach has reduced our environmental impact while maintaining top-tier product standards.”
To determine the environmental impact, Stratasys commissioned Fraunhofer IPA to carry out an independent life cycle analysis. The results showed that the reuse of PA12 waste powder in the SAF printing process can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 89 percent compared to standard production, especially when using renewable energy.
“Our life cycle assessment demonstrates that Stratasys’ SAF ReLife PA12 solution can reduce the carbon footprint of the reference print job by 43% with the German electricity mix and by as much as 89% when powered by renewable energy sources, compared to standard PA12,” said Chantal Rietdorf, M.Sc., Research Associate at Fraunhofer.
SAF ReLife represents a significant step towards promoting sustainability in additive manufacturing and supporting the efficient use of raw materials.
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