JuggerBot 3D, a large-format industrial 3D printing company, has launched the Tradesman Series P3-44 ASTRA, an LFAM system designed specifically to address the challenges of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing. It was developed in partnership with IPEX Technologies Inc., a leader in thermoplastic piping systems, with the intent of providing new capabilities for industrial printing of PVC-based components and end-use parts.

PVC, with an annual global production of over 50 million tons, is valued for its chemical resistance, flame retardancy, and mechanical durability. However, its use in AM has been limited by the need for precise fume management and material handling. JuggerBot 3D’s P3-44 ASTRA addresses these challenges through advanced process controls and safety systems – designed for operator safety, equipment longevity, and the environment during printing operations.

The ASTRA builds on JuggerBot 3D’s expertise in material testing and process control to handle the unique challenges of PVC and maximize process controls currently in place within the base model of the Tradesman Series P3-44. The system is engineered to handle the unique challenges of PVC with corrosion-resistant components and targeted fume extraction at the point of print deposition while maintaining the same structural integrity of the base Tradesman Series P3-44 unit.

Advanced process controls for safety and quality

The P3-44 system incorporates advanced technologies to ensure seamless operation while accommodating users and the environment for the challenges PVC presents. Proper safety procedures required for observation during the operation of the unit include:

• Prevention: Corrosion-resistant components extend the printer’s lifespan while ensuring PVC processing control. ASTRA has been outfitted with hardware to mitigate these issues and key control components to maintain extrusion temperatures.
• Containment:  Processing PVC may release other VOCs that could be harmful over time, making proper containment essential for workplace safety. Additional sealing areas across the already enclosed base P3-44 ensure fumes generated during printing stay within controlled zones.
• Extraction: Equipped with a dual-stage fume extraction system, ASTRA captures fumes emitted throughout the printing process.
• Protection: Improper processing of these materials can produce issues in the production environment. Access to the chamber is prohibited to prevent premature access – ensuring the environment is clear of fumes before the system is opened.

The P3-44 ASTRA is intended to impact industries requiring PVC’s unique material properties, such as chemical resistance and long-term durability. Key uses include, but are not limited to, body molds, ducting and pipe systems, and medical housings and enclosures where material stability is critical.

“This project represents an important step forward in additive manufacturing for industrial materials,” said Brian Zellers, Product Development Manager at JuggerBot 3D. “We take pride in proclaiming that we can process a wide array of performance thermoplastics, including PVC. By advancing preexistent process controls in our base P3-44, we’ve developed a system that offers safety and performance, enabling operators to leverage PVC’s material benefits through reliable 3D printing technology.”