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Ricoh AM Works with Solvay to Push Forward PA6 Powders in 3D Printing
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Ricoh AM is evolving its 3D printing capabilities by working with Solvay, the pioneer of polyamide 6 (known as PA6) powders compatible with additive manufacturing, to make use of Sinterline® Technyl® PA6.
By joining their efforts and long-proven knowledge, Ricoh and Solvay proposes a unique offer to the market, combining RICOH AM S5500P’s extended possibilities, and Sinterline® Technyl® PA6 GB (Glass Beads) high performance powders. RICOH AM S5500P is the largest machine that is able to print Sinterline® Technyl® PA6GB, a material that is of strategic importance in the automotive and aerospace industries. This machine is one of only a few globally able to print higher temperature polyamides. The combination of these two innovative solutions enables manufacturers to create short-runs and functional prototypes with performance comparable to PA6 injection molded parts.
Ralph Rissé, Sinterline® Global Business Development Manager, Solvay Performance Polyamides, adds: “Today, speeding up the development process of new applications across a wide range of industries, especially automotive, is crucial. The rapid prototyping of demanding parts that are closer to the final materials used for serial production provides OEMs and tiers an overwhelming design advantage when facing global competition to get products to market.”
RICOH Rapid Fab facility
As part of its additive manufacturing business, centered on 3D printers, Ricoh Europe recently established its first RICOH Rapid Fab facility on the continent. Located in Telford, UK, the facility has been created to enable customers to benefit from Ricoh’s expertise in areas such as consultancy, training, design, manufacturing, post process finishing and measurement & inspection services. The facility also hosts demonstrations, giving customers an early look at the latest additive manufacturing innovations from Ricoh.
Ricoh is a global technology company that has been transforming the way people work for more than 80 years. Under its corporate tagline – imagine. change. – Ricoh continues to empower companies and individuals with services and technologies that inspire innovation, enhance sustainability and boost business growth. These include document management systems, IT services, production print solutions, visual communications systems, digital cameras, and industrial systems.Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ending March 2016, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,209 billion yen (approx. 19.6 billion USD)
Solvay Performance Polyamides is the global specialist in polyamide-based engineering plastics, with more than 60 years of experience in the development, manufacture and marketing of a complete range of high-performance materials under the Technyl® brand for demanding applications in automotive, consumer goods and electrical markets. With a growth strategy bolstered by thirteen production sites worldwide, the Global Business Unit employs its expertise and innovation capabilities in order to serve the needs of its customers more closely through a global network of technical and R&D centers.
Learn more about the Technyl® brand at http://www.technyl.com and follow us on Twitter @Technyl.
