Polyamide supplier Domo Chemicals has formed a strategic partnership with Rapid Product Development GmbH, an Austrian leader in advanced 3D printing product development, rapid prototyping, and mechanical processing. The increased use of selective laser sintering (SLS) in high-performance functional parts in automotive and other demanding market segments, has created a need for plastic materials that are capable of bridging the gap between conventional injection molding and 3D printing. Domo’s partnership with RPD is targeted at accelerating this production process transformation, by offering a growing range of dedicated Sinterline PA6 SLS polyamide powders, which are complemented by a complete package of support services.

The collaboration will benefit from RPD’s advanced know-how in application development and SLS process technology. A further advantage comes from the integrated component design capabilities of HUB by Sinterline, Domo’s unique set of SLS services from material selection to stringent physical part testing.

“As our Sinterline Technyl PA6 powders continue to set new standards in functional 3D printed applications, we are delighted to join forces with RPD,” says Dominique Giannotta, Sinterline Program Leader at Domo Chemicals. “This partnership opens up new opportunities for SLS customers in near to small series automotive and other higher-volume application areas beyond prototyping,” he adds.

“Together, we will help designers and manufacturers maximize the benefits of our combined material and process expertise for enhanced product differentiation, faster time-to-market, and greater development cost efficiency in this game changing business,” Giannotta notes.

Domo says that its Sinterline PA6 powders have become the preferred polyamide choice within the 3D printing space. Their performance potential reportedly exceeds that of more conventional PA12 materials used in SLS processes. The product family is available in various unfilled and glass-filled grades. Just recently, a specialized PA6-based powder was added to the range to meet the requirements of functional wear-and-friction components.

“Sinterline has pioneered the use of high-performance PA6 in 3D printing, and allows us to leverage the same polymer base that has proven so successful in many existing injection molding applications,” adds Wolfgang Kraschitzer, General Manager and Plastics Processing Leader at RPD. “Backed by the joint application development services of our companies, even highly stressed automotive components can now be successfully 3D printed in PA6 to near-series and fully functional quality standards.”