SPRINT

The objectives of this project are to develop a more compact and energy efficient SLP machine develop a range of high performance polymeric build materials and to evaluate the process in several demanding end-use applications. In this way the promise of flexible sustainable RM of high performance polymeric parts will be commercially realised. SLP is the first commercial RM process invented, designed and Current Rapid Manufacturing RM methods are unable to manufactured in the UK. Produce parts with properties that match conventional injection mouldings. In particular parts suffer from poor impact properties and low elongation to failure. This prevents the most challenging and commercially rewarding applications, for the production of precise complex parts using high performance polymers from being exploited. In the new Selective Laser Printing SLP process fine polymeric powder is precisely deposited using an adapted industrial laser print head and the entire layer is fused with an infrared radiant heater. Because every layer is fused under controlled heat and pressure a fully consolidated material is produced with outstanding mechanical properties. In addition the SLP process offers higher processing speed excellent resolution and even precise control of local material composition. Initial investigation of the SLP process was undertaken by DMU and MTT under the EU funded Custom Fit CF project which has enabled a patent to be filed and proof of concept to be demonstrated. However to enable the SLP process to be commercially exploited further development is required.