PA11 Detect - SLS Printing Powder

Fabulous is a manufacturer dedicated to the development and production of powder bed additive manufacturing materials. It produces functional and application-specific high-performance materials compatible with both laser sintering and irradiation technologies.

Image 1: Fabulous powder range. Source: Fabulous

It is mainly known for its blue materials for the food industry.

In recent years, the demand for open 3D printing systems, compatible with new materials developed by specialised companies, has been growing. This has led to a growing tendency for manufacturers to give users the option to parameterise and use materials from any manufacturer, either originally or through software updates of the equipment. This trend, which started with filament technologies, has recently spread to other technologies such as resin and powder bed printing. With a few exceptions such as Formlabs, which does not allow its equipment to be open to materials from other manufacturers, most manufacturers such as Sinterit allow and even encourage the use of materials from any manufacturer through open parameters.

Image 2: Sinterit NILS 480 industrial printer, with the possibility of configuring up to 50 different parameters. Source: Sinterit.

PA11 Detect is an innovative material based on additivated polyamide 11 compatible with most open powder bed manufacturing equipment, mostly with the Sinterit and Sintratec desktop SLS 3D printers. It is the first functional material developed specifically for the food industry. It combines high mechanical and thermal properties, good finish quality, food contact certification and functionality for magnetic or X-ray detection.

First functional material for the food sector

PA11 Detect, like BlueCare, is certified as compliant with European regulations No. 10/2011 and No. 202/2014 governing the manufacture of plastic materials and articles intended for contact with foodstuffs.

Image 3: Dispensing nozzle made of PA11 BlueCare. Source Fabulous.

By complying with these regulations, it is ensured that the OML (overall migration limits) and SML (specific migration limits) values are below the maximum permitted values, which guarantees that there is no transfer of non-volatile substances from the plastic to the food even at high temperatures.

In order to ensure the highest quality, the material has been tested according to EN 1186-1, EN 1186-3 and EN 1186-15:2002.

PA11 Detect not only has the characteristics of food contact suitability, but goes one step further by adding functionality to the material. Thanks to its formulation and additives, parts made with PA11 Detect can be detected by magnetic and X-ray imaging systems.

This functionality makes it possible to easily locate the elements produced with this material within a production line or when it is mixed with other materials.

Video 1: Magnetic test of a test tube made of PA11 Detect. Source: Fabulous

In addition, it has the ability to be magnetisable, facilitating not only the detection but also the removal of components made with PA11 Detect.

HIGH MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PERFORMANCE

Like PA11 BlueCare, Detect is based on polyamide 11, which gives it excellent mechanical properties and high temperature resistance.

Like BlueCare, it has a Young's modulus of 1.8 GPa and a flexural modulus of over 1.5 GPa, but it has a higher stiffness, with a strain at break of only 7.5 %. In addition, it can withstand working temperatures in excess of 100°C, an important requirement in many food applications.

Image 4: Various components produced with PA11 Detect. Source: Fabulous

Applications

Like PA11 BlueCare, Detect is intended for the food industry. It is suitable for the production of components and tooling for production lines which, in addition to food compatibility, require to be easily recognisable by magnetic walk-through detectors. This includes elements of conveyor belts, holders, separators, robotic fingers and grippers, containers, etc. 

However, its application is not restricted to the food sector. Its X-ray opacity makes it a very interesting material for the production of radiopaque phantoms and components for the medical and industrial inspection industries, as well as in the production of specialised instrumentation equipment.

Image 5: Examples of parts and components manufactured with PA11 Detect. Source: Fabulous.

PA11 Detect is a functional material with a wide range of applications in various sectors thanks to its innovative properties.

High compatibility

PA11 Detect is highly compatible with most powder bed additive manufacturing systems, whether by laser sintering (LS, SLS) or irradiation (IRS). Its dark blue colour favours laser or lamp absorption of virtually any commercial system, as most of them use infrared wavelengths, providing excellent performance even with the low-power NIR lasers of compact format systems.

When using this equipment, it is necessary to have open parameters and to know how they work. In case of doubt, the equipment manufacturer or supplier can be consulted to verify the availability or possibility of activating the open parameters.

PA11 Detect represents a major leap in the availability of materials for open 3D printing systems, introducing functional powders with magnetic sensing and radiopacity properties. This complements the manufacturers' own range and opens up the possibility of new applications.