BASF Ultrasint AP26

The BASF Ultrasint portfolio of 3D printing powders contains many high performance and easy-to-use powders for versatile applications. One of those materials is the Ultrasint AP26 powder - based on PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), a high strength material commonly used in traditional injection-molded electronic auto parts due to its electronic insulation properties and solvent resistance (electrical properties and chemical properties can be consulted upon request).

Video 1: The benefits of 3D printing with Ultrasint AP26. Source: BASF.

Ultrasint AP26 is also characterized by balanced mechanical properties, high processing stability in large temperature window, high detail resolution even with complex shapes, and easy post-processing of the parts' surface by chemical smoothing, dyeing or coating. Chemical smoothing will improve material performance while enhancing the appeal, durability, surface roughness and overall quality, giving them a look and feel comparable to injection molding. Coating of parts made with Ultrasint AP26 can be done with the help of BASF's Ultracur3D Coat F+ and Ultracur3D Hardener F+.

Image 1: Perfume caps 3D printed with BASF Ultrasint AP26. Source: BASF.

Another attractive features of this material is that it is up to 100 % reusable, which makes is an eco-friendly zero-waste material, ideal for efficient and rentable industrial manufacturing in series. In comparison with PA12, Ultrasint AP26 allows to prototype for half the cost per job, with up to 85 % lower material costs due to lower material price and 100 % refresh rate. Furthermore, the 100 % refresh rate eliminates the need for material preparation, thus shortening the 3D printing workflow by 2 hours.

Image 2: Prototyping with PA12 vs. BASF Ultrasint AP26. Source: BASF.

Ultrasint AP26 can be used on most open-source industrial SLS 3D printers such as Prodways' P1000 / P100X, 3D Systems' Sinterstations / Vanguard / sPro 60, Farsoon's HT403P / HT/ST25xP / SS403P / eForm or EOS's P1xx.

Image 3: A glorifier 3D printed with BASF Ultrasint AP26. Source: BASF.

The ideal applications for the BASF Ultrasint AP26 powder are economic and functional form & fit prototypes, high performance and affordable series and spare parts, multi-purpose industrial goods, especially for the electric and electronics industry, durable and rigid tooling, abrasion proof fixtures and even arquitectural models and design models.