3D-plastic printing
Stereolithography, accurate to a hundredth of a millimetre
3D printing dates back to the 1980s. Stereolithography (SLA) is the original method that is still in practice today. Photosensitive liquid synthetic resins are hardened layer by layer in the 3D printer by the UV component of the laser light. Stereolithography enables the highest accuracy thanks to its high resolution. Complex and self-supporting shapes require support structures: mounts and supports that are removed in an additional step after the printing process.
Stereolithography is mainly used for the aerodynamic development of our Formula One car in the wind tunnel. We also manufacture a wide variety of laminating moulds and cores, and we produce complex serial parts.
Selective laser sintering – fast, light, strong
The carbon-reinforced polyamide HiPAC is a proprietary development by Sauber Engineering. The powder-based material is melted in layers by selective laser sintering (SLS). The SLS process does not require support structures. It is used when particularly light and rigid components are required – from Formula One brake ventilation and body components for pre-production vehicles and prototypes to a wide range of ready-to-use construction elements.
Win-win cooperation
Our partner in the areas of SLA and SLS printing is 3D Systems, with whom we have been working closely for over ten years. In this constellation, we are also involved in the continuous development of processes and equipment, some of which we have adapted and modified to our specific needs.
Material overview and 3D plastic printing dimensions
Parameter | HiPAC (SLS) 1) | Bluestone (SLA) 2) | HPC (SLA) 2) | Xtreme (SLA) 2) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Density sintered at 25°C | approx. 1,2g/cm³ | |||
Density solid at 25°C | 1.78g/cm³ | 1.61g/cm³ | 1.19g/cm³ | |
E module bending | 7327MPa | 8300 - 9800 MPa | 9000-9700MPa | 1520 - 2070MPa |
Flexural strength | 132MPa | 124 - 154 MPa | 137-157 MPa | 52 - 71 MPa |
E module tensile force | 8304MPa | 7600 - 11700MPa | 8700-1200MPa | 1790 - 1980 MPa |
Tensile strength | 85MPa | 66 - 68 MPa | 66-89MPa | 38 - 44MPa |
Crack expansion | 2.7% | 1.4 - 2.4 % | 0.8-1.9% | 14-22% |
Melting point | 172-176 °C | |||
Heat resistance | ca. 170°C | 54°C | ||
Glass transition temp. | 71 - 83 °C | 62-73°C | ||
Build Size |
500 x 500 x 750 mm
500 x 500 x 440 mm |
650 x 750 x 480 mm | 650 x 750 x 480 mm | 650 x 750 x 480 mm |