Food-safe 3D printing for abrasion and wear-resistant parts

The laser sintering material iglide i6 complies with the food-specific regulations of the FDA and of EU 10/2011 and can therefore be used in numerous applications in the food and beverage industry. Due to the SLS method, special parts, prototypes and volumes can be made in our undefined in quantities from 1 to 10,000 in only 3 days. Out of all the 3D printing materials that are processed by igus and are compliant with food-specific regulations, iglide i6 is chosen the most frequently. This is due to the greater strength, better surface and lower component price.
 
The component materials of iglide i6 make this high-performance polymer not only especially hygienic but also especially capable of sliding. It is therefore often requested for applications in which an especially low degree of friction is required, for example worm wheels. The SLS powder can be purchased in our shop and processed with all regular laser sintering equipment.

The abrasion-resistant high-temperature tribo-filament® iglide A350 was specially developed for the food and packaging industry. The raw material is compliant with EU 10/2011 and FDA food-contact regulations and is blue all the way through for reasons of detectability. Printed parts made of iglide A350 are temperature-resistant up to 180°C, are flame-retardant in accordance with UL94-V0 and can also be sterilized with hot steam. Due to its high processing temperature of 340-360°C as well as a mandatory build chamber temperature of min. 160°C, a high-temperature 3D printer is required for processing. If no such a printer is available for use, wear-resistant parts made of iglide A350 can be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively in the igus undefined.