Large format additive manufacturing system allows operators to process PVC with confidence.
YOUNGSTOWN, OH, Nov 13, 2024 – JuggerBot 3D announces the development of the Tradesman Series P3-44 ASTRA, a large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) system designed specifically to address the challenges of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing. This project has been developed in partnership with IPEX Technologies Inc., a leader in thermoplastic piping systems to provide new capabilities for industrial printing of PVC-based components & end-use parts.
PVC, with an annual global production of over 50 million tons, is valued for its chemical resistance, flame retardancy, and mechanical durability. However, its use in additive manufacturing has been limited by the need for precise fume management and material handling. JuggerBot 3D’s P3-44 ASTRA addresses these challenges through advanced process controls and safety systems, designed for operator safety, equipment longevity, and the environment during printing operations. The ASTRA builds on JuggerBot 3D’s expertise in material testing and process control to handle the unique challenges of PVC & maximize process controls currently in place within the base model of the Tradesman Series P3-44. The system is engineered to handle the unique challenges of PVC with corrosion-resistant components and targeted fume extraction at the point of print deposition while maintaining the same structural integrity of the base Tradesman Series P3-44 unit.
Advanced Process Controls for Safety and Quality
The P3-44 system incorporates advanced technologies to ensure seamless operation while accommodating users and the environment for the challenges PVC presents. Proper safety procedures required for observation during the successful operation of the unit include:
- Prevention: Corrosion-resistant components extend the printer’s lifespan while ensuring PVC processing control. ASTRA has been outfitted with hardware to mitigate these issues and key control components to maintain extrusion temperatures.
- Containment: Processing PVC may release other VOCs that could be harmful over time, making proper containment essential for workplace safety. Additional sealing areas across the already enclosed base P3-44 ensure fumes generated during printing stay within controlled zones.
- Extraction: Equipped with a dual-stage fume extraction system, ASTRA captures fumes emitted throughout the printing process.
- Protection: Improper processing of these materials can produce issues in the production environment. Access to the chamber is prohibited to prevent premature access, ensuring the environment is clear of fumes before the system is opened.
The P3-44 ASTRA is intended to impact industries requiring PVC’s unique material properties, such as chemical resistance and long-term durability. Key uses include, but are not limited to body molds, ducting and pipe systems, and medical housings and enclosures where material stability is critical.
These applications highlight the system’s potential for use in high-demand manufacturing environments, providing new opportunities for industries looking to incorporate additive manufacturing into their operations while maintaining the performance benefits of PVC.
“This project represents an important step forward in additive manufacturing for industrial materials. We pride ourselves that we can process a wide array of performance thermoplastics, including PVC. By advancing preexistent process controls in our base P3-44, we’ve developed a system that offers safety and performance, enabling operators to leverage PVC’s material benefits through reliable 3D printing technology.” says Brian Zellers, product development manager, JuggerBot 3D.
For more information, visit juggerbot3d.com.
