Solvay, a leading global supplier of specialty polymers, has invited university students from around the world to compete in its Additive Manufacturing Cup by 3D printing complex shapes using the company’s KetaSpire® polyetheretherketone (PEEK) filaments. PEEK is considered one of the highest performing thermoplastic polymers – and one of the most difficult to 3D print.Registration closed at the end of October with over thirty teams from thirteen countries enrolled.
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“3D printing is a remarkable manufacturing technology that is developing quickly,” said Brian Alexander,Additive Manufacturing Manager for Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit. “It can deliver fully functional prototypes as well as cost-efficient singleto small volume applications much faster than traditional manufacturing. However, printing with the world’s best performingpolymers remains a challenge. Solvay’s Additive Manufacturing Cup is to demonstrate that the time has come for this to change.”
Solvay’s growing 3D printing capabilities build on the group’s global leadership in high performance,light-weighting solutions for metal replacement,such as in transport, where they help reduce the weight of cars and planes and therefore CO2 emissions.Solvay’s 3D printable material solutions will help expand the application space for 3D printed parts, offering more design freedom and increasing material efficiency. By involving students who are passionate about game-changing technologies, Solvay seeks to harness their imagination and creativeness to help disrupt existing know-howand drive additive manufacturing to the next level.While universities provide the printing equipment, Solvay will supply PEEK filaments and assist the teams with essential material data for 3D printing.
Solvay’s KetaSpire® PEEK offers an excellent combination of mechanical and chemical resistance even at continuous-use temperatures of up to 240°C. It inherently possesses excellent insulation and electrical resistance properties as well as low moisture and flame retardancy. Leveraging these outstanding properties for 3D printing opens up incredible opportunities for tomorrow’s light-weighting applications.
The final parts printed by each student team will be evaluated on their mechanical stability and aesthetic qualitiesby an international panel of Solvay polymer, design and additive manufacturing specialists. Winners will be announced on March 22, 2018, and receive first, second and third prizes of ten, five and three thousand eurosrespectively to be used for academic, entrepreneurial or societal purposes.
About Solvay
Solvay is a multi-specialty chemical company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers in diverse global end markets. Its products and solutions are used in planes, cars, smart and medical devices, batteries, in mineral and oil extraction, among many other applications promoting sustainability. Its light weighting materials enhance cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 27,000 employees in 58 countries. Net sales were € 10.9 billion in 2016, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world's top 3 leaders.
About Solvay Specialty Polymers
Solvay Specialty Polymers manufactures over 1500 products across 35 brands of high-performance polymers – fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, fluorinated fluids, semi-aromatic polyamides, sulfone polymers, ultra-high performance aromatic polymers, and high barrier polymers – for use in Aerospace, Alternative Energy, Automotive, Healthcare, Membranes, Oil and Gas, Packaging, Plumbing, Semiconductors, Wire & Cable, and other industries.
