Additive manufacturing now enables a wide range of applications in different industries. From the production of prototypes to small batch production and the manufacture of functional end products, 3D printing opens up new possibilities. However, in order to realise the full potential of this technology and gain the trust of users, it is essential that safety standards are met.
Especially in industries such as electronics, automotive and aerospace, protection against fire hazards is crucial. The use of flame retardant materials that meet UL-94V0 certification is therefore becoming increasingly relevant. In our latest blog post, you can learn how SLA, SLS and FDM technology can be used to produce high-quality components that meet these strict safety standards.
UL-94V0 certification is an internationally recognised standard for fire safety testing of materials. It ensures that a material is self-extinguishing and has low flame spread in the event of a fire. This is particularly important in industries such as electronics, where highly flammable materials are used, and in the automotive and aerospace industries, where occupant safety is a top priority.
The certification gives manufacturers, developers and customers the assurance that the materials used meet strict safety standards and provide a high level of fire protection. Using flame retardant materials with this certification can minimise potential risks and create a safer environment.
Interesting examples of these flame retardant materials are PA2210-FR, a polyamide 12, and the special Flame Retardant Resin from Formlabs.
PA2210-FR is an engineering plastic based on polyamide 12 (PA12) which is characterised by a high tensile strength of 41-46 MPa, high thermal resistance, flame retardancy, a melting temperature of 185 °C and low toxicity. This polyamide has a halogen-free chemical flame retardant, which gives it a flame-retardant effect. In the event of fire, a highly carbonising layer forms on the surface, insulating the underlying material and thus ensuring fire protection. In addition, it has a high chemical resistance and higher stiffness than unfilled PA12.
PA2210-FR is a high-performance material for 3D printing that meets the high safety requirements and the UL94-V0 fire protection standard. This makes it suitable for use in fire protection areas of all kinds, as well as in automotive engineering, aviation (e.g. ventilation ducts), construction or electrical engineering and electronics.
Formlabs Flame Retardant Resin consists of self-extinguishing and halogen-free SLA material certified to UL 94 V-0. In addition to flame retardant properties, it also offers excellent dimensional stability and surface quality, especially for applications in the electronics sector where low flame spread and low smoke emission are of great importance. The resin has a tensile strength of 46 MPa, a flexural strength of 41 MPa and a hardness of 87 Shore D. It can withstand temperatures up to 180 °C. It can withstand temperatures up to 180 °C and has a low linear shrinkage of less than 0.3 %. It offers a variety of benefits, including its heat-resistant and creep-resistant nature, as well as its ability to be rigid and functional. It can also withstand high stresses, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.
The use of advanced 3D printing technologies such as selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modelling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) opens up new possibilities for the application of flame-retardant materials and the production of safety-relevant components.
In selective laser sintering, a material in powder form, such as polyamide, is fused layer by layer with a laser beam. This technique allows the use of flame retardant materials as the powder is heated and fused during the printing process. This creates robust and functional components with flame-retardant properties.
In Fused Deposition Modelling, a thermoplastic filament is extruded through a heated nozzle and applied layer by layer to form the desired part. There are now flame retardant filaments available for use in FDM printers that have good strength and flame retardancy. This technique can be used to produce complex components that meet fire safety standards.
In stereolithography, a liquid resin is cured layer by layer using a UV laser. There are special flame retardant resins that have been developed for use in SLA printers. These materials offer high detail, surface quality and flame retardancy. SLA printers enable the production of precise and functional components with flame retardant properties.
The use of these advanced 3D printing technologies opens up new possibilities for the production of components with flame-retardant materials. From functional prototypes to safety-critical components, these techniques can make production more efficient, flexible and cost-effective without compromising on the required fire safety standards.
Automotive industry:
Aerospace:
Electronics industry:
Medical technology:
Manufacturing:
The continuous development of 3D printing processes and flame retardant materials opens up even more possibilities in the future. New material formulations and improved printing technologies could lead to the production of components with even higher fire safety properties and a wider range of applications.
The use of flame-retardant materials in 3D printing has the potential to revolutionise the way we manufacture safety-relevant components. It enables customised and tailor-made production of components that meet the highest safety standards. As these technologies become more widely accepted and developed, 3D printing with flame-retardant materials will certainly play an increasingly important role in various industries and help to improve the safety and efficiency of products.
Read more about the most commonly
used materials, and how
to find the right one:
Additive manufacturing offers an economical
alternative to traditional methods
in the area of metals too.
If you already have a 3D printing project, you can upload the file to a Solution Partner Store and immediately find out the price and delivery times, or place the order. If you have any questions or a complex project, we will be happy to advise you at any time. Select your contact person and contact us.
We would be happy to advise you in detail about the use of flame-retardant materials. Write to us or simply give us a call: our experts are always available for you.
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