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3D Printing

3D Printing with Metal and Polymers

Complex, functional, and custom-made components, directly from the raw material.

Additive Manufacturing Process

Additive Manufacturing Process

One process, multiple technologies

3D printing is an integral part of Simaform's advanced manufacturing expertise. Using several complementary technologies, we are able to produce high-precision technical components in metal or polymer tailored to the most stringent industry requirements.

This additive manufacturing process opens the door to greater design freedom, significant weight savings, and faster production times.

3D Printing Technologies - Our services

3D Printing Technologies

Processes tailored to every requirement

We use a number of different 3D printing technologies to meet the functional, mechanical, and geometric constraints of the components being produced.

SLM (Selective Laser Melting)

Selective laser melting enables components to be manufactured by printing them layer by layer. A spatula or roller applies a layer of powder to a plate, which the laser fuses to the plate. A second layer is applied and the laser fuses it to the first layer. All of this follows the design and program created in a programming application.

SLA (Stereolithography)

Stereolithography, more commonly known as resin printing, is a printing technology that allows objects to be manufactured in 3D, layer by layer. It works by using light to harden a liquid resin. The light transforms the resin into solid plastic. It allows for high dimensional accuracy and an excellent surface finish, ideal for visual prototypes or high-resolution models.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

FDM technology is a printing method that involves melting a filament and depositing it layer by layer onto a plate. A laser head or print nozzle melts the filament, which immediately solidifies on contact with either the plate or the previous layer until the desired object is created.

Materials - Our services

Materials

A wide range of technical metals and polymers

Carefully selected materials enable us to cater to a wide range of industrial applications, from aerospace to medical.

Metals:

  • 17-4PH & 316L stainless steel: used for their superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, and for applications in many different fields.
  • Maraging steel (standard & 60): used for highly resistant, temperable and low-deformation components, often used in the construction industry.
  • AlSi10Mg aluminum alloy: lightweight, robust, and high-performance, ideal for prototypes or thin-walled components.

Technical filament polymers:

Our materials meet the most varied mechanical, thermal and chemical requirements, and include high-performance materials such as PEKK (semi-crystalline polymer), PC (polycarbonate), PA-CF (carbon-filled polyamide), PA-GF (glass-filled polyamide) and PA 12 (polyamide 12) as well as standard thermoplastics such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), PP (polypropylene), PLA (polylactic acid), PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), HIPS (high impact polystyrene), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), POM (polyoxymethylene/acetal), PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), and PA66 (polyamide 6.6).

Polymer Resin Materials:

Technical resins (flame retardant, high temperature, strengthened) and functional resins (elastomers, rigid, impact), or specific resins (jewelry, molding, ceramics), with precise formulations for each use.

Applications - Our services

Applications

From single parts to large-scale production

Our 3D printing solutions are engineered for demanding industrial sectors. They permit:

  • The rapid prototyping of functional or aesthetic parts.
  • The production of complex components that cannot be manufactured using traditional processes.
  • The manufacture of lightweight or optimized components for the aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, watchmaking, electronics, and precision engineering industries.
  • The creation of specific tools, templates, or spare parts with high added value.

The flexibility of our technologies and the diversity of materials available enable us to tailor our offering to the specific requirements of each project.