Graphite Materials invests in the future – and not just once: in our short series “Investing in the future” we will gradually introduce you to our most innovative machines and acquisitions in the context of our news blog. Today: our 3D printer.

Of course, 3D printers are not printers in the classical sense. 3D printers are machines that can produce three-dimensional workpieces from a wide variety of materials – liquid or solid. 3D printing actually originated in the 1980s, but it only became popular a few years ago. 3D printers offer numerous opportunities for industry. That is why we have been working with it since the beginning of the year and have plans for the future.

We are currently using 3D printing for one purpose in particular: we create prototypes. In order to be able to deliver the best possible end product to our customer, we are always looking for new ways to refine our internal work steps even more. So we use 3D printing to create three-dimensional models from two-dimensional ideas. In this way, we can understand during our planning and manufacturing process whether our ideas are suitable and feasible. In this way, we can offer the perfect solution for every customer.

The way 3D printing works can vary from device to device. A distinction is made between different procedures. For example, there is Stereolithography, Selective Laser Sintering, Luminated Object Manufacturing or Fused Deposition Modeling.

We use the latter technique. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a process that is used quite often in modern 3D printers. The starting material is usually a plastic wire, which is also called filament. This plastic is liquefied and pressed into a predetermined position. In the course of the printing process, the material cools down, solidifies and builds up the finished three-dimensional object layer by layer.

We currently use PLA (short for “polylactide”) as a filament. PLA is one of the synthetic polymers that are often called “bioplastics”. In contrast to many other materials for 3D printing, PLA is obtained from renewable raw materials. This material is distinguished by good dimensional stability, high resistance to water, alcohol, fats and oils as well as high scratch resistance.

The 3D printer is also very useful for internal issues – for example for various aids in everyday office work. Thanks to 3D printing, we have many options. There are no limits to creativity either: For the 60th birthday of our managing director, we made a three-dimensional bust using our 5-axis machining center. Here, too, we first created a small model with our 3D printer in order to be able to optimally plan and prepare the gift.

In the future, we want to expand our technology in terms of 3D printing even further: in addition to printing with PLA we also want to print with ceramics soon. We are already thinking one step further and are dealing with the latest technologies of tomorrow. In this way, we can always achieve the best results.