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Technology

Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF)

Additive manufacturing process for plastics

In Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF), print heads apply an infrared-sensitive high absorption fluid to the plastic powder. The marked areas are then fused layer by layer to form the component.

SAF is designed for durable, stable plastic parts and is more economical for series production than other additive processes. This makes the technology particularly suitable for series production, spare parts and end-use parts.

Suitable materials

Polyamide PA 11, 3d printing plastic, technology SAF

For plastic parts with very high durability and availability

3D-Druck-Material-PA11-Technologie-SAF-Jellypipe-Ans1

Features:

  • Density [g/cm3] 0.99
  • Tensile strength [MPa] 48
  • E-Modulus [Gpa] 1.60
  • Heat deflection temp @0.45 MPa [°C] 185 (ASTM D648)
  • Elongation at break [%] 45
  • Shore Hardness 75D

Applications:

Plastic parts with very high durability and availability
Series components (cheaper in series than PA12)

Advantages:

  • Longevity
  • Production of larger quantities
  • High strength & stability
  • Flexible prototypes
  • Minimum wall thicknesses
  • Good resolution and detail
  • High diversity of variants
  • Versatile aftercare
  • No support material (support) necessary

PA 11 is usually obtained from castor oil and is an ecologically friendly product. It has better mechanical properties than petrochemically produced PA12: higher ductility, impact strength (notched impact strength), abrasion and fatigue resistance, improved isotropy, better chemical resistance. The temperature resistance of PA11 is comparable to PA12.

 

Frequently asked questions about Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF)

What is Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF)?

SAF is a powder bed process for plastics. Print heads apply an infrared-sensitive fluid to the powder, and the marked areas are fused layer by layer. The result is durable, stable plastic parts.

What is SAF suitable for?

SAF is suitable for series production, spare parts production and end-use parts – wherever plastic parts need to be highly durable and available in order to reduce downtime.

Why is SAF economical for series production?

SAF is more economical for series production than other additive processes. In addition, PA 11 components are cheaper than PA 12 components in series production.

How large can SAF components be?

The maximum build space is 315 x 208 x 293 mm.

Which material is used for SAF?

SAF processes polyamide PA 11, which is usually derived from castor oil. Compared with PA 12, it offers higher ductility and impact strength, better abrasion and fatigue resistance, improved isotropy and better chemical resistance, with comparable temperature resistance.

Does SAF require support structures?

No. SAF does not require any support material.

Note about material properties

Note: Please note that the listed values of the properties (e.g. tensile strength) refer to the properties of the material in an unprocessed state. Hoffmann AM can not guarantee the information below. In the printed state, the values may deviate from the specifications.

If a material in practice is pushed to the limits of the stated values, the component itself should be tested. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.