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Applications for 3D Printed PTFE
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Print-on-demand-meets PTFE
3M now offers the design flexibility of additive manufacturing combined with the versatility of PTFE. Small, intricate parts that are impractical or impossible to machine from PTFE can now be manufactured on demand, creating a new world of possibilities – and a new way of doing business. Whether you need rapid prototyping, small batch manufacturing or serial production, 3M can help bring your design to life.
Read more about our manufacturing services, technology and capabilities, or keep reading to explore the possibilities of 3D printed PTFE.
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Where 3D printing fits best
Additive manufacturing is best suited for producing small, intricate parts. Simple geometries or thick parts that are already manufactured by conventional methods, such as CNC machining, may not be cost-efficient to produce via 3D printing. But if your application requires the unique properties of PTFE and a freedom of design unattainable by traditional processing techniques, then 3M’s proprietary 3D printing technology may be the solution.
3M can manufacture PTFE parts with complex geometries, honeycombed structures, micro-features, integrated assemblies and more – giving you more design flexibility. At the same time, you can benefit from the inherent production efficiency of additive manufacturing by eliminating the need for tooling and accelerating design iteration. Compared to subtractive manufacturing techniques, 3D printed PTFE may even help reduce material waste. And by printing parts on demand, you can avoid the need for extensive (and expensive) inventories.
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Industries
For over 50 years, PTFE materials from 3M have performed in demanding environments where no other material can survive. Now, you can harness our extensive fluoropolymer expertise and unique additive manufacturing capabilities to get PTFE parts custom 3D printed for your application.
This technology may be ideal for applications in chemical processing, electronics and energy, transportation, healthcare, defense and other technically demanding industries. For certain applications, special considerations may apply:
- Medical: 3D printed PTFE may be well suited for certain medical or veterinary applications. However, kindly understand that 3M company policy does not allow the production of 3D printed PTFE parts that are intended to be used as permanent implants in people or animals.
- Military: If you are active in the military sector, please contact us directly to discuss the possible need for non-disclosure agreements and other considerations that may apply.
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Potential applications
The possibilities are virtually endless: complex shapes, miniaturized structures, and other nonmachinable features, combined with PTFE’s outstanding resistance to chemicals and extreme temperatures. The parts listed below are just a few of the promising applications for 3D printed PTFE:
- Agitators and mixing elements
- Assay trays
- Centrifuge tubes
- Complex fittings and seals
- Electrical connectors and antennas
- Honeycomb structures
- Micro-reactors
- Nozzles
- Parts with integrated cooling channels
- Specialty connectors
- Wave guides
Want to learn more?
Check out the links below for more information.
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Take our Tech Check and download the Design Guidelines (PDF, 217.10 KB) to make sure your part is a good candidate for 3D printing.
If you’re ready to get started, or if you have any questions, please reach out to a 3M expert.