Flame-retardant BASF Ultrafuse PPSU facilitates 3D printing of railway parts

Ultrafuse PPSU filament has passed the certification process in which it was tested in terms of its ability to ignite and spread flame. As a result, it has been approved for use during the manufacture of surface and underground rail vehicles, such as high-speed trains, streetcars or subways.

The picture shows a 3D printed handle, which is flame-retardant.

Using Ultrafuse PPSU filament, Zortrax Endureal industrial 3D printer can now produce parts which comply to the fire protection standards in rail traffic. These include parts of seats like grab handles, overhead components, window frames, covers and air ducts. With the filament’s fire protection standard, the printed components minimize the risk of spreading fire in case of an accident, enhancing the safety for passenger onboard.

The picture shows an 3D-printed end-use railroad airduct component.

Engineers from BASF Forward AM made sure that the filament would have superior dimensional accuracy to minimize the need to reprint or redesign parts in case of printing issues. The filament, combined with Endureal’s capability to provide high-temperature 3D printing environment, allows users to produce high-quality parts with consistent precision, as well as to assemble 3D models from several parts.

Moreover, industrial components, such as strong mounting brackets in the picture, made with Ultrafuse PPSU retain their properties and geometry when exposed to high temperatures and steam – up to 220°C for a short contact time, and up to 180°C for longer periods.

The picture shows a strong mounting bracke, which retains its geometry in a wide range of temperatures. 

Another property of Ultrafuse PPSU is its resistance to oils in temperatures reaching 170°C, as well as resistance to fluorine, coolants, lubricants, and fuels. Therefore, 3D printed end-use gauges, valves, tubing, pump housings, or flow pipes in the picture, can be applied in the hydraulic and mechanical industries.

The pictures shows flow pipes resistant to heat and oils.