Additive/3D Printing

Industrial 3D Printed Wear Components Made from High-Performance Plastics

Nov. 16, 2022

Nicole Lang, iglide product manager at igus, explains how SLS materials are being developed for use across industries, from automotive to robotics and packaging.

Rehana Begg

Related To: igus Inc.

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In the second installment of a two-part video series, Nicole Lang, iglide product manager at igus, discussed industry trends and the progress the company has made in developing powdered laser sintering material for 3D printers.

Lightweighting in aerospace: Component reliability in aerospace is especially important, and Lang believes igus has excelled in this area due to its unique ability to use lightweight materials. In aircraft interiors, where reducing weight is critical, igus has developed everything from food trays to compartments for food storage, tray tables, first class seats and privacy dividers, Lang said.
Increased automation: A drastic increase in automation and robotics applications in general has meant that igus can offer low-cost automation through its own robotic offerings. Lang described how igus is using low-maintenance components such as plastic bearings to reduce downtime. Similar to the aerospace industry, lightweighting has a role to play in robotics. Since robots run on a battery, reducing the weight of the robot itself will extend to the battery life, she said.
Automotive drones and electric vehicles: Lang explained that growth in the EV space has, where applications stem from a need for faster and more automated solutions, bodes well for igus, too.

Lang also provides examples of the way her team is able to provide value through 3D printing and outlines some of the new SLS materials.

This is the second in a two-part video series. Part 1 can be found here.

About the Author

Rehana Begg | Editor-in-Chief, Machine Design

As Machine Design’s content lead, Rehana Begg is tasked with elevating the voice of the design and multi-disciplinary engineer in the face of digital transformation and engineering innovation. Begg has more than 24 years of editorial experience and has spent the past decade in the trenches of industrial manufacturing, focusing on new technologies, manufacturing innovation and business. Her B2B career has taken her from corporate boardrooms to plant floors and underground mining stopes, covering everything from automation & IIoT, robotics, mechanical design and additive manufacturing to plant operations, maintenance, reliability and continuous improvement. Begg holds an MBA, a Master of Journalism degree, and a BA (Hons.) in Political Science. She is committed to lifelong learning and feeds her passion for innovation in publishing, transparent science and clear communication by attending relevant conferences and seminars/workshops.

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