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We continuously strive to develop and improve polymer selective laser sintering (SLS) materials and are proud to share our newest development in the polyamide 12 (PA 12) material portfolio: ALM PA 950 HD. This material tackles one of the largest areas of improvement for polymer 3D printing – maximizing material reusability. ALM PA 950 HD is designed to champion polymer AM material recyclability while improving stability, surface finish, and efficiency for your next AM part production.
Traditional SLS materials often require extensive post-processing to achieve a smooth surface, but this material has been formulated to deliver a high-definition surface finish directly out of the build job. This smoother surface is particularly beneficial for applications where aesthetics are important, such as consumer products, or when parts require a precise fit with other components. The reduced need for post-processing also shortens production time and preserves fine details, which is critical for intricate designs.
ALM PA 950 HD uses a unique mixing technique to incorporate black pigment uniformly throughout the powder. This results in parts with a deep, consistent color that doesn’t fade or appear patchy, enhancing both the aesthetics and the perceived quality of the final product.
Most AM polymers tend to become more viscous (thicker and harder to melt) as they are repeatedly exposed to the high temperatures during the build process of SLS systems. This change in viscosity can affect how the material melts, leading to inconsistencies in part quality. ALM PA 950 HD tackles this issue with a stabilized polymer formulation that maintains consistent viscosity over multiple uses.
As a result, the material can be reused more effectively, reducing waste and costs. In practice, a 20% refresh rate—which involves mixing 20% of fresh powder with used powder—helps maintain consistent part properties across builds. This level of reusability is particularly advantageous for high-volume or iterative production processes where material costs and consistency are major considerations.
ALM PA 950 HD has the potential for near zero-waste operation. Achieving a high reuse rate—up to 80%—is feasible under optimal conditions, such as maintaining a 9% nesting density (the ratio of part volume to build volume) and careful powder handling during unpacking. With this approach, AM users can minimize powder waste, lowering the cost-per-part (CPP) by as much as 35% compared to traditional SLS materials.
This efficiency is particularly relevant in industries where sustainability and cost reduction are top priorities. The ability to reuse powder without significant loss of quality helps reduce the environmental impact of additive manufacturing while also producing a more economically viable option for large-scale production.
In terms of mechanical properties, ALM PA 950 HD aligns closely with typical PA 12 materials, making it a versatile option for a wide range of applications. The key material properties include:
These figures show the material handles mechanical stress well, making it suitable for both prototyping and functional end-use parts. The balance of strength and flexibility allows it to be used in diverse industries, from automotive to consumer goods.
Currently, ALM PA 950 HD is compatible with several SLS systems, including the EOS P 396, EOS P3 NEXT, and EOS P 500, as well as various non-EOS platforms through support from our Integra Service Team. It is also integrated into software environments designed for statistical process control, which AM operators monitor and maintain consistent quality across builds.
ALM PA 950 HD is also compatible with third-party post-processing solutions, like those from DyeMansion, further enhancing its versatility. This allows users to achieve specific finishes, such as polished surfaces or custom colors, depending on the requirements of the application. Looking ahead, the development team is working on expanding the material lineup:
ALM PA 950 HD represents a significant advancement in SLS polymer materials, providing improved surface quality, color consistency, and exceptional reusability. Its stabilized formulation helps maintain consistent performance across multiple uses, making it a reliable choice for manufacturers looking to optimize their SLS printing processes while enhancing their material reusability.
As industrial polymer 3D printing continues to grow, materials like ALM PA 950 HD are positioned to play a key role in enabling more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable production practices. Whether you are looking to enhance part quality, reduce material waste, or explore new applications, this material provides a robust solution for a wide range of SLS projects.
Chat with an ALM team member today to learn more about ALM PA 950 HD and our portfolio of customized polymer AM materials available for your next 3D printed application.
Let our team identify or engineer
the perfect solution for your application.