Designed for high-performance materials, the Apium P220 3D printer excels in handling complex materials such as CFR-PEEK with its advanced extrusion technology and precise temperature control system. Designed to meet the needs of high-performance materials, the Apium P220 is able to customize its solutions to specific design and application needs through precise parameter adjustments in its software. The Apium P220 is designed to meet the demands of high-performance material printing, and through precise parameterization of the software, it is able to provide customized solutions for specific design and application requirements, making it the ideal choice for complex designs and demanding performance requirements in industrial-scale additive manufacturing.

02｜Approaching CFR-PEEK

• Rigidity and Strength: The addition of carbon fiber significantly improves the load carrying capacity and stability of the material, making it ideal for applications subjected to high stress.
• Wear Resistance: CFR-PEEK exhibits higher wear resistance than other polymer materials , making it suitable for use in the manufacture of products such as gears, bearings and sliding parts that require long-term wear resistance.
• High Temperature Resistance: CFR-PEEK's ability to remain physically and chemically stable at extremely high temperatures makes it suitable for use in high-temperature environments such as automotive engine components, aerospace instruments and industrial heat-treatment equipment.
  

■    Chemical Stability: CFR-PEEK exhibits extremely high resistance to oils, acids, alkalis and many other chemicals, opening up possibilities for applications in chemical processing, oil extraction and medical devices.

This research not only drives further exploration of CFR-PEEK materials in advanced applications, but also opens up new possibilities for other high performance materials using the Apium P220 3D printer. The study optimizes material utilization and achieves a balance of energy efficiency and quality as shown in the chart below (Below: Graphical analysis of the impact of MAR on energy consumption/dimensional accuracy).

• Aerospace : CFR-PEEK provides excellent solutions for aircraft applications with its superior thermal properties. CFR-PEEK is used in a wide range of applications, from internal fittings such as fasteners, to critical equipment such as hydraulic cylinders and C/C brakes. It also plays an important role in door brackets and motor housings in the aerospace sector, and shows potential for a wide range of applications in the satellite sector, particularly in the manufacture of antennas and tubular truss structures.

  

• Automotive Industry: CFR-PEEK is a key material that is indispensable in the manufacture of high-performance automobiles in particular, thanks to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The material's ability to maintain its properties at high temperatures and its excellent fatigue resistance make it an excellent material for automotive components subjected to long runs and extreme conditions. With Apium's 3D printing technology, CFR-PEEK can be used to efficiently produce customized parts with consistent performance, and its high degree of flexibility in the manufacturing process significantly enhances its potential for a wide range of applications in the automotive industry. These unique properties make CFR PEEK an ideal material for the production of critical automotive components such as driveshafts, engine parts and body parts.

  

• Oil and Gas: In the oil and gas industry, CFR-PEEK has also demonstrated its unique value as a high-performance alternative material. Particularly in offshore oil extraction, CFR-PEEK is used to produce key equipment components such as risers, impellers and antenna casings, improving the performance and reliability of the equipment. In addition to its use in extreme operating conditions, CFR-PEEK is also used in the manufacture of various types of pressure vessels, such as compressed gas tanks, where its excellent resistance to extreme operating conditions meets the complex needs of oil and gas processing equipment in harsh environments.

• Semiconductor and Electronics Industry: CFR-PEEK is widely used in critical applications such as electrical insulators, valve components, wafer handling parts, as well as bearings and bushings, etc. The use of CFR-PEEK significantly improves the durability and reliability of these components, especially in high-temperature, high-pressure, and chemically-corrosive environments, where it can safeguard the long-term and stable functioning of equipment. Further, CFR-PEEK's excellent insulating properties and mechanical strength provide significant support for performance enhancement and life extension of electronic products, offering a powerful material solution for technological advances in the semiconductor and electronics fields.

  

The application of CFR-PEEK in key industries such as aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and semiconductors exemplifies its key role in driving technological innovation and enhancing product performance. In this context, the successful implementation of the Apium P220 3D printer has demonstrated the potential of combining additive manufacturing technology with high-performance materials. Further, the Apium P400 adds printing technology advantages such as next-generation heating system, infrared radiation function, precise temperature control and high precision, which further strengthens the ability to integrate research and production and opens up new possibilities for future industrial manufacturing. These technological advantages not only make the production of complex components more efficient and precise, but also ensure the high performance and reliability of products, marking the arrival of a new era of "smart" manufacturing full of innovative design and efficient production capacity.

This deep integration of technology and materials is driving manufacturing towards greater efficiency, flexibility and sustainability, opening up the possibility of more innovation and breakthroughs in the future.

Research Links：Investigation of an Optimal Material Addition Rate for Energy Consumption and Dimensional Accuracy in Fused Filament Fabrication of CFR-PEEK.DOI：10.3390/polym1604049.