JuggerBot 3D launches new PVC 3D printer

JuggerBot 3D, a large-format industrial 3D printing company, has launched the Tradesman Series P3-44 ASTRA, an LFAM system designed specifically to address the challenges of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing. It was developed in partnership with IPEX Technologies Inc., a leader in thermoplastic piping systems, with the intent of providing new capabilities for industrial printing of PVC-based components and end-use parts.

PVC, with an annual global production of over 50 million tons, is valued for its chemical resistance, flame retardancy, and mechanical durability. However, its use in AM has been limited by the need for precise fume management and material handling. JuggerBot 3D’s P3-44 ASTRA addresses these challenges through advanced process controls and safety systems – designed for operator safety, equipment longevity, and the environment during printing operations.

The ASTRA builds on JuggerBot 3D’s expertise in material testing and process control to handle the unique challenges of PVC and maximize process controls currently in place within the base model of the Tradesman Series P3-44. The system is engineered to handle the unique challenges of PVC with corrosion-resistant components and targeted fume extraction at the point of print deposition while maintaining the same structural integrity of the base Tradesman Series P3-44 unit.

The P3-44 system incorporates advanced technologies to ensure seamless operation while accommodating users and the environment for the challenges PVC presents. Proper safety procedures required for observation during the operation of the unit include:

The P3-44 ASTRA is intended to impact industries requiring PVC’s unique material properties, such as chemical resistance and long-term durability. Key uses include, but are not limited to, body molds, ducting and pipe systems, and medical housings and enclosures where material stability is critical.

“This project represents an important step forward in additive manufacturing for industrial materials,” said Brian Zellers, Product Development Manager at JuggerBot 3D. “We take pride in proclaiming that we can process a wide array of performance thermoplastics, including PVC. By advancing preexistent process controls in our base P3-44, we’ve developed a system that offers safety and performance, enabling operators to leverage PVC’s material benefits through reliable 3D printing technology.”