US plastics compounder A. Schulman (Akron, Ohio; www.aschulman.com) and partner, 3D printing specialist Prodways (Les Mureaux / France; www.prodways.com), have launched a PA 6-12T plastic powder for the 3D printing laser sintering market. They said that the glass-filled material, known as "PA612-GB 3800", is the first plastic powder available for this market, opening up new possibilities for the 3D printing of high-performance parts that are usually made of injected plastic or metal, particularly those used in the aviation, automotive and rail industries. The powder can also be used to make complex geometrical structures such as fuel circuits or pump bodies, which the companies said are difficult or even impossible to produce with conventional injection techniques.

The collaboration between A. Schulman and Prodways started in November 2016. They said this launch was their first major milestone in developing innovative plastic parts that are compatible with all laser sintering systems on the market.

The US compounder is reported to be exploring a sale as it struggles with debts and an outstanding lawsuit – see Plasteurope.com of 10.10.2017.