INFILTRATION
SEALING ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED PARTS
Additively manufactured polymer parts can have a certain level of porosity depending on the material and manufacturing process.
Infiltration is used to seal these pores and microcracks within the component. A liquid infiltrant penetrates into the porous structure and cures inside the material.
This can significantly improve the sealing properties of the component without applying a conventional coating layer to the surface.
HOW DOES INFILTRATION WORK?
During the infiltration process, the liquid infiltrant penetrates into open pores and microcracks through capillary action.
Controlled process conditions support the penetration of the infiltrant into the porous structure of the component. After curing, the pores are permanently sealed.
This makes infiltration particularly suitable for functional additively manufactured parts where tightness and resistance to liquids or gases are important.
ADVANTAGES OF INFILTRATION
Infiltration can improve both the functionality and durability of additively manufactured components.
- Sealing of pores and microcracks
- Improved resistance to liquids and gases
- Increased protection against moisture and environmental influences
- Good chemical resistance
- Increased thermal resistance
- No conventional coating layer on the component surface
- Suitable for complex component geometries
- Can be combined with additional finishing processes
FOR FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS
WHEN TIGHTNESS MATTERS
Infiltration is particularly suitable for additively manufactured components where the porous structure of the material could affect the required functionality.
Typical applications include components that come into contact with liquids, gases, moisture or other environmental influences.
The achievable result depends on the material, manufacturing process, component geometry, wall thickness and initial porosity.
DRINKING WATER & FOOD APPLICATIONS
For applications with specific requirements regarding drinking water or food contact, CIPRES can offer suitable infiltration solutions.
The suitability of the finished component depends on the material, application and specific process conditions.
Please contact us with your requirements so that we can evaluate the appropriate solution for your application.
INFILTRATION & FINISHING
MORE THAN JUST SEALING
At CIPRES, infiltration can be integrated into a complete post-processing and finishing process.
Depending on the component and application, infiltration can be combined with processes such as:
Surface Leveling · Tumbling · Dyeing · Painting
This allows us to consider surface quality, color and functional requirements together.
YOU PRINT – WE FINISH.
our parts do not have to be manufactured by CIPRES.
If you manufacture your components in-house or source them from another additive manufacturing provider, you can send them directly to us for infiltration and additional finishing.
Simply provide us with information about the manufacturing technology, material, component and required properties. We will evaluate the appropriate finishing process for your application.
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