Additive Manufacturing (AM) is an emerging technology which has seen enormous growth in recent times. In spite of the rapid growth in AM, or maybe because of it, a number of economic and scientific questions and challenges remain. One of these challenges is to increase the spectrum of different materials which are available for AM and to qualify which materials can be combined effectively. Addressing these challenges is the primary aim of an international collaborative project between research institutions and industry from Germany and South Africa called MultiMat³. The core innovation objectives for MultiMat3 are the development and optimization of new polymer compounds using a number of materials which include Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) based nanocomposites, semi-crystalline polymers, and multi-material combinations for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and the droplet-based Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF). 

Some results from MultiMat³ will be presented including the evaluation of the processing behaviour, such as thermal and rheological behaviour. There will be given some insights into process-induced morphology and resulting mechanical properties of the printed parts with regard to layer adhesion of single- and multi-material parts.

This project is co-financed with tax revenues on the basis of the budget passed by the Saxon state parliament.