Large-scale 3D printing and igus® High-Performance Filaments

SINGAPORE - July 29, 2026 - PRLog -- When conventional manufacturing methods became too costly and slow for small-batch custom components, Brinkmann Technology found an innovative solution in large-scale 3D printing powered by igus® tribologically optimized materials. The family-owned specialist in tube chain conveyor systems has built a fleet of 31 industrial FDM 3D printers, enabling rapid, cost-effective production of wear-resistant conveyor discs and spare parts.

Brinkmann Technology develops energy-efficient tube chain conveyors used across industries including food processing and plastics manufacturing. When customers require non-standard disc sizes, traditional processes such as injection moulding and CNC machining can involve tooling costs exceeding €50,000 and lead times of up to four months. To overcome these challenges, the company turned to additive manufacturing.

The breakthrough came with the adoption of igus iglidur® i151 filament, a wear-resistant, food-safe 3D printing material specifically engineered for industrial applications. According to igus, the material delivers up to 100 times longer service life than standard plastics such as ABS and nylon in wear-critical applications. It is also compliant with FDA and EU 10/2011 food-contact requirements, making it ideal for handling products such as coffee beans.

To support production, Brinkmann Technology invested in 2.4 tonnes of igus filament, allowing its 31-printer fleet to manufacture 5,000 conveyor discs for two major projects. Operating continuously around the clock for three months, the printers produced robust components that could be installed directly onto conveyor chains without additional reinforcement, reducing assembly time and accelerating project delivery.

Beyond production efficiency, igus 3D printing materials help enhance aftermarket support. Instead of maintaining extensive inventories of custom parts, Brinkmann Technology can now produce and ship replacement components within hours, minimizing costly customer downtime. The self-lubricating properties of iglidur® filaments further enable low-friction, hygienic operation without external lubricants.

"Our goal has always been to implement solutions faster and better than the competition," said Dr Florian Brinkmann, Strategist at Brinkmann Technology. "With 3D printing and igus high-performance polymers, we can manufacture special components quickly, economically, and with the reliability our customers expect."

By combining large-scale additive manufacturing, wear-resistant igus materials, and on-demand production capabilities, Brinkmann Technology has transformed the way custom conveyor components and spare parts are manufactured, setting a new benchmark for flexibility, speed, and cost efficiency in industrial engineering.

Find out more at https://www.igus.sg/3d-printing
Request free sample at https://www.igus.sg/service/contact/3d-printing-sample-box