Characteristics of 3D Printed Biopolymers for Applications in High-Voltage Electrical Insulation

Three-dimensional printing technology is constantly developing and has a wide range of applications; one application is electrical insulation, where the standard technology uses polymer-based filaments. Thermosetting materials (epoxy resins, liquid silicone rubbers) are broadly used as electrical insulation in high-voltage products. In power transformers, however, the main solid insulation is based on cellulosic materials (pressboard, crepe paper, wood laminates). There are a vast variety of transformer insulation components that are produced using the wet pulp molding process. This is a labor-intensive, multi-stage process that requires long drying times. In this paper, a new material, microcellulose-doped polymer, and manufacturing concept for transformer insulation components are described. Our research focuses on bio-based polymeric materials with 3D printability functionalities. A number of material formulations were tested and benchmark products were printed. Extensive electrical measurements were performed to compare transformer components manufactured using the traditional process and 3D printed samples. The results are promising but indicate that further research is still required to improve printing quality.