Product category:
Fast prototyping equipment, pattern-making and services
News Release from: DSM Somos | Subject: Multi-purpose stereolithography resin
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 April 2006
Multi-purpose SL resin has PP mechanical
toughness
A multi-purpose stereolithography resin combines the mechanical performance of polypropylene with an aesthetic similar to white injection moulded materials.
DSM Somos is pleased to announce the commercial availability of its newest multi-purpose stereolithography (SL) resin, Somos 9420 EP-White Combining the mechanical performance of polypropylene with an aesthetic similar to white injection moulded materials, EP-White has received positive reviews from the Rapid Prototyping (RP) industry since its introduction in the fall of 2005
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 13 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Conferences and expositions for European rapid prototyping industry: DSM Somos(R) will share its experience with European audience.
New moulding and rapid prototyping shown
DSM Somos' WaterClear and injection moulding materials - recently presented during the Technology Focus in the United States - were shown for the first time in Europe.
"Somos 9420 builds on the standard-setting performance of Somos 9120 for creating functional prototypes," said DSM Somos marketing manager Eva Montgomery.
"The feedback we have received back from our beta test sites and their customers - particularly regarding parts made for the automotive sector - has been quite remarkable." Early market acceptance of Somos 9420 EP-White will allow Somos to begin offering 9420 through all of its distribution channels as of April 30, 2006.
* Exceptional performance and aesthetics - "This material is strong, resilient and less likely to snap than other SL resins when performing fit and function testing," said Al Dewitt, president of RP service bureau Rapid Solutions.
Further reading
Stereolithography resin is optically clear
DSM Somosannounces the availability of Somos 10120 WaterClear: a new stereolithography resin providing the optical clarity of many polycarbonates.
Stereolithography resin is optically clear
DSM Somos, leading technology innovators in the rapid prototyping (RP) materials industry, will be launching a new family of ProtoFunctional stereolithography resins at EuroMold in Frankfurt.
Fast prototyping product testing time cut by weeks
According to MTI, Somos 10120 WaterClear provided optical clarity that allowed a client to test its product design earlier and realise time savings
"In addition, customers really like the way the 9420 parts show thanks to their bright white color and excellent side wall quality." Due to the excellent finishing quality and accuracy of Somos 9420 part builds, Michigan, USA-based service bureau Select Manufacturing has also been using the resin to build patterns for silicone molding.
* Broad application range - EP-White's flexibility makes it useful for a broad range of applications including snap fit parts, living hinges, and patterns.
Jennifer Schaffner, prototype manager of GTC Specialties stated, "Somos 9420 EP-White is the best SL material I have seen for living hinges, Living hinges made from 9420 were able to be flexed back and forth multiple times without breaking - something most SL resins can not stand up to." * Processing ease and reliability - EP-White is proving to be a robust resin choice - a critical factor for cost effective part builds.
Ross Gates, president of Select Manufacturing reports 100% completion of all builds in the two plus months that he has been running Somos 9420 EP White.
This is especially significant considering Gates averages 15 builds per week.
"We are confident that Somos 9420 is going to be a very popular resin for functional prototyping in a variety of market sectors," said Eva Montgomery.
* About DSM Somos - DSM Somos is a leading materials supplier to the rapid prototyping industry, providing stereolithography liquids used for the creation of three-dimensional models and prototypes directly from digital data.
Somos' patented ProtoFunctional materials are used by a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical and telecommunications.
DSM Somos is an unincorporated subsidiary of DSM Desotech - a world leader in the development of UV-curable materials - and a member of the global DSM family.
* More about DSM - DSM is active worldwide in nutritional and pharma ingredients, performance materials and industrial chemicals.
The company creates innovative products and services that help improve the quality of life.
DSM's products are used in a wide range of end markets and applications such as human and animal nutrition and health, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, automotive and transport, coatings, housing and electrics and electronics (E and E).
DSM's strategy, named Vision 2010 - Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company's specialties portfolio.
Market-driven growth, innovation and increased presence in emerging economies are key drivers of this strategy.
The group has annual sales of approximately EUR 8 billion and employs around 22,000 people worldwide.
DSM ranks among the global leaders in many of its fields.
The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
* More About DSM Somos materials - what is stereolithography? - stereolithography (SL) permits the rapid creation of 3D pieces utilizing a computer-controlled laser that polymerizes light-sensitive resins.
The process is highly precise and constructs the object in a series of 'additive layers', providing the advantage of producing highly complex forms that are difficult or impossible to fabricate by machining or traditional molding techniques.
The evolution of advanced SL materials offers the potential of moving stereolithography from prototyping into production.
DSM Somos ProtoComposites are resins reinforced with various materials, such as ceramics and glasses, to produce functional properties not possible using individual components.
Somos ProtoComposite materials are a result of a research and development programme investigating the potential for ACT-SL (Advanced Composite Technology for StereoLithography).
DSM Somos ProtoFunctional resins for stereolithography provide advanced technology to respond to the changing needs of new product development and industrial design.
In 2003, DSM Somos announced ProtoTool ceramic-filled resins, the first member belonging to the new ACT-SL technology and the result of a significant research and development program.
Traditional non-composite ProtoFunctional materials by DSM Somos satisfy a varying range of character-istics: transparency, superior humidity and heat resistance, and outstanding mechanical prop-erties, replicating those of many production grade plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS and PBT. Request a free brochure from DSM Somos ...
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