It looks like development in UV curable materials, such as those used in Stereolithography (SL) 3D printers, is resurging.
Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, an indirect subsidiary of Stratasys, Ltd. and one of the larger providers of additive (3D printing) and conventional manufacturing services in North America, is partnering with DSM’s Somos, one of the larger developer of 3D printing materials, to offer more materials for 3D printing projects.
According to Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, the move doubles its SL production capacity, allowing the company to deliver large projects more rapidly, and accelerate material development.
Stratasys Direct Manufacturing will apply 25 years of experience in SL from legacy companies Solid Concepts and Harvest Technologies, collaborating with the Somos development team to beta test new Somos materials.
“Together with Stratasys Direct Manufacturing we’ll accelerate Stereolithography material development like never before,” said Melissa Lutz, Business Director Somos. “Stratasys Direct Manufacturing’s customers have already used Somos materials in some exciting and potentially life-saving applications, like custom and intricate heart models that improve the safety and efficacy of surgical procedures, so we’re eager to see what incredible SL parts users develop next.”
The agreement gives customers more choice and greater control over which materials to use for their SL projects.
“We made this move to meet customers’ strong demand for Somos materials that the rapid prototyping services industry wasn’t fulfilling,” said Chuck Alexander, Director of Product Management for Stratasys Direct Manufacturing. “We’re excited to build on Stratasys Direct Manufacturing’s legacy of Stereolithography excellence by giving customers materials that have the power to enable more life-changing innovations.”
Somos materials available now at Stratasys Direct Manufacturing include:
–Somos NeXt: Provides the accuracy of SL with the look, feel and performance of a thermoplastic. Ideal for large prototypes.
–Somos ProtoGen 18420: Highly accurate and is humidity and temperature resistant
–Somos WaterClear Ultra 10122: A colorless material suited for lenses and electronic covers
–Somos WaterShed XC 11122. Produces highly detailed parts with great clarity and water-resistance
Stratasys Direct Inc.
www.stratasysdirect.com
Royal DSM
www.dsm.com/somos
