Originally Published EMDM
May/June 2004
Technology News
Composite Material Developed for SL UseNorbert Sparrow
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| A new composite material for stereolithography exhibits properties similar to fused-deposition and glass-filled polyamide sintering materials. |
Developed using nanoparticle technology, a composite stereolithography (SL) material features dimensional stability, low shrinkage, and a low coefficient of thermal linear expansion. Nanoform 15120 is currently undergoing beta testing throughout Europe and the Americas.
DSM Somos (New Castle, DE, USA), part of the DSM group headquartered in the Netherlands, plans a full commercial launch in the first quarter of 2004.
The newest addition to the company’s ProtoComposites line of materials, Nanoform 15120 exhibits properties similar to fused-deposition and glass-filled polyamide sintering materials. The material’s modulus is >5000 MPa and it withstands temperatures >132°C. Moreover, the resin benefits from the inherent accuracy of the SL process. The material is processed just like unreinforced liquid SL resins; no mixing or special handling is required.
The company’s ProtoComposites line comprises resins reinforced with materials such as ceramics and glass. These formulations enable the production of SL parts with functional properties.
The firm also offers noncomposite ProtoFunctional materials. These products achieve transparency, humidity and heat resistance, and mechanical properties that rival those of many production-grade polymers.
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