DSM Somos

Additive manufacturing (AM) systems that build parts in photopolymer were among the first to emerge in the late 1980s.

Using a Sinterstation® and materials like elastomeric polymer, Reebok® had a new golf shoe sole design overnight and saved $3,500 in tooling costs and at least 30 days of lost time. 

Clean drinking water isn’t something most people in industrialized countries even think about, but for those in developing countries without proper filtration systems, water can be a matter of life or death.

It is widely acknowledged that the speed and efficiency of product development at many companies has benefited from the use of stereolithography (SL) to produce functional, structural and aethetic models. Significant advancements in materials robustness, aesthetics and processing efficiencies have been achieved which, in turn, have expanded the use of stereolithography as a rapid prototyping process. 

 Non-contact laser scanning and 3D modeling software is used by researchers to create a 3D model of an ancient statue.

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE; www. msoe. edu) has developed a patented modeling technique called “TetraLattice,” which is said to be based the crystalline structure found in diamonds.

A reliable method for comparing RP materials to production plastics. 

Companies in every facet of industry are looking to reduce time and development costs through new technology. This article presents a sample of new materials on the market with much to offer. 

Although there have been some pretty big additive modeling projects done, consider this: 400 city blocks and 1,000 buildings of four-square miles of downtown Chicago.

Although there have been some pretty big additive modeling projects done, consider this: 400 city blocks and 1,000 buildings of four-square miles of downtown Chicago.

The various technologies that go into the mix of today's global materials development differ greatly from those used just a decade ago in one specific way: the new resins and polyurethanes rolling off manufacturing lines are being put to use developing the next generation of materials.

DSM Somos’® (Elgin, IL) WaterShed® XC 11122, a clear, water-resistant material, has achieved USP Class VI approval. Class VI tests, which provide information on potential biological effects of polymer materials, is the highest level that a polymer material can achieve in these biological tests. And although WaterShed XC 11122 is already being widely used in the medical device industry, this classification officially approves the resin for use in a wide range of biomedical or skin contact applications, which includes prototypes in clinical trials.

One of the key questions most designers have when evaluating a prototype’s functionality is whether or not the prototype will be able to resist higher temperatures.