New DSM Somos Stereolithography Resins Generate Excitement At European Trade Fair
In keeping with their ongoing commitment to the development of innovative stereolithography (SL) materials, DSM Somos showcased its four newest resins at the recent 2006 EuroMold exhibition held in Frankfurt, Germany (November 27-December 2):
- ProtoGenT O-XT 18120: a highly accurate, high-temperature ABS-like resin in translucent color;
- ProtoGenT O-XT 18420: a highly accurate, high temperature ABS-like resin in white color;
- ProtoCastT AF 19120: a fully antimony-free (heavy metal free) resin designed specifically for the investment casting industry. More environmentally-friendly than standard SL resins and produces very low ash content during burnout;
- NanoToolT: High-temperature composite resin featuring superior sidewall quality and fast processing speeds. Used for wind tunnel models in aerospace and Formula 1, rapid tooling inserts and metal plating.
Each new Somos material represents significant performance advantages over existing SL marketplace offerings, which were highlighted through the display of unique prototype parts-such as a partially metal plated faucet designed by Tau Design group and manufactured by Alphaform AG using Somos ProtoGen O-XT 18120.
"Alphaform metal plated much of the faucet to produce a finished part that simply does not look or behave like a traditional rapid prototype part," says Somos Marketing Manager Eva Montgomery.
Among the investment casting industry, Somos ProtoCastT AF generated interest as the industry's first environmentally friendly, zero antimony (no heavy metal) SL material. The resin opens the door for foundries seeking a cost-effective way to produce low volume production metal parts in a variety of alloys. While the use of stereolithography for investment casting patterns in place of wax patterns has become quite common in the US, it remains an introductory concept in Europe.
Finally, Somos' extremely versatile NanoTool resin-the newest in its line of composite SL materials-generated excitement among industry groups needing highly stiff parts with exceptional sidewall quality. For those involved in wind tunnel testing, such as aerospace and Formula 1, "NanoTool's sidewall quality means reduced finishing time requirements-a valuable benefit given the size of parts these industries generate," says Montgomery. For the Rapid Tooling community, a showcased NanoTool mold-demonstrating the resulting quality of an injection molded part, left visitors impressed with the level of aesthetic that could be obtained.
"Using DSM Somos resins, today's design engineer has an ever growing range of cost-cutting or time-saving options available to him," says Somos Product Manager Brian Bauman. "Whether its using ProtoGen O-XT to produce parts that mimic ABS or metal (once plated), or ProtoCast AF for actual metal parts, or NanoTool to produce tooling for injection molded plastics, Somos' newest resins can make it happen."
SOURCE: DSM Somos