All entries are in for the “ X-Factor Challenge,” an industry-wide rapid prototyping (RP) design competition sponsored by stereolithography (SL) resin innovator DSM Somos® to promote the versatility of their new high impact SL resin, DMX-SL™ 100.

DMX-SL was introduced to the RP industry in March 2007 as a breakthrough stereolithographymaterial based on a patented new chemistry platform capable of combining SL’s high accuracy with sintered-like durability.

Using submitted STL files, DSM Somos is building each new contest design out of the DMX resin. “We’re delighted with the positive response we received to this challenge” says DSM Somos Marketing Manager Eva Montgomery. “Entries have come from OEMs, Service Bureaus and Universities from across the U.S. and also from Europe.” Once all submissions have been narrowed to a list of design finalists, a panel of RP industry experts will choose a winner based on how well the parts satisfy contest criteria. The winner will be announced on February 1st.

The X-Factor Challenge was split into two categories to highlight both the exceptional durability as well as functionality of DMX-SL 100, with a special prize to be awarded to the winner of each. Category 1 represents the replacement of cast urethane or laser sintered parts; the second is for new innovative, creative or fun designs.

“This contest is an ideal way to showcase DMX-SL’s ability to combine the accuracy of stereolithography with sintered-like durability,” says Montgomery. “This is a material that renders very stiff, tough, and accurate parts with high feature detail. I’m looking forward to seeing how contestants have utilized these performance features to really explore the limits of the SL process.”