DSM Somos®, a world leader in the development of advanced stereolithography (SL) materials for rapid prototyping and manufacturing, has announced that it will introduce a new software application allowing SL users to create light-weight prototypes having enhanced structural integrity.

Based on patented technology from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), TetraShell™ hollow build software will use MSOE’s TetraLattice* technology to facilitate the manufacture of hollow stereolithography parts with variable skin thicknesses, supported by a patented and proprietary TetraLattice™ support structure. Potential application areas include investment casting patterns, reduced- density metal clad composite structures and light-weight large, thick-sectioned parts.

“DSM Somos has developed this application tool to support our customers’ SL application development diversification efforts. Applications that were not cost effective in a solid SL model , yet required a high level of structural integrity can now be developed.” says DSM Somos Product Development Manager Brian Bauman.

“Until now, hollow build SL software has been restricted primarily to investment casting pattern applications,” says DSM Somos Product Development Manager, Brian Bauman. “The TetraShell software will allow SL part builders to widely vary wall thickness, as well as to adjust support parameters—and consequently opens doors previously closed to SL because of cost or weight considerations. Due to overall reduction of mass, the TetraShell hollow build style will create considerable material savings for customers with bulky parts, while at the same time increasing part accuracy.”

The TetraShell software is a proprietary DSM Somos application module supported by Materialise’s Magics™ software and can easily be used on all current SL equipment. Beta testing is now underway, with widespread availability of the software in conjunction with Somos resins expected by year end. For more information, contact DSM Somos at: 847-608-2596.

Somos® and ProtoFunctional® are registered trademarks owned by Royal DSM N.V.  TetraShell™ is a trademark application owned by Royal DSM N.V. Magics™, Materialise industrial surfaces, Materialise NV trademark

*TetraLattice is a trademark of Milwaukee School of Engineering Protection of Trademarks and Copyright:

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