DSM Somos is pleased to introduce an exciting line-up of new stereolithography (SL) materials for 2005:

Somos ULM™ 17220: Stretching SL Possibilities
First previewed in December 2004 at the Euromold conference in Frankfurt, Germany, Somos ULM 17220 (Ultra Low Modulus) is a highly elastomeric material ideal for the prototyping of rubber-like parts.

With a Shore A of approximately 70 and tensile elongation over 100%, ULM 17220 brings the benefits of stereolithography to applications traditionally reserved for laser sintering (SLS) or silicone molding. Major applications for the material are expected in the transportation sector, where elastomeric parts are used extensively. Somos ULM 17220 is now in beta testing worldwide.

Somos FR 16120:
First Fire Retardant Material Expands SL Market Potential
This year, Somos introduces the industry's first fire- retardant SL material for use in general purpose applications. Somos FR 16120 carries a UL 94 V-0 rating, which describes self-extinguishing material behavior in small-scale laboratory tests. It is a common flammability standard for plastic production parts.

Properties of Somos FR 16120 are similar to 94 V-0 rated polyurethane structural foam systems currently used for production parts in business and medical equipment housings, lawn and garden, transportation and electrical housings. The material has been developed for both prototyping and rapid manufacturing use and its general purpose properties allow it to be used easily in a variety of applications. Beta testing of Somos FR 16120 begins this month.

Somos 12920 Precision HT™:
Elevating Aesthetics & Heat Resistance
Building on the success of Somos 12120, Somos 12920 Precision HT delivers the look of production injection molding plastic with the highest Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) currently available in an unreinforced, commercial SL material.

Somos 12920's properties make it ideal for tooling applications, as well as other applications which require a combination of stiffness and elevated temperature performance. It offers excellent accuracy and water resistance and, with an elongation at break of 4%, is similar to time-tested general purpose epoxy hybrid systems such as Somos 7120. Beta testing of Somos 12920 begins this month.

Updated Somos HeCd Materials
This year, DSM Somos offers a collection of new resins optimized for use on Helium Cadmium (HeCd) laser systems, with special attention given to part aesthetics. Commercialization of these materials is expected by mid-year:

Somos HeCd Flex is a general purpose material that mimics the properties of polypropylene. It is ideal for applications where parts must bend without breaking. Properties of HeCd Flex are similar to Somos 9110 with the aesthetic updated to production plastic white.

Somos HeCd Ultra GP mimics the behavior of ABS and is an excellent choice for creating products that need to look and act similarly to production-grade thermoplastics. This resin is clear with a light, glass-like green color.

Somos HeCd Pattern HT is a high-temperature-resistant material with inherent accuracy and water resistance. It is well suited for created patters for tooling applications, as well as other applications which require stiffness and elevated temperature properties.