East Syracuse, NY --- Design Prototyping Technologies (DPT -
www.dpt-fast.com) prototyped parts for a recently commercialized DeWalt®
drill from Black and Decker® using DSM Somos 10120 WaterClear™, a unique
stereolithography resin with the optical clarity of polycarbonate. The clear
SL parts were built, finished and assembled into a working tool in only three
days.
WaterClear™ is a composite of many desirable engineering properties, mimicking
the flexural strength and modulus of polycarbonate, the notched izod impact
strength of Nylon 66 and the tensile strength of ABS. Ideal applications for
this epoxy-based photopolymer include: flow visualization, complex assembly
analysis, form/fit analysis and functional testing. Its transparent appearance
may be dyed in a secondary step for color tint.
According to Mike Rufo, President of DPT: “In the past when a designer wanted
to see the inside of the tool during operation clear polycarbonate housings
were injection molded using prototype or pre-production injection molding
tooling. The potential problem was at that point in the project the design
process was nearly final and the ability to modify was constrained. With Somos
10120 WaterClear™, clear SL parts can be built early in the design
process...as much as 6 months earlier than the previous approach using
prototype or pre-production tooling. Multiple iterations of these clear parts
can easily be made as the design evolves.”
Rufo also notes that Somos 10120 WaterClear™ made it possible to use Plastite®
screws in the DeWalt® drill model. Plastite screws are self tapping and are
used in production. Using Plastite® screws in earlier SL materials would
either crack the boss material or the boss material would strip out because
the material was too soft. The solution was a combination of brass inserts and
adhesive. However, the boss size typically would need to be enlarged so the
brass insert would fit. Not needing to enlarge the boss results in one less
design feature separating the prototype from production. Not using inserts is
also one less step in the prototyping process.
Somos 10120 WaterClear™ prototypes deliver exceptional durability, toughness,
impact strength and also, in the case of the DeWalt® drill models, had enough
flex to accept a press fit bearing. Other available grades of resin were
either too soft for the application or too brittle to accept the press fit
bearing.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DSM SOMOS:
DSM Somos is the leading materials supplier for the rapid prototyping
industry. Located in New Castle, DE, DSM Somos has developed a full line of
ProtoFunctional materials that replicate the performance parameters of
production materials, saving both time and money in new product development.
DSM Somos is part of DSM Desotech, a leading innovative formulator and
manufacturer of high quality ultraviolet and electron beam (UV/EB) curable
materials. DSM is a highly integrated group of companies with worldwide
interests in life-science products, performance materials and chemicals. DSM
recorded sales of EUR 6.3 billion last year and employs a total workforce of
some 22,000, distributed in more than 200 operations throughout the world.
For further information on DSM Somos:
Melisa Lasell <
Europe@dsmsomos.info>
DSM Somos External Affairs Europe
Via
della Stazione 7F
00042 Anzio (Roma), Italy
Tel. +39.06.986.5179
Cell. +39.339.526.3828
www.dsmsomos.com
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT DESIGN PROTOTYPING TECHNOLOGIES:
DPT is a full service rapid parts service bureau offering SL, SLS, 3D Printing
and Rapid Tooling/Parts for both plastic and metal parts. DPT was established
in 1993 and has successfully assisted customers on projects ranging from
consumer products to industrial power equipment by applying the latest rapid
prototyping technologies to accelerate product development.
For further information on DPT:
Mike Rufo <
mike@dpt-fast.com>
Design Prototyping Technologies
6713
Collamer Road
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Tel: +1 315.434.1869
Fax: +1
315.433.2317
www.dpt-fast.com
